Origin and Common Names
Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. is a flowering plant that belongs to the genus Crotalaria and the family Fabaceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, specifically in Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria. This plant is also known by several common names, such as Allen's rattlebox, eastern sunn hemp, and showy rattlebox.
General Appearance
Allen's rattlebox has a distinctive appearance. It is an upright, bushy annual plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. The stems are herbaceous and hairy, with branching at the upper part. The leaves are alternate, compound, and have 3 leaflets. The leaflets are oblong to ovate in shape, with a length of 2 to 7 cm and a width of 1.5 to 5 cm. The plant also produces bright yellow flowers with a typical pea-like shape that grow in clusters at the upper leaf axils. The fruit is a cylindrical or oblique, hairy legume, around 2.5 cm long and 1 cm wide, and containing 10-20 seeds.
Uses
Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii has several uses. It is an essential plant for soil improvement, including as a green manure crop, cover crop, and weed suppressor. It also has medicinal properties by its ability to treat liver diseases, intestinal infections, and asthma. In some African countries, the plant has cultural significance, and different tribes use it for rituals and ceremonies. However, the plant also has some toxic properties, and its excessive consumption can lead to liver-related diseases.
Overview of Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib.
Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. is a subtropical legume plant that is native to Africa. It is commonly used as a cover crop due to its ability to improve soil fertility. This plant is fast-growing, and it can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters.
Light Requirements
Crotalaria orientalis requires full sunlight exposure to grow properly. It should be planted in areas where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant is not suitable for growing in shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
Crotalaria orientalis is a warm-season crop that thrives in subtropical and tropical climates. It requires a temperature range between 20-30°C for optimal growth and development. This plant can tolerate high temperatures, but it does not perform well in cold temperatures below 12°C.
Soil Requirements
Crotalaria orientalis thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can also grow in soils with lower pH levels, but it may require the addition of lime to adjust the pH accordingly. This plant is known to have a deep root system, so the soil should be deep enough to accommodate its roots. It can also grow in sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter.
Cultivation
Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. is a hardy plant that grows well in most soil types. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure, but it also tolerates partial shade. For optimal growth, the plant requires a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, sow the seeds in a well-prepared seedbed and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which usually happens within two to three weeks. For propagation by cuttings, take stem cuttings of about 10-15 cm in length and plant them in a mixture of compost and sand. Keep the soil moist until the cuttings root, which usually happens within four to six weeks.
Watering Needs
Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as it is susceptible to root rot. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every three to four months during the growing season.
Pruning
Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. does not require extensive pruning. However, to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth, it is recommended to prune the plant after flowering. Cut back the branches to half their length using sharp pruning shears.
Propagation of Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib.
Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. is a plant that can be propagated using several methods. The propagation methods include:
Seeds
Seeds are the most common method to propagate Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. The seeds should be collected from mature pods during the dry season. The collected seeds should be dried before they are planted. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in pots or directly in the ground. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should be given enough sunlight. The seeds will germinate in 7-21 days.
Cuttings
Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. can also be propagated using cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season. The leaves should be removed from the lower part of the stem, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in well-draining soil in a pot or directly in the ground. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be given enough sunlight. The cutting will root in 14-21 days.
DIVISION
Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. can also be propagated using division. This method is best suited for mature plants that are at least three years old. The plant should be dug up, and the roots should be separated into smaller sections. Each section should have at least two stems and a well-developed root system. The sections should be planted in well-draining soil in pots or directly in the ground. The soil should be kept moist, and the plant should be given enough sunlight.
Disease Management
Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. is susceptible to various pathogens that cause different forms of diseases. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant, causing it to wilt and eventually die. To manage root rot, remove infected plants and dispose of them. Also, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage by planting in well-drained soil.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and dispose of them. Also, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Pest Management
Crotalaria orientalis Burtt Davy ex I.Verd. subsp. allenii (I.Verd.) Polhill & A.Schreib. is also prone to pest attacks, including:
Root-Knot Nematodes
These pests attack the roots of the plant, causing the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage root-knot nematodes, plant resistant cultivars or use nematicides. Also, avoid planting in sandy soil, as this type of soil attracts these pests.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to become stunted and deformed. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, consider introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control the population of aphids.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the foliage of the plant, causing it to become skeletonized. To manage caterpillars, handpick and remove them, or use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) to control their population.
