Origin
Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides, also known as rattlebox, is a plant species in the family Fabaceae. It is native to the tropics of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and Zaire.
Common Names
The plant commonly goes by the names of rattlebox, African rattlepod, and macaw-bean.
Uses
Crotalaria cistoides is used for a variety of purposes. Its seeds are toxic to insects, and as a result, they are used as an insecticide. The plant also has nitrogen-fixing properties, making it useful in agriculture as a cover crop. Its leaves and stems have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and inflammation.
General Appearance
Crotalaria cistoides is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has a woody stem and branches that are covered in small, fine hairs. The leaves are alternate and measure up to 20 cm long and 7 cm wide. They are usually green, but sometimes have a slight grayish tinge. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that bloom from summer to fall. The fruit is a dark, elongated pod that rattles when shaken, giving the plant its common name.
Light Requirements
The Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides requires full sunlight to thrive. Partial shade can also be tolerated but may result in reduced flowering and growth.
Temperature Requirements
The Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides is classified as a warm-season plant and requires temperatures that range from 20-35°C (68-95°F) to grow healthily. The plant can grow in slightly cooler temperatures but may grow at a slower rate.
Soil Requirements
The Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides requires well-draining soil that is not waterlogged, as it can cause root rot. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, but prefers soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant can also grow in poor soil conditions but may require additional fertilization to flourish.
Cultivation
Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides is a perennial plant that is native to South and East Africa. It thrives in warm climates and can tolerate a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and rocky soils. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth and development of Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides. The plant requires regular watering during its growing season, which is from spring to summer. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Inadequate watering can cause stunted growth, while excessive watering can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides benefits from fertilization during its growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every four to six weeks. Fertilization should be stopped during the plant's dormant period, which is typically in winter.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides, but it can help promote bushier growth and increased flowering. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth appears. Blooming stems should be cut back to encourage the plant to produce new growth and more flowers. Dead or damaged stems should also be removed to maintain the plant's health and appearance.
Propagation of Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides
The Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides is commonly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Crotalaria cistoides can be collected from mature pods of the plant. The seeds once collected should be kept for air drying under shade. Dried seeds can be stored in air-tight containers at room temperature for future use. Before sowing, the seeds can be treated to break dormancy, and enhance germination. This can be achieved by different treatments such as soaking seeds in hot water, sulphuric acid, or by scarification. Sowing of the treated seeds should be done during spring or early summer on well-draining soil. Seeds should be planted 2-3 cm deep and should be placed about 10-15 cm apart.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Crotalaria cistoides can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings of about 10-15 cm long can be cut from the mother plant. The cutting should be taken from mature stems that have hardened. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut surface should be treated with rooting hormone or honey. The cuttings should then be planted at a depth of 2-5 cm in the soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be protected from intense sunlight and winds until the roots have formed.
Disease Management
Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides is relatively disease-resistant. However, in some cases, it may get affected by certain diseases such as:
- Root Rot: It is caused by fungal infection in the soil. To prevent this disease, make sure to plant the seeds in well-drained soil, avoid watering the plants excessively, and provide proper ventilation.
- Manganese Deficiency: Crotalaria cistoides may get affected by this disease if the soil is deficient in manganese. To manage this, apply manganese fertilizers to the soil.
- Virus Infections: Viruses may infect Crotalaria cistoides when insect vectors transmit them from infected plants. There is no cure for virus-infected Crotalaria cistoides plants, so it is essential to remove them immediately.
Pest Management
Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides is vulnerable to various pests. Some common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant. To prevent aphid infestation, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plants.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They can cause damage to the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillar infestation, you can handpick them or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide on the plants.
- Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage mite infestation, you can use sulfur-based fungicides or neem oil on the plants.
To prevent any pest infestation in Crotalaria cistoides Welw. ex Baker subsp. cistoides, make sure to keep the surrounding area clean and free from debris, remove any dead or diseased plant material immediately, and practice crop rotation.
