Origin
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. is a species of flowering plants in the Fabaceae family that is native to tropical Africa. It is found in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Uganda.
Common Names
This species is commonly known by different local names including Stool-root, Fyffe's jack-bean, and Ewe Ehinmi amongst others.
Appearance
The Crotalaria dawei Baker f. is an erect or prostrate shrub that grows up to 1-2m in height and 1.5m in width. It has a multi-branched woody stem that is light brown with characteristic purple stripes. The leaves are alternate, green in color, and have a length of 5-14cm with a width of 3-9cm. The flowers are yellow, arranged in terminal clusters with about 25-60 flowers per cluster. The fruits are elongated, cylindrical pods that are 4-6cm long with numerous seeds inside.
Uses
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. has multiple uses which include;
- The roots are used in traditional medicine as a purgative, for treating stomach ailments, and as a general tonic.
- The seeds are used for food and they are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
- The leaves, stem, and seeds are used as animal fodder, green manure, and cover crops for controlling weeds.
- It is also used in erosion control and reforestation due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
Typical Growth Conditions for Crotalaria Dawei Baker f.
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. is a shrubby legume species that thrives in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It is commonly found in areas with moist soil, including riverbanks, floodplains, and wetlands.
Light Requirements
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but full sun is ideal for optimal growth. The plant should be placed in an area where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. In areas with extremely hot temperatures, partial shade may be necessary to prevent sun scorching.
Soil Requirements
Well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter is crucial for Crotalaria dawei Baker f. to grow successfully. The plant thrives in soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate moderately acidic to mildly alkaline soils. The species prefers sandy and loamy soils that are rich in nutrients. Drainage is crucial to prevent standing water, which may cause root rot.
Temperature Requirements
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. is a warm-season plant that requires warm temperatures to grow. The plant grows best when the temperature ranges between 21°C to 32°C. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but frost can be detrimental to the plant. Therefore, it should not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C.
Water Requirements
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. requires consistent moisture to thrive. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the dry season. However, the soil should not be left overly wet as this may cause root rot. Proper drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging of the roots.
Fertilizer Requirements
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. requires a balanced fertilizer to grow successfully. The plant is nitrogen-fixing, meaning it can take nitrogen from the air and convert it to a usable form. A fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 is ideal. Fertilization should be done regularly to ensure the plant receives the necessary nutrients to grow and produce healthy foliage and flowers.
Cultivation of Crotalaria dawei Baker f.
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. is a shrub that can grow up to 2-3 meters tall. It is commonly found in savannahs and dry forests in East Africa, and it is a useful plant for soil fertility improvement and erosion control. If you are interested in growing Crotalaria dawei Baker f., here are some tips on its cultivation:
Watering Needs
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. is relatively drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during the first year after planting to establish it well. Once it has established itself, you can reduce watering to once or twice every two weeks. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. is a legume that fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, so it does not require much fertilization. However, you can add a small amount of organic fertilizer to the soil at planting time to provide some nutrients that will help the plant through the establishment period. Otherwise, do not fertilize unless the plant shows signs of nutrient deficiency.
Pruning
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. can grow quite bushy, especially if it is not pruned. You can prune the plant to keep it to your desired size and shape. This should be done at the end of the rainy season to encourage bushiness and more flowers, which will lead to more seed production. Cut off any dead, damaged, or diseased branches immediately to prevent the spread of disease to the rest of the plant.
Propagation of Crotalaria dawei Baker f.
Crotalaria dawei Baker f., also known as Dawe's Rattlepod, is a legume plant that is native to East Africa. It is a beautiful flowering plant that can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest way of propagating Crotalaria dawei. The seeds can be purchased, or you can collect them from mature pods. You can sow the seeds directly in the soil during the rainy season. However, it is best to start sowing in a greenhouse, especially if you are in colder regions, to give them a chance to germinate. Soak the seeds overnight in water before sowing them in pots filled with a mixture of sand, peat moss, and compost. Place the pots in a well-lit area. The seedlings should sprout in about two weeks.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Crotalaria dawei can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Choose a healthy stem and cut it carefully with a sharp knife. The cutting should be about 5-6 inches long and have at least 2-3 leaves attached to it. You can either dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder or place it in a glass of water until the roots appear. Once the roots have developed, you can transplant them to a pot or directly to the garden.
Division Propagation
Crotalaria dawei can also be propagated through division. Divide the plant in early spring or late fall, when you see new growth appearing. Dig out the entire plant carefully, and divide it into sections with a sharp knife or spade. Each section should have at least one shoot and root system. Transplant each section to a pot or directly in the garden.
Propagation of Crotalaria dawei is relatively easy and straightforward. With proper care and attention, you can add this beautiful flowering plant to your garden without much hassle.
Disease and Pest Management for Crotalaria dawei Baker f.
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. is a leguminous plant that belongs to the genus Crotalaria, family Fabaceae. It is a shrub that is native to tropical West Africa and is grown mostly for forage, soil improvement, and erosion control. However, like any other plant, it can be susceptible to pests and diseases.
Common Diseases
The most common disease affecting Crotalaria dawei Baker f. is root rot, which is caused by a soil-borne fungus. Symptoms include wilting, stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is recommended to practice crop rotation and avoid planting the same crop in the same spot repeatedly. Also, it is essential to ensure proper drainage and avoid over-watering.
Another disease that affects Crotalaria dawei Baker f. is anthracnose, which is a fungal infection that causes brown or black spots on leaves, stem, and pods. It is prevalent during wet and humid conditions. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to use fungicides, apply copper-based sprays, and promote good air circulation.
Common Pests
Crotalaria dawei Baker f. can also be attacked by pests like aphids, thrips, and mites. These pests suck sap from leaves, causing them to curl, wither, and eventually die. To manage these pests, it is recommended to use insecticides, apply neem oil, and spray water on the plants regularly to wash away the pests.
Another pest that can attack Crotalaria dawei Baker f. is the stem borer, which is a type of caterpillar that bores into the plant's stem, causing it to weaken and eventually collapse. To manage stem borers, it is recommended to practice proper sanitation, remove and burn infested plants, and use insecticides.
In conclusion, to prevent and manage diseases and pests that affect Crotalaria dawei Baker f., it is crucial to maintain good plant health, observe proper planting techniques, and practice timely pest and disease management.
