Origin
Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill is a flowering plant native to Ethiopia, a country located in the Horn of Africa. It grows mainly in the highlands of the country and thrives in grasslands, woodlands, and disturbed areas.
Common names
This plant is commonly known as Wildeman's rattlebox, Debre Berhan rattlepod or as Tefathera in the Amharic language of Ethiopia.
Uses
Various parts of the Wildeman's rattlebox plant are used for medicinal purposes in traditional Ethiopian medicine. The roots of the plant are used to treat skin infections and the leaves are used to relieve pain and inflammation. The seeds of the Wildeman's rattlebox are poisonous and contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids but are also used as an insecticide.
General appearance
The Wildeman's rattlebox plant typically grows up to 1.5 meters high with a shrubby appearance. It has green leaves that are oblong and slightly hairy on the undersides. The plant produces showy bright yellow flowers that have a distinct rattle sound when moved by the wind or when shaken. The seed pods are elongated and cylindrical in shape and can reach up to 6 centimeters in length.
Light Requirements
Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill is a plant that requires full sunlight exposure or partial shade to thrive. The plant cannot withstand excessive shade, so it is essential to place it in locations where it can access a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill grows best in warm and hot climates. The plant is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. The minimum temperature for the plant's survival is 10°C, and the maximum temperature is 38°C. Temperatures below 10°C can harm the plant, and temperatures above 38°C can cause wilting of the plant's foliage and leaves.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives well in well-draining and fertile soils that have a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The plant prefers sandy soils or loamy soils, which provide good drainage and aeration. The soil must also contain sufficient amounts of organic matter to supply nutrients, which are necessary for proper growth and development of the plant. Furthermore, frequent and adequate watering is essential for the plant's optimal growth and performance.
Cultivation Methods for Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill
Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill is a warm climate plant that requires a temperature range between 21-32°C (70-90°F) for best growth. It is best suited for areas with plenty of sunshine, and dry soil. Plant this species in well-draining soil with adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Loosen the soil in the planting area to remove any rocks or debris, then add organic matter to improve soil drainage. Plant the Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill seeds in a shallow hole about three times the size of the seed. Water the seeds gently and regularly after planting until they germinate.
Watering Needs for Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill
Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill is a drought-resistant plant; once established, it requires little watering. The plant prefers infrequent but deep watering. The root system of Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill is relatively deep and can draw water from deeper soil layers.
Water the plant deeply once a week and gradually increase watering frequency if necessary based on rainfall and the condition of the soil. Be cautious not to over-water the plant, which can cause root rot and affect plant health.
Fertilization for Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill
Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill does not require much fertilization after establishment. Adding too much fertilizer can lead to excessive leaf growth and weaken the roots, which causes the plant to be fragile and more prone to damage.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer sparingly once or twice a year. It is preferable to apply fertilizer during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
Pruning for Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill
Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill does not require frequent pruning. However, deadheading, or removing old flowers, delays seed formation and encourages the plant to produce more blooms. Deadheading is a practical and straightforward technique for maintaining plants' aesthetic appearance and preventing seed formation.
Avoid excessive pruning, which may damage the plant's growth and flowering pattern. Instead, trim back any broken or dead branches as needed. Always use clean and sharp tools to perform pruning work, thereby minimizing damage to the plant tissues.
Propagation of Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill
Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill is a plant that can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings. However, the preferred method is propagation by seeds as it is easier and has a higher success rate.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill can be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays. Sowing the seeds directly into the soil should be done during the rainy season when the soil is moist and temperatures are warm. Seed trays should be filled with a mixture of loam, sand, and compost.
The seeds should be sown thinly on the soil surface and covered with a thin layer of sand. The trays should then be watered and placed in a warm and well-lit area. Germination should occur within two weeks. After germination, the seedlings should be thinned out to avoid overcrowding, and the strongest seedlings should be transplanted into larger pots or into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill by cuttings is possible, but less common. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10 cm in length and should be taken from the tips of the stems.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone to encourage the growth of roots. The cuttings should then be planted in a mixture of loam and sand and kept in a warm and humid environment. After about four weeks, the cuttings should have developed roots and can be planted into larger pots or into the ground.
Disease Management
Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill is a plant that is susceptible to several diseases. Some of the common diseases that attack this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by the appearance of small, circular or irregularly shaped spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may be yellow, brown or black in color, and they can merge to form larger patches, which may eventually cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
- Rust Disease: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It is characterized by the presence of orange to reddish-brown pustules on the underside of leaves and stems. The pustules may cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
- Root Rot: This is a disease caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant. The disease is characterized by the yellowing and wilting of the leaves and stems, which may eventually lead to the death of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices in the garden. This includes removing and discarding diseased plant material, cleaning up fallen leaves and debris, and ensuring that the garden is well-ventilated. Fungicides and other chemical treatments may also be used to manage these diseases, but it is important to consult with a professional before using any chemicals.
Pest Management
Crotalaria dewildemaniana R.Wilczek subsp. oxyrhyncha Polhill is also susceptible to several pests. Some of the common pests that may attack this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that may feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They may cause the leaves to curl or become distorted, and they may also transmit plant viruses.
- Mealybugs: These are small insects that may feed on the sap of the plant. They may cause the leaves and stems to become distorted and may also produce a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can attract other pests.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of butterflies and moths. They may feed on the leaves of the plant and may cause significant damage if left unchecked.
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and to remove any infested plant material promptly. Natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, may also be used to control pest populations. In some cases, insecticides and other chemical treatments may be necessary, but it is important to use these products with caution and to follow all safety instructions carefully.
