Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker
Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker is a flowering plant that is native to Tanzania and Kenya. It is also commonly known as Engler's rattlepod or Engler's crotalaria.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and has a woody stem that is covered in white hairs. Its leaves are alternate and pinnately compound with about 10-15 leaflets that are ovate or oblong in shape. The flowers are yellow and are arranged in racemes at the end of the branches.
Uses
Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The plant contains alkaloids such as cytisine and N-methylcytisine which have shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities. The plant's seeds are also used as a source of vegetable oil and can be used as a feed for livestock.
In addition, the plant is used in reforestation as it can help restore degraded soils and improve the soil's fertility. It is also often used in landscaping due to its attractive yellow flowers and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker typically grows well in full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires bright sunlight to thrive and fruit properly. As a tropical plant, it can tolerate high levels of sunlight, but in areas with hot summer temperatures, it will benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and, therefore, requires warm temperatures to grow. The optimum temperature range for the plant growth is between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), making it a perfect fit for many tropical and subtropical regions. It is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to low temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker grows best in well-drained soils, rich in organic matter. A pH range of between 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal. The plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soil to mildly acidic soil conditions. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils. But, the soil should always be well-drained to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Cultivation
Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker is a hardy plant that can thrive in various soils and climatic conditions. While it can grow in full sunlight, it also adapts well to partial shade.
For the best growth, plant Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Before planting, it is advisable to prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter, such as compost or manure.
Sow the seeds 2 - 3 cm deep at a spacing of 25 - 30 cm between the plants and around 40 – 45 cm between the rows. Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker seedlings will emerge within two weeks, and they should be thinned when they reach a height of 7 – 10 cm to a distance of 25 – 30 cm between them.
Watering Needs
Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker prefers moderate water levels; therefore, it is crucial not to overwater it to avoid root rot. For best results, water every three to four days during the growth phase and reduce the frequency to once a week during the dry season.
The amount of water required will depend on the soil type, weather, and growth phase. It is, therefore, essential to monitor the plants closely, and underwatering should be avoided, as it will lead to reduced flowering and seed production.
Fertilization
Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker is a leguminous plant, which means it has the unique ability to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that provide the plant with the necessary nutrients.
However, applying a balanced fertilizer will enhance seed production and growth. Apply the fertilizer immediately after the first harvest or eight weeks after germination. Use a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 14-14-14 and apply at a rate of 150 kg per acre.
Pruning
Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker does not require much pruning, but it is essential to keep the plants from becoming too bushy as this can reduce flowering and seed production.
To encourage bushiness, pinch the tips of the plants when they reach a height of 20 – 30 cm. Additionally, deadheading spent blooms will promote more blooms to develop.
In conclusion, following the cultivation and care guide provided above will ensure your Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker plant thrives and produces beautiful flowers and seeds.
Propagation of Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker
Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker, also known as Engler's Crotalaria, is a flowering plant commonly found in Africa. It has yellow flowers and can reach a height of approximately two meters. The plant can be propagated by various methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Crotalaria engleri is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in shallow trays or germination flats. It is important to use a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and placed in a warm and brightly lit location. The seeds will usually germinate within two to three weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Crotalaria engleri can also be propagated through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the stem or branches of the plant in early spring. The cuttings should be approximately six inches long and should be taken from healthy plants. The lower leaves on the cutting should be removed before planting. The cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept in a warm location. The cutting will usually root within four to six weeks.
Division Propagation
Crotalaria engleri can also be propagated through division. This method is best used when the plant has become too large and needs to be divided. The plant should be dug up, and the root ball should be gently separated into smaller sections. Each section should contain both roots and shoots. The new plant should be planted in a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball and should be watered regularly. The new plant will usually establish itself within a few weeks to a few months.
Overall, Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker is an easy plant to propagate. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. With proper care, the plant will grow quickly and provide beautiful yellow flowers.
Disease Management
Crotalaria engleri Harms ex Baker is susceptible to different kinds of diseases. These include fungal diseases, bacterial diseases, and viral diseases. One common fungal disease is leaf spot, which causes the leaves to develop yellow spots that turn brown with time. Another is powdery mildew, which forms white or gray patches on the leaves and causes them to curl.
Bacterial wilt is also a common disease that affects Crotalaria engleri. It causes the plant to wilt and die, and there is no known cure once the plant is infected. Viral diseases like mosaic viruses can also affect the plant, causing stunted growth and mottling of leaves.
The best way to manage these diseases is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Practicing good hygiene and sanitation in your garden, such as removing infected plants and debris, can help prevent the spread of diseases. You can also use fungicides and bactericides to control fungal and bacterial diseases, respectively.
Pest Management
Crotalaria engleri is also vulnerable to insect pests, which can cause significant damage to the plants if left unchecked. Common pests that can infest Crotalaria engleri include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Aphids feed on the plant's sap and can cause the leaves to curl and become yellow. Whiteflies, on the other hand, suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop yellow spots and become stunted.
To manage these pests, you can use insecticides such as neem oil or pyrethrin. Spraying the plants with a strong stream of water can also help dislodge the pests. If the infestation is severe, you may need to remove the affected plants to prevent the spread of pests to other plants in your garden.
