Overview of Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek
Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a subspecies of C. intermedia, which is commonly known as rattlepod or showy crotalaria. This plant is endemic to Africa and is mainly found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek has several common names depending on the region. In Tanzania, it is known as muthara, while in Uganda, it is referred to as mukungule. In Kenya, it is commonly called doruma, which is where its subspecies name originates.
Appearance
Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek is a herbaceous plant that grows to a height of up to 1.5 meters. It has yellow flowers that are arranged in dense racemes that are about 10cm long. The leaves are simple, alternate, and are up to 15cm long. The plant produces pods that contain dark, shiny seeds.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses. In Tanzania, it is used to treat malaria, while in Kenya, it is used to manage diabetes. The plant extracts also have antimicrobial properties that have been used to treat bacterial infections. The leaves and seeds of the plant provide a source of fodder for livestock, while the plant's fiber has been used to make ropes and baskets by local communities.
Moreover, Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek is an important nitrogen-fixing plant that plays a significant role in improving soil fertility. Its cultivation in agroforestry systems has been found to improve soil health, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, and increase crop yields, thus enhancing food security in the region.
Light Conditions
Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek requires full sun in order to grow properly. The plant should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, although it can tolerate some shade during the hottest hours of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to regions with hot and dry climates, and thus requires warm temperatures in order to thrive. The ideal temperature range for Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek is between 20 and 30°C, with a minimum temperature of 15°C.
Soil Conditions
Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek grows best in well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The plant is adapted to dry and rocky environments and can tolerate poor soil conditions. It can also be grown in sandy or loamy soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
Cultivation
Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek is a hardy plant that can withstand hot and dry conditions. It is best grown in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate light shade.
The best time to plant the Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 inches and spaced 4-6 inches apart. The seedlings should be thinned to one plant per foot after germination.
Watering
Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek requires regular watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. During the dry season, the plant should be watered more frequently to prevent dehydration.
Fertilization
The Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek plant requires fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used to supplement soil nutrients.
Pruning
Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek does not require extensive pruning. However, removing any dead or damaged stems and leaves can improve the appearance of the plant and promote healthy growth. Pruning the plant regularly can also help to prevent pest and disease infestations.
Propagation of Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek
Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek, also known as the Doruma rattlebox, can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and stem cutting propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Crotalaria intermedia var. dorumaensis is through seed propagation. Sow the seeds in well-drained fertile soil mix that is moist and keep them in a warm and humid environment. The seeds should germinate within two weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted once they have reached a height of about 10 cm.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method that can be used for Crotalaria intermedia var. dorumaensis. Lift the plant carefully, then separate the roots into small cuttings. Transplant these cuttings into moist soil mix and keep them watered until they root, which should take around two weeks. The new plants can then be transplanted into their permanent locations.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cutting propagation is a similar method to vegetative propagation, but this time the plant is cut above the ground, creating a stem cutting. Cut the stem to around 10 cm in length and plant it in moist soil mix. Keep the soil moist, and the stem cutting should develop roots and a new plant within a month or so.
Disease Management
The Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek can be affected by different diseases that can damage or even kill the plant. Here are some of the common diseases that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Fungal diseases
Fungal diseases can damage the leaves and stem of the Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek, causing it to wilt or die. The best way to manage this is by preventing the spread of the disease. The affected parts of the plant should be removed and destroyed. Ensure the plant has good ventilation, pruning branches with dense foliage, and watering the plant in the morning instead of the evening. You can also use fungicides to control the spread of fungal diseases.
Pest Management
The Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy var. dorumaensis R.Wilczek can also be affected by different pests such as:
Aphids
Aphids suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl, wilt and yellow. Managing this pest can be done by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap. Encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs can also help to control and manage this pest.
Scales
Scales are small insects that suck the sap from the plant and produce a sticky substance called honeydew which attracts ants and promotes fungal growth. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal sprays or horticultural oil sprays.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that are hard to see with the naked eye. They feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to yellow and fall off. To manage this pest, spray the plant with water to wash off the spider mites or use insecticidal soap. Encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs can also help to control and manage this pest.
