Origin and Common Names
Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to South Africa and can be found growing in the Cape Floristic Region. The common names for this plant include Slender Crotalaria, Small-leaf Rattlepod, and Small-leaf Rattlebox.
Uses
This plant has various uses. One of its most common uses is as a cover crop. It is grown in agricultural fields to prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility. Slender Crotalaria is also used as a forage crop for livestock, as it is highly nutritious and palatable. In addition, this plant has medicinal properties, and it is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses.
General Appearance
Slender Crotalaria is a small, shrubby plant that grows up to 1 meter tall. It has lance-shaped leaves that are about 2-7 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide. The leaves are generally green but can sometimes have a bluish hue. The flowers of this plant are yellow and bloom in small clusters on thin, wiry stems. The seeds are contained in small, brown pods that resemble rattles, giving rise to some of its common names.
Light Requirements
Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and flowering. It is best grown in locations that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant can tolerate some partial shade but may experience stunted growth and reduced flowering if grown in shady areas.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm to hot climate conditions. It grows well in temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. The optimal temperature for this plant's growth and development is around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Anything below 10 degrees Celsius can harm the plant and hinder its growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill prefers well-draining soils with good moisture retention capabilities. Ideally, the soil should have a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can grow well in sandy and loamy soils as long as the soil is enriched with sufficient organic matter. However, it cannot thrive in heavy clay soils due to their poor drainage capabilities. Additionally, the plant requires regular watering during the growing season to maintain soil moisture levels.
Cultivation Methods of Crotalaria Lanceolata E.Mey. Subsp. Exigua Polhill
Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill is an easy-to-grow plant species that requires minimal maintenance. The best time to plant this species is in late winter or early spring. Ideally, it should be planted in an area with well-draining soil and receives full sun.
Before planting, prepare the soil by removing all weeds, rocks, and other debris that may hinder the growth of the plant. Mix some compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
Plant the Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill seeds in shallow holes and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the area gently to keep the soil moderately moist but not soaked.
Watering Needs of Crotalaria Lanceolata E.Mey. Subsp. Exigua Polhill
It is essential to keep the soil around Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. After that, water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. In drought conditions, the plant may require more frequent watering.
However, it is essential to avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot. Always check the soil and ensure it is dry to an inch deep before watering.
Fertilization of Crotalaria Lanceolata E.Mey. Subsp. Exigua Polhill
Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill requires minimal fertilization due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. You can apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, once at the beginning of the growing season to provide the plant with essential micronutrients.
However, applying too much fertilizer can cause excessive foliage growth without supporting the formation of flowers and seeds.
Pruning of Crotalaria Lanceolata E.Mey. Subsp. Exigua Polhill
Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill does not require much pruning except for shaping. You can remove the dead, diseased, or damaged stems and foliage to enhance the plant's appearance.
However, avoid heavy pruning as it may hinder the formation of seeds, which are essential for the survival of the species.
Propagation of Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill
Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill, commonly known as the slendertop rattlepod, can be propagated through various methods including seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Crotalaria lanceolata is through seeds. Collect mature seed pods from the plant during the dry season, when the pods turn yellow-brown and are about to split open. Dry them for a few days and then break them open to collect the seeds.
Soak the seeds overnight in water and then sow them in a mixture of soil and sand, preferably in the rainy season. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist. The seeds will germinate in 7-14 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
Crotalaria lanceolata can also be propagated through stem cuttings.
Take cuttings of about 10 cm length from fresh, young branches of the plant. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the ends in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a mixture of sand and soil and keep them moist. The cuttings will develop roots in about 2-4 weeks, after which they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
It is important to take care of the young plants by providing them with enough light, water, and nutrients until they are well-established.
Disease Management
Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill is known to be prone to different diseases that can cause considerable damage to the plant. Here are some of the most common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Cercospora leaf spot: It is a fungal disease that appears as small spots on the leaves, which later coalesce and expand to affect a significant portion of the leaf. The best way to manage this disease is by ensuring proper plant spacing for adequate air circulation and reducing the frequency of overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
- Rhizoctonia root rot: It is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, leading to wilting, stunted growth, and plant death. Proper drainage, avoiding waterlogging and fungal drenches can help manage the disease
- Bacterial wilt: It is a bacterial disease that often causes wilting and death of the plant. Crop rotation, avoiding overhead irrigation and removing infected plants can drastically reduce the spread of the disease.
- Mosaic virus: It is a viral disease that causes yellowing, mottling, and stunted growth of the plant. The virus spreads via sap, so avoiding mechanical injuries, regular monitoring and removal of infected plants are primary management strategies.
Pest Management
Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill is also susceptible to different pests known to cause significant damage to the plant. These are some of the common pests and the best ways to manage them:
- Cutworms: These are the most common pests that feed at night on the leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth, cut stems, and plant death. Placing collars made of cardboard around the young plants can help prevent the cutworms' attack.
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that feed on plant sap, leading to curling of leaves and stunted growth. They also produce honeydew, attracting ants and creating an environment for fungal growth. Regularly spraying a strong jet of water can help manage aphids, and predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help manage the infestation.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the plant's undersides, leading to yellowing, stunted growth and defoliation. The use of acaricides and regular watering of the plants can significantly reduce the spread and severity of the infestation.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, leading to yellowing, defoliation and stunted growth. The use of yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap and regular monitoring of the plants can help manage the infestation.
