Overview
Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f., also known as "rattlebox," is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to eastern and southern Africa and is found in various habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and woodlands.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 50-100cm tall and has an erect or spreading habit. It has a taproot system, and the stems are woody at the base and herbaceous on the upper parts. The leaves are alternate, elliptical, and about 7-10 cm long. The flowers are bright yellow and pea-like, about 2-2.5 cm long, and arranged in terminal racemes.
Common Names
Crotalaria macrotropis is commonly known as rattlebox due to the rattling sound produced by the seeds inside the inflated pods.
Other common names include African rattlebox, African showy rattlepod, and African pea tree.
Uses
Crotalaria macrotropis has both medicinal and agricultural uses. In traditional African medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as roundworms, fever, and headaches. It contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids that have been shown to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, the plant is used as a cover crop and green manure in agriculture. Its ability to fix nitrogen makes it beneficial in improving soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Light Requirements
Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. requires full sun. It can grow in areas with partial shade but will not do well if it does not receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature
Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. prefers warm climates. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C) . It cannot tolerate extreme cold and frost and will only survive in areas where the temperature does not drop below 32°F (0°C).
Soil Requirements
This plant thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. If the soil is too sandy or too heavy, it will negatively impact the plant's growth and yield.
Cultivation methods
Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. is a beautiful ornamental shrub that is easy to cultivate. This plant prefers a warm and humid climate, and it grows well in well-draining soil. It is advisable to plant it in an area with plenty of sunlight to promote healthy growth. When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and place the plant in the center. Cover the roots with soil and press it gently. Water the newly planted shrub generously.
Watering needs
Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, the plant should be watered more frequently. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as this may cause the roots to rot. Also, avoid getting the foliage wet as this may cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilize Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer every two to three months to promote healthy growth. Alternatively, you can top-dress the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients. However, avoid applying too much fertilizer as this may damage the plant.
Pruning
Prune Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. annually to shape the plant and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, which is usually in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or diseased branches and cut back any overgrown branches to maintain the desired size and shape. Also, remove any suckers that may be growing from the base of the plant to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
Propagation of Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f.
Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. is a plant that can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method of propagation for Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. is through seeds. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, preferably a mixture of sand and loam, and should be kept moist until germination. Germination can take up to two weeks and seeds should be sown about 2 centimeters deep.
Seeds should be collected from ripe pods and then dried for about a week before planting. Dried seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
Propagation through Cuttings
Another method for propagating Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. is through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth, preferably in the spring. Cuttings should be about 8-10 centimeters long and should be planted in well-draining soil. Cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone before planting to increase the chances of success.
Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area until new growth appears. Once new growth appears, the plant can be moved to a sunnier location.
Propagation through Division
Propagating Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. through division is a method that works well for mature plants that have become too large. To divide the plant, gently dig up the entire plant and separate the roots into smaller sections using a sharp knife or garden pruner.
Each section should have roots and several healthy stems. Replant the sections in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. It is best to divide the plant in the spring or fall.
Disease and pest management of Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f.
Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. is a type of annual herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is mainly used for medicinal and agricultural purposes. However, the plant is susceptible to various pests and diseases that may affect its growth and yield. Therefore, proper management practices are required to prevent and control these problems.
Pest management
Some of the common pests that affect Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. include:
- Aphids: These are small sap-sucking insects that may cause the plant to wilt and deform. The use of insecticides and biological control agents such as ladybugs can help control aphids.
- Cutworms: These are the larvae of various species of moths that cut off seedlings near ground level. Placing collars around the base of the plant and using insecticides can help control cutworms.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of various species of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. The use of insecticides and picking caterpillars off by hand can help control them.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant causing it to wither and dry up. Applying miticides and increasing humidity levels can help control spider mites.
Disease management
Some of the common diseases that affect Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. include:
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and decay. Proper drainage and the use of fungicides can help control root rot.
- Mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and distort. The use of fungicides and proper ventilation can help control mildew.
- Leaf spot: This is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop circular spots. The use of copper-based fungicides and removing infected leaves can help control leaf spot.
- Mosaic virus: This is a viral disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop yellow-green mottling. There is no known cure for mosaic virus, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread.
By following the above management practices, Crotalaria macrotropis Baker f. can thrive and produce the desired results. Regular monitoring of the plant for pest and disease problems is crucial to ensure their early detection and appropriate management to minimize damage to the plant.
