Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill
Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill is a flowering plant species that belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as Elburgon crotalaria, named after the town of Elburgon in Kenya where it was first discovered in 1974 by the Polish botanist W?adys?aw J. Majewski.
Origin
Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill is native to East Africa, specifically found in Kenya and Tanzania. It grows in high altitude grassland and shrubland areas, usually at elevations of 1900 to 2400 meters above sea level.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names, which include Elburgon crotalaria, Lisowski's crotalaria, and arrow-leaved crotalaria.
General Appearance
The Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill is a small, perennial shrub that grows up to 1 meter tall. The plant's leaves are simple and alternate, with narrow, elongated, and sharp-pointed shape, which give the plant its arrow-shaped appearance. Its flowers are small and yellow, with a greenish tint, and resemble lupins. The fruit of the plant is a narrow, elongated pod, similar to many other leguminous plants.
Uses
Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill is a useful plant in East Africa, where it is used for a variety of purposes. The plant's leaves are known to be high in protein content and can be used as animal fodder. Its roots are also used in traditional medicine as a remedy for several ailments, including fever, stomach problems, and snake bites. Additionally, the plant's ability to fix nitrogen in the soil makes it useful as a cover crop, which improves soil fertility and prevents soil erosion.
Growth Conditions for Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill
Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill is a plant species that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. These conditions include the following:
Light
This plant requires full sunlight exposure to grow well. Ideally, it should be positioned where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window or under a grow light that provides full-spectrum light.
Temperature
Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill requires warm temperatures to grow. It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where it can be grown year-round outside. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 70-85°F. Temperatures below 50°F may cause the plant to experience stunted growth or become dormant.
Soil
The soil that Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill grow on should be well-draining. With that said, this plant can tolerate dry conditions, so it's important not to overwater it. A soil mix that contains equal parts of sand, peat moss, and perlite is ideal for this plant.
It's important to note that Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill is an endangered species and is often grown by botanic gardens and conservation organizations. If you plan to grow this plant, do so responsibly and avoid collecting seeds or plants from the wild.
Cultivation
Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill is a hardy plant and can tolerate drought conditions. The plant requires well-draining soil and a location with full sun exposure, although it can also grow in partial shade. The plant can be grown from seeds and should be sown in the spring.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, and it is crucial not to overwater it as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant thoroughly until the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. During the winter months, the plant may require less watering as it goes into dormancy.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a well-balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote lush growth. Use a half-strength fertilizer every three to four weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months as it goes into dormancy.
Pruning
Pruning is not generally required for Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill but can be done to shape the plant or remove any dead or damaged stems or branches. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Crotalaria Lisowskii Polhill
Crotalaria Lisowskii Polhill is a perennial flowering plant that originated from East and Central Africa. Propagation of this plant can be done in different ways, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and division propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most common and easiest way to propagate Crotalaria Lisowskii Polhill is through seed propagation. The plant produces abundant seeds in pods during the flowering season. The seeds should be collected from the pods after they have dried and matured. The next step is to clean and prepare the seeds by soaking them in water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds can be sown directly into well-drained soil or in seedbeds. A recommended potting mix for the seeds is a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The seedlings will germinate within 7-10 days and should be kept in a warm, sunny location.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another way to propagate Crotalaria Lisowskii Polhill. However, this method requires more care and attention. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during their growing season, so that they are able to produce new roots and establish themselves. The cuttings should be taken from the stem’s base, ideally, using a sharp knife, and kept in water to prevent wilting. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the soil.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is suitable for established Crotalaria Lisowskii Polhill plants that have spread outgrown their allotted space. The plant can be divided in early spring before the growing season begins. The process involves digging up the parent plant, removing the individual plants or sections that have grown independently, and replanting them in their new locations. It is important to ensure that each new plant or section has a good root system before replanting.
In conclusion, propagation of Crotalaria Lisowskii Polhill can be done through seed propagation, cutting propagation, and division propagation. Gardeners can use any of these methods to create new plants, but seed propagation is the most commonly used method because of its ease and reliability.
Disease and Pest Management for Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill Plant
Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill, a leguminous sub-shrub, is not known to be plagued by many pests and diseases. However, it is still susceptible to some pests and diseases which can cause damage to plant growth and yield. Here are some common pests and diseases that may affect the plant and some ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Fungal infections can cause severe damages to the leaves, stems and the roots of the Crotalaria lisowskii Polhill. Common fungal diseases that may affect the plant include anthracnose, powdery mildew, and fungal leaf spots. To manage these fungal diseases, you can spray the plant with copper fungicides and remove the infected plant parts and destroy them.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases like Bacterial blight may affect the foliage of the plant, causing the leaves to wither and the stems to rot. These diseases can be managed by removing the infected plant material and spraying the plant with copper-based bactericides.
Common Pests
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are common pests that suck the sap from the plants, resulting in yellowing and falling of leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil or releasing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are known to affect the foliage of the plant, causing damages to the leaves and reducing the plant's vigour. Handpicking the pests and destroying them can help manage the problem.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plants, causing leaves to yellow, stipple and die. They can be managed by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil or releasing predatory mites.
It is recommended to practice proper sanitation and cultural practices like crop rotation, proper watering, and the use of clean planting material to avoid pest and disease infestation. Early detection and management of infestation is essential to prevent severe damage to the plant.
