Englerastrum diffusum Alston
Englerastrum diffusum Alston is a flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical Africa and grows in high grasslands and savannahs. It is commonly known as the Kenya Pea or Diffuse Brush Pea.
Appearance
The Kenya Pea is a perennial plant that grows up to 2 meters tall and spreads out in a diffuse manner. It has a woody base and stems that are covered with tiny hairs. Its leaves are compound with leaflets that are oval-shaped and about 2-3 cm long. Its flowers are light purple in color and grow in clusters at the end of the stems.
Uses
The Kenya Pea is widely used in traditional medicine in Africa. Its roots and leaves are used to treat various ailments, including fever, coughs, and headaches. The plant is also used as a natural pesticide as it contains compounds that repel insects and pests. Additionally, the plant is used as a source of food for livestock as it is highly palatable and nutritious.
The Kenya Pea also has potential as a soil conservation plant due to its deep roots which help to hold soil in place and prevent soil erosion. It is also used in agroforestry systems to provide shade for crops and help improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
Growth Conditions for Englerastrum diffusum Alston
Englerastrum diffusum Alston is a tropical plant species found in various parts of Africa such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. It is known for its delicate, pinkish-white flowers that blossom from January to April. It thrives well in well-drained soils and is drought resistant.
Light Requirements
The plant requires bright light to grow properly. Therefore, it is best to place it in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. A south-facing window is an ideal spot for the plant to thrive. The plant can adjust to low levels of light but may impact its growth and flowering process.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Englerastrum diffusum Alston is between 55 to 85°F (12 to 29°C). The plant grows well in warm temperatures; too cold temperatures may slow down its growth. Therefore, it is best to avoid placing the plant near windows or in areas with low temperatures during the winter season.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils, and rocky soils with higher amounts of organic matter are ideal. The soil should not be waterlogged as it may cause the roots of the plant to rot. The pH level of soil should be within the range of 6.0 to 6.5. It is best to mix organic matter such as compost, peat moss, and perlite with the soil to enable proper drainage.
Water Requirements
Englerastrum diffusum Alston has low water requirements and may die when watered excessively. It is best to water the plant when the topsoil is dry to the touch. The plant requires more water during its growing seasons, and less water during the winter season. Overwatering may lead to root rot and eventually, plant death.
Fertilizer Requirements
It is not necessary to fertilize Englerastrum diffusum Alston. However, if the plant shows signs of stunted growth, one can add slow-release fertilizers to the soil every four months. Overuse of fertilizers may lead to salt buildup, and it can be challenging to flush out the soil due to the plant's low water requirements.
Cultivation of Englerastrum diffusum Alston
Englerastrum diffusum Alston can be grown indoors in pots or outdoors in warm climates. The plant grows best in sandy soil that is well-drained. It thrives in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial to the survival of Englerastrum diffusum Alston. The plant needs frequent watering, especially during its growing season. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. The topsoil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Englerastrum diffusum Alston requires regular feeding during the growing season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied once a month. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizers to avoid overfeeding.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to keep Englerastrum diffusum Alston in good shape. Dead or yellowing leaves should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. Pruning should also be carried out to remove leggy or weak shoots. This encourages new growth and keeps the plant looking neat and healthy.
Propagation of Englerastrum diffusum Alston
Englerastrum diffusum Alston is a woody shrub that can be propagated through various means, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common and easiest method. The seeds should be collected from the plant when they are fully mature and dry. They can be sown directly in the soil or in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seed trays should be placed in a warm and well-lit area, and the soil should be kept moist. The seeds will germinate in about 2 to 4 weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another method used for Englerastrum diffusum Alston. The cuttings should be taken from the plant during the growing season, preferably from the new growth. The cuttings should be about 10cm long and should be taken from healthy plants. The cuttings should be inserted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. They should be placed in a warm and well-lit area, but not in direct sunlight. The cuttings will develop roots in about 6 to 8 weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is another method used for Englerastrum diffusum Alston. The plant can be divided during the dormant season, preferably in the spring. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the roots should be gently separated. Each division should have a good amount of roots and shoots. The divisions should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. They should be placed in a warm and well-lit area, but not in direct sunlight. The divisions will establish roots in about 2 to 4 weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Englerastrum diffusum Alston Plant
Englerastrum diffusum Alston, commonly known as Cape snapdragon or Cape lions ear, is a shrub that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. Although it is relatively disease and pest-resistant, certain conditions can make it vulnerable to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that appears as round spots on the leaves, often with yellow halos. It can cause defoliation in severe cases. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy any infected leaves, and ensure that the plant is not overcrowded. Fungicides can also help control the spread of the disease.
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and eventual death. It is often caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If the disease has already set in, remove the affected parts of the plant and treat with fungicide.
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can cause stunted growth and deformities in severe cases. To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected parts of the plant, and ensure that the plant is adequately watered and ventilated. Fungicides can also help control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and deformed leaves. They also produce webbing on the plant, which can be easily seen. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, and ensure that the plant is adequately watered and humidity is kept high.
Mealybugs: These are soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing wilting and stunted growth. They also produce a white cottony substance on the plant, which is a tell-tale sign of their presence. To manage mealybugs, remove any heavily infested parts of the plant, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects.
Caterpillars: These are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that can chew through the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation and stunted growth. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant or use bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to kill them.
Overall, Englerastrum diffusum Alston is a relatively easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal maintenance. However, vigilance is necessary to ensure that the plant remains disease and pest-free.
