Description of Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum
Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum, also known as Crotalaria oreadum, is a species of flowering plant from the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa, including Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Zambia, and Malawi.
Common names
The plant has several common names in different parts of Africa. In Zambia, it is known as chiwaliwali, while in Malawi, it is called kapoto or mbalang'ombe.
Uses
Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum has a variety of medicinal uses in traditional African medicine practices. The roots are used to treat stomach pains, while the leaves are used for insect bites and skin rashes. The plant is also used as a livestock feed due to its high protein content.
General appearance
The plant is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has green leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer months. The seed pods are long and slender, containing small black seeds.
Light Requirements
Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill requires bright light to grow properly. They thrive in full sunlight and therefore must be placed in a spot with plenty of access to sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill is between 18°C and 30°C. The growth of the plant can be stunted if exposed to temperatures below 10°C, and temperatures above 35°C may cause damage to the plant. The plant can be grown in areas with a range of temperatures as long as the minimum temperature requirement is provided.
Soil Requirements
Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill grows well in well-draining soils that have a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil must also be rich in organic matter and nutrients. This plant requires moist but not waterlogged soils. Sandy soils are ideal for the growth of this plant as they drain well, ensuring that the roots do not sit in water.
Cultivation Methods
Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill requires full sunlight to grow well and should be planted in well-draining soil. The plant prefers sandy loam soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level (6.0-7.5). It can also tolerate dry and poor soil conditions but not waterlogged soils. During cultivation, it is essential to space the plants properly to allow enough air circulation between them and prevent pest and disease attacks. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings, and the ideal time to plant them is during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill does not require excessive watering and can tolerate drought conditions. The plant should be watered moderately based on the prevailing weather conditions. Generally, it is recommended to water the plant once every three days during the dry season and once every seven days during the rainy season. However, it is crucial to monitor the soil moisture level and adjust the watering frequency accordingly to avoid waterlogging the plant's roots.
Fertilization
Applying fertilizer to Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill can help enhance growth and flowering. The plant can benefit from the application of organic fertilizers such as well-rotted manure or compost. Fertilizer application should be done during the growing season. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 in the ratio of one tablespoon per plant, every two months. However, avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can result in excessive foliage growth and reduced flowers.
Pruning
Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill does not require regular pruning, but it can be done to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. The ideal time to prune the plant is after flowering or during the dry season. The process involves removing dead, damaged, and diseased branches and cutting back any long shoots. The pruning should be done using sharp and disinfectant tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill
Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill, commonly known as the Sun-drenched Rattlepod, is a beautiful flowering plant highly prized by gardeners for its ornamental value. There are two popular methods of propagating the Sun-drenched Rattlepod, including:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagation for Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill. It's a simple and effective way to propagate this plant, and it can be done by following these basic steps below:
- Once the seeds of this plant are ready, collect them and soak them overnight in water.
- After that, plant them in a pot filled with well-draining soil.
- Then, water the soil regularly to keep it moist until the seeds germinate.
- Once the seeds germinate and the seedlings emerge, you can transplant them into your garden or a bigger pot where they can grow to maturity.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagating Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill. This method is best suited for mature plants that have been growing for a while. Here's how to propagate using this method:
- Carefully dig up the plant and separate the plant into several clumps.
- Trim the roots and foliage of each clump and make sure that each clump has a good root system and some healthy foliage.
- Then, plant each clump separately in well-draining soil.
- Water the soil thoroughly and keep it moist until new growth appears.
- Make sure to care for the young plants just as you would with the seedlings.
Overall, Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill is an easy plant to propagate. Seed propagation is the best method for beginners, while division propagation is best for expert gardeners who have experience dividing mature plants.
Disease Management
Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill is susceptible to various diseases, which can affect its overall health and yield. Some of the common diseases of Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill include:
- Fungal Leaf Spots: This disease is caused by several fungi, including Cercospora and Phyllosticta, and results in small, circular spots on the leaves. Fungal leaf spots can be controlled by removing diseased leaves and using fungicides.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi in the soil and can lead to the wilting and ultimate death of the plant. Root rot can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and using well-draining soil, as well as using fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum and results in a powdery white coating on the leaves. Powdery mildew can be controlled by removing affected leaves and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill is also susceptible to several pests, which can cause damage to the plant and reduce yield. Some common pests include:
- Leafhoppers: These small, quick-moving insects can cause damage to Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill by piercing the leaves and sucking out the sap. Leafhoppers can be controlled by using insecticides or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars feed on the stems of Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill, which can cause wilting and death of the plant. Cutworms can be controlled by using insecticides or by introducing natural predators such as birds.
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cause damage to Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill by piercing the leaves and sucking out the sap. Aphids can be controlled by using insecticides or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
It is essential to implement preventative measures to minimize the risk of diseases and pests. This includes proper sanitation practices, regular monitoring and inspection of plant health, and promptly addressing any issues that arise. Introducing natural predators and using pest-resistant cultivars can also go a long way in preventing diseases and pests from affecting Crotalaria subcapitata De Wild. subsp. oreadum (Baker f.) Polhill.
