Overview of Crotalaria tabularis auct.
Crotalaria tabularis auct., also known as tabulate rattlebox, is a herbaceous plant endemic to southern Africa. It belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) family, which comprises over 19,000 species worldwide.
Appearance of Crotalaria tabularis auct.
Crotalaria tabularis auct. has a distinctive appearance, characterized by its stout, erect stem that can grow up to 1 meter tall. The stem is covered in fine, white hairs and has numerous branches that spread outwards in a rounded shape. The leaves are alternate and oval-shaped, with a dark green color on the upper surface and lighter green on the underside. The flowers are bright yellow and arranged in clusters at the tips of the branches. The plant produces a characteristic cylindrical seedpod that contains numerous small black seeds.
Common Names of Crotalaria tabularis auct.
Crotalaria tabularis auct. is commonly known as tabulate rattlebox or tabulate crotalaria in English. In Afrikaans, the plant is referred to as paalbladjie.
Uses of Crotalaria tabularis auct.
Crotalaria tabularis auct. has a range of uses, both medicinal and practical. In traditional African medicine, the plant is used to treat various respiratory ailments, including coughs and bronchitis. It is also believed to have antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat skin infections. In agriculture, the plant is useful as a green manure, a cover crop, and for erosion control. The seeds of Crotalaria tabularis auct. are highly toxic to livestock and humans and can cause liver damage if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, the plant should be used with caution and under expert guidance.
Growth conditions of Crotalaria tabularis
Light: Crotalaria tabularis requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. The plant cannot thrive in shaded areas and should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and grows best in warm temperature conditions. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C to 30°C, and it cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil: Crotalaria tabularis grows best in a well-draining sandy loam soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including poor fertility and low organic matter content. However, the soil must be free of harmful pathogens and contaminants.
Water: The plant requires moderate watering and cannot tolerate drought. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, as too much water can lead to root rot. The plant can tolerate short periods of waterlogging, but prolonged waterlogging can cause damage to the roots and hamper growth.
Fertilizer: Crotalaria tabularis benefits from regular applications of a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, as per the instructions specified on the package. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduce the plant's flowering and seed production.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and lightly covered with soil. Cuttings can be taken from mature plants, treated with rooting hormones, and then planted in a moist soil mix. Avoid planting the cuttings in water, as it can lead to rot.
Cultivation Methods
Crotalaria tabularis is an annual herb that is easy to cultivate. You can sow seeds directly in the garden bed or in pots. The optimum temperature for germination is between 20-25 °C, and you can expect them to germinate in 7-10 days. It is advisable to plant them after the last frost has passed because the seedlings are sensitive to cold temperatures.
Watering Needs
Young plants require regular watering until they get established. However, once they have established themselves, they are drought-resistant and require minimal watering. It is inadvisable to overwater, as it can cause the roots to rot.
Fertilization
Crotalaria tabularis grows well in good soil, so it is necessary to enrich the soil with organic fertilizers. Composted manure or worm castings are ideal fertilizers for this plant. Regular fertilization during the growing season will help maintain healthy foliage and flowers.
Pruning
Crotalaria tabularis does not require hard pruning, but you can pinch off the tips of young plants to encourage branching and bushiness. The plant will slowly grow to its natural shape if you leave it to its own devices. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage the production of new blooms.
Propagation of Crotalaria tabularis auct.
Crotalaria tabularis auct. can be propagated by various means i.e. by stem cutting, seed, layering, and grafting.
Stem Cutting
The propagation of Crotalaria tabularis auct. can be done by stem cuttings. Select straight, disease-free stems of 10-15 cm length and remove leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cuttings in 1000-2000 ppm of IBA (Indolebutyric acid) and plant them in well-drained soil. Cover the plant with a transparent plastic sheet to maintain high humidity for rooting to occur. Within 3-4 weeks roots will start to appear, then you can transplant the plant to a larger pot or in the field.
Seed
Crotalaria tabularis auct. can also be propagated by seed. Collect the mature pods from the plant containing seeds and let them dry completely in shade. Later on, clean the seeds and sow them in a seedbed covered with a thin layer of soil mixture. Keep the seedbed moist continuously and watch for the germination process. Transplant the seedlings to a larger pot or in the field as soon as their first true leaves appear.
Layering
Layering is another method of propagation cuttings to start propagating Crotalaria tabularis auct. Make a small scratch on the branch and apply rooting hormone. Then, make a loop of that branch onto the ground and pin it in place. Cover that loop part with a layer of soil and keep it moist. After a few weeks, roots will form at that point, and the propagated branch can be detached from the parent to be planted in another location.
Grafting
Grafting is a technique that can be employed for propagating Crotalaria tabularis auct. Select a young healthy plant, remove its topmost shoot apex, and make a sloping cut. Take a shoot of another plant and remove its lower leaves, creating a wedge at its base. Now fix this wedge on this cut and bind it securely. Keep it in a warm, humid, and shady place for a few weeks and only after some root formation, gradually expose it to full sunlight.
Disease Management for Crotalaria tabularis
Crotalaria tabularis is generally a healthy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, it can be susceptible to a few fungal diseases such as rust, anthracnose, and leaf spot. To manage these diseases, cultural practices such as crop rotation and sanitation are important. Additionally, fungicides can be used as a preventive measure especially during periods of high humidity and rainfall.
Pest Management for Crotalaria tabularis
Some common pests that may affect Crotalaria tabularis include aphids, mites, and caterpillars. Aphids and mites can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Caterpillars are another common pest that can feed on the plant, causing significant damage to the foliage.
To manage these pests, cultural practices such as removing weeds, practicing crop rotation, and enhancing plant nutrition are important. Insecticides can also be used as a preventive measure to control pests. Additionally, natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be used as a biological control method to reduce pest populations.
