Overview of Crotalaria capillipes Polhill
Crotalaria capillipes Polhill, also known as Crotalaria simensis Fresen, is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family and the subfamily Faboideae. This plant is endemic to Ethiopia and can be found in the Ethiopian Highlands.
Common Names of Crotalaria capillipes Polhill
The common names of Crotalaria capillipes Polhill may vary depending on the region, but some of the commonly recognized names are mountain rattle pod, Simien Mountains rattle pod, and Ethiopian crotalaria.
Appearance of Crotalaria capillipes Polhill
The Crotalaria capillipes Polhill plant is a perennial herb that can grow up to a height of 60 to 120 cm. The stem of this plant is branching and can be hairy or hairless. The leaves are alternate, and each leaf typically has three leaflets. The leaflets are lanceolate in shape, and the tip is pointed. The flowers of Crotalaria capillipes Polhill are borne in axillary racemes that can vary in length. The flower color is mostly yellow, and the petals are slightly longer than the sepals. The fruit produced by this plant is a legume that is dehiscent, and when mature, it splits open along two seams and releases its seeds.
Uses of Crotalaria capillipes Polhill
The Crotalaria capillipes Polhill plant has several practical uses. For instance, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments like malaria, jaundice, stomach aches, and skin diseases. The leaves are reportedly boiled or crushed, and the resulting extract is taken orally. The seeds and roots are also used in traditional medicine. Additionally, the plant is used as an animal feed, and in some regions, farmers use it as green manure in pulp, paper, and textile industries, and the plant can be used in the remediation of contaminated soil.
Light Requirements
Crotalaria capillipes Polhill requires a considerable amount of sunlight to grow optimally. It is categorized as a sun-loving plant and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. When planted indoors, it is essential to position the plant close to a south-facing window to ensure it receives sufficient light.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal growth temperature range for Crotalaria capillipes Polhill is between 18°C to 25°C. The plant typically grows well in warm and humid environments. During the winter season, it is essential to maintain a temperature above 14°C to prevent the plant from experiencing stunted growth or dying.
Soil Requirements
Crotalaria capillipes Polhill grows well in well-draining, moderately fertile soil. The plant is adapted to grow in soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 8.5; however, a neutral pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 is optimal. The soil should be adequately aerated to allow proper root development. The addition of organic matter, such as compost, to the soil will aid in providing essential nutrients and enhancing soil drainage.
Cultivation of Crotalaria Capillipes Polhill
Crotalaria Capillipes Polhill is an attractive plant that can produce bright yellow and orange flowers. If you are planning to cultivate this plant, there are several factors that you should take into consideration.The first step is to select the right location. The best location for this plant is an area that receives a lot of sunlight. The plant grows well in well-drained soils, so if your soil is too wet, you may need to amend it to improve drainage.
When you are planting Crotalaria Capillipes Polhill, make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball. The plant needs plenty of room to grow, so make sure to space out the plants by at least two feet.
Watering Needs of Crotalaria Capillipes Polhill
Crotalaria Capillipes Polhill requires consistent watering to thrive. You should water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Make sure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can cause the roots to rot.
However, it is important to note that the plant is prone to root rot if overwatered. Hence, you should avoid pouring water directly to the roots. Instead, apply water around the plant using a hose with a gentle stream.
Fertilization of Crotalaria Capillipes Polhill
Adding fertilizer helps the plant grow lush and keep it healthy. Crotalaria Capillipes Polhill needs a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. During the plants' early growth state, phosphorus aids in the establishment of the roots, photosynthesis, and respiration. You can use a granular or liquid fertilizer and apply it monthly.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant because excessive nitrogen can cause the foliage to be excessively bushy at the expense of blooming.
Pruning Crotalaria Capillipes Polhill
Like many flowering plants, Crotalaria Capillipes Polhill will benefit from pruning. You should remove dead or diseased branches as soon as you notice them. Regular pruning also helps to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
When pruning, make sure to use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears. Cut back the stem close to a leaf node, this is where a new shoot will emerge.
To avoid overly bushy foliage, pruning should not be done during the growth period. It is the first year after planting to allow it to establish sufficiently. Then, after it starts blooming, follow the procedure regularly.
Propagation of Crotalaria capillipes Polhill
Crotalaria capillipes Polhill is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to Kenya and Tanzania. This plant can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and has yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. Propagation is an essential aspect of growing Crotalaria capillipes Polhill, and there are several methods to choose from.
Propagation Methods
1. Seed Propagation: The simplest method of propagating Crotalaria capillipes Polhill is through seed. Collect mature seeds from the plant, sow them in a pot, and moisten the soil. Cover the pot with polythene paper to maintain humidity and keep the pot in a warm place. The seeds will germinate within a few weeks.
2. Stem Cutting: Stem cutting is another practical way to propagate Crotalaria capillipes Polhill. Take stem cuttings of approximately 8cm in length and remove any lower leaves. Dip the stem's base in rooting hormone, plant it in a pot, and keep it warm and moist. The cutting will start developing roots within a few weeks.
3. Division: Division is an excellent method of propagating Crotalaria capillipes Polhill for older plants. Dig up the plant and divide the root ball into several sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a few stems and leaves. replant each section in a new pot and keep them in a warm and shaded place.
4. Layering: Layering is another propagation method you can use to propagate Crotalaria capillipes Polhill. Bury a low-growing plant stem in the soil and keep the tip out of the soil. The stem tip will continue to grow, and new roots will form at the bury part. After several weeks, the new roots will have grown sufficiently, and you can remove the new plant from its original stem and plant it a new pot.
Regardless of the propagation method you choose, make sure to keep the soil moist and warm, and put the propagated plant in a shaded place where it can slowly acclimate to its new surroundings.
Disease and Pest Management for Crotalaria Capillipes Polhill
Crotalaria capillipes Polhill is a legume species that is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions as a cover crop, forage, and green manure. While the plant is generally hardy and disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here is some information on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Crotalaria capillipes Polhill is root rot, which is caused by various species of fungi. Symptoms of the disease include yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and provide well-draining soil. Additionally, fungicides can be applied to the soil to control the spread of the disease.
Another disease that may affect Crotalaria capillipes Polhill is wilt, which is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. The disease causes the plants to wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plants, avoid planting in the same soil, use disease-resistant plant varieties, and ensure proper sanitation practices.
Common Pests
One of the most destructive pests that affect Crotalaria capillipes Polhill is the soybean pod borer, which feeds on the buds, flowers, and fruits of the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to monitor the plants regularly and remove any infested parts. Additionally, insecticides can be applied to control the population of the pest.
The black cutworm is another common pest that may affect Crotalaria capillipes Polhill. The pest feeds on the stems and growing tips of young plants, causing stunting or death. To manage the cutworm, it is important to use a chemical insecticide or a biological control agent such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is critical for the successful cultivation of Crotalaria capillipes Polhill. Maintaining proper sanitation, crop rotation, and using insecticides or fungicides can significantly reduce the severity of diseases and pests affecting the plant, ensuring higher yields and better quality of the produce.
