Overview
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. var. plurijuga Brenan & Brummitt is a flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. This variety is one of the several variants of Dichrostachys cinerea and is characterized by its unique leaf and pod features.
Origin and Distribution
Dichrostachys cinerea var. plurijuga is native to eastern Africa, including countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is also found in other parts of Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. This plant variety prefers rocky hillsides, savannas, and woodland habitats.
Common Names
The plant has numerous common names depending on the region. In English, it is commonly referred to as "orchard bush," "sicklebush," or "Chinese lantern tree." In Swahili, it is known as "msalasilai," "mbangamarara," or "mkurutu." The Kikuyu people of Kenya refer to it as "githabai" while the Kalenjin call it "seito." The plant is an important resource for indigenous communities for various uses.
Appearance
Dichrostachys cinerea var. plurijuga is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to five meters tall. Its leaves are bipinnate with several pairs of leaflets that are oblong and about one to two centimeters long. The flowers are arranged in cylindrical inflorescences that are light yellow and about five to eight centimeters long.
The plant's most distinctive feature is its fruit, which is a compressed, sickle-shaped pod. The pod is light brown and about ten to fifteen centimeters long. It contains numerous seeds that are used to propagate the plant.
Uses
The plant has various uses in traditional medicine and is used to treat a wide range of ailments such as stomachache, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The roots and barks are boiled to make a decoction that is used to treat inflammation and fever. The plant's wood is also used to make tools, handles, and furniture.
Dichrostachys cinerea var. plurijuga is an important forage plant for livestock, particularly during the dry season when other food sources are scarce. The leaves and pods are nutritious and are used to supplement animal feeds. The plant is also used for erosion control and has been introduced in some regions for this purpose. Overall, the plant has significant ecological and economic importance in many regions of Africa.
Light Requirements
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. var. plurijuga Brenan & Brummitt prefers full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may result in reduced growth and decreased flower production.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers warm to hot climates with a temperature range of 20-35°C. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 45°C and as low as 5°C. Extreme cold conditions can lead to reduced growth and leaf loss.
Soil Requirements
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. var. plurijuga Brenan & Brummitt can grow in a variety of soil conditions, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The ideal soil pH for optimal growth is between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, but extreme pH conditions can lead to reduced growth.
The plant prefers well-draining soils with moderate fertility levels. It does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils, which can lead to root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve soil fertility and water retention capacity, leading to optimal growth and development.
Cultivation methods
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. var. plurijuga Brenan & Brummitt or the Sicklebush is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme weather conditions, making it easy to cultivate. The plant can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or even grafting. However, cultivating from seeds is the most common method.
Plant the seeds in a well-draining and fertile soil mixture at a depth of 1 to 1.5 inches. The ideal time to plant is during the rainy season, allowing the seeds to germinate quickly. The seedlings should be kept moist until they are well established, after which watering can be reduced.
Watering needs
Dichrostachys cinerea is a drought-tolerant plant but requires some moisture to thrive. When the plant is still young, it is critical to keep the soil moist to promote its growth. Once the plant is established, it can go for weeks without watering.
When it is time to water the plant, do not overdo it as this can cause root rot. Water the plant slowly and deeply, allowing the water to soak in. Avoid watering the foliage as this can encourage fungal growth or attract pests.
Fertilization
Dichrostachys cinerea does not need regular fertilization as it has adapted to thrive in poor soil conditions. However, you can improve plant growth by adding some compost or a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
If the plant is grown in a container, fertilize it once every two weeks using a liquid fertilizer. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct dosage and application method.
Pruning
The Sicklebush plant can grow up to 8 meters tall, so regular pruning is essential to keep it in shape. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead, damaged or diseased branches. Prune back the remaining branches by a third to a half of their length to promote bushier growth.
When pruning, use sharp and sterile pruning shears to prevent the risk of damaging the plant or transmitting diseases. Avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce the plant's ability to produce flowers and fruit.
Propagation of Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. var. plurijuga Brenan & Brummitt
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. var. plurijuga Brenan & Brummitt is a versatile plant species that can easily be propagated through various methods. Below are some of the propagation techniques that can be used to propagate Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. var. plurijuga Brenan & Brummitt.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. var. plurijuga Brenan & Brummitt. The seeds should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place before planting. To plant the seeds, prepare a seed bed with well-drained soil that has been loosened to a depth of 15 cm. Plant the seeds 1-2 cm deep and cover them with soil. Water the bed regularly and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation can also be used to propagate Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. var. plurijuga Brenan & Brummitt. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from the softwood at the base of the plant and should be approximately 8-12 cm long. Prepare the cuttings by removing the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip them in a rooting hormone. Then, plant the cuttings in a mixture of perlite and peat moss and keep them moist. In a few weeks, the cuttings should begin to root.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. var. plurijuga Brenan & Brummitt. This method involves cutting a notch in the stem of the parent plant and wrapping it with damp sphagnum moss. The moss should be covered with plastic wrap and tied securely at both ends to create a seal. In a few weeks, roots should begin to form and once they are well-established, the new plant can be removed from the parent plant and potted.
Common Diseases that Affect Dichrostachys cinerea
Dichrostachys cinerea is a hardy plant that is rarely affected by pests and diseases. However, several conditions can affect the plant, such as:
- Root Rot: This condition is caused by waterlogged soil and affects the roots of the plant. It leads to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death of the plant. To manage this, it is important to plant the shrub in well-drained soils.
- Powdery Mildew: This condition is characterized by a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flower buds, leading to the distortion of the plant. It can be controlled by regular trimming, improving air circulation around the plant, and applying a fungicide.
- Leaf Spot: This condition affects the leaves of the plant and is characterized by the formation of circular spots with a brown or yellow margin. The condition can be managed by removing infected leaves, applying a fungicide, and ensuring the plant has adequate ventilation.
Common pests that Affect Dichrostachys cinerea
Dichrostachys cinerea is also prone to pest attacks. Some of the common pests that can affect the shrub are:
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars feed on the leaves and young shoots of the plant, leading to reduced growth and yield. The pests can be managed by handpicking or applying an organic insecticide.
- Mealybugs: These pests suck the sap from the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. Infested areas should be wiped with a damp cloth, and applying a pesticide is recommended.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects attack the plant’s stems and leaves and form a protective cover that makes them hard to control. controlling this pest can involve pruning, applying a horticultural oil spray, or using biological control measures.
To manage pest and disease infestations, proper plant hygiene, spacing, and adequate watering should be ensured. Early detection of infestations and prompt management is vital to reduce the risk of severe damage to the plant.
