Origin
Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. is a shrub found in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. It typically grows in grasslands, woodland areas, and rocky slopes.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the "Ngoroo" among the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania, and the "Mbwa Mwitu" in Swahili which translates to "wild dog."
Appearance
Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. is a shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It has long, flexible, straggling branches that form tangled thickets. The leaves are pinnately compound with 7-11 leaflets, and are about 4-10 cm long. The flowers are pink to reddish-purple and appear in dense axillary or terminal racemes. The fruit is a flattened legume that is about 2-3 cm long, with 4-6 seeds.
Uses
The plant is widely used for medicinal purposes among different communities in East Africa. The roots and leaves are used in the treatment of a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, dysentery, and stomachaches. The plant extracts have also been found to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential source for drug development. Additionally, the plant's fibrous bark is used for making ropes, baskets, and mats by some communities.
Light Requirements
Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. requires full sun to partial shade for healthy growth. Exposure to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is necessary to promote flowering and fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm to hot weather conditions with temperatures ranging from 20° to 35°C. It can tolerate mild frost but fails to grow in freezing temperatures. High humidity and frequent rainfalls are well-suited for the plant’s growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, it prefers well-draining, moist, and fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant is sensitive to waterlogged or saline soils and requires good soil aeration to thrive.
Cultivation Methods
Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. is a perennial legume that grows well in well-drained sandy soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5 and in areas with moderate rainfall of 600-1500 mm per year. The plant can be propagated from seed, stem cuttings, or by layering.
To propagate the plant from cuttings, select healthy stem segments of about 8-10 cm long and 0.5-1 cm in diameter. Dip the lower end in rooting hormone, and plant it in well-draining soil with a mixture of sand and compost. Water the cutting regularly and maintain the soil moisture until the cuttings are established.
Watering Needs
Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. requires regular watering to establish well. After planting, water the plant once every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks, then reduce the frequency to once every 7-10 days until the plant is mature. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but it requires adequate water during its flowering and seed setting stages.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and optimum yield, apply organic manure or compost to the soil in the planting hole before planting. For best results, 10-20 kg of well-decomposed manure or compost should be added per planting hole. After planting, side dressing with nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be done during the early stages of growth, but avoid overfertilizing as it causes vegetative growth at the expense of flowering and seed setting.
Pruning
Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. requires regular pruning to maintain its bushy shape and promote vegetative growth for the next season. Prune the plant after each harvest, cutting off the top 10-15 cm of the stem to encourage the development of new branches and flowers. Avoid pruning below 20 cm above the ground as it may reduce plant vigor and yield.
Propagation methods for Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov.
Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. can be propagated through the following methods:
Seeds
The plant produces seeds that can be collected for propagation. The seeds have a hard seed coat, so it's recommended to soak them in water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, and keep the soil moist until germination.
Cuttings
Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. propagates easily from semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the plant in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and provide adequate shade until the cuttings establish roots and start producing new growth.
Division
Another propagation method is by dividing the mature plant into multiple sections. This method is usually done in the spring when the plant starts growing. Dig up the plant gently and divide it into smaller sections, making sure each section has a healthy root system and some growth. Plant each section in well-draining soil, and keep moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov.
Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, some common pests and diseases can still affect the plant, especially if it is growing in an environment that is not ideal.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. are aphids, whiteflies, and mites. These pests can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and stem.
Aphids are small insects that are often found on the undersides of the leaves. They suck on the plant sap, which can cause the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a solution of water and neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies are tiny, winged insects that feed on the plant's sap. They can cause the leaves to yellow and can also transmit viruses. To manage whiteflies, introduce natural predators to the garden, such as ladybugs, or spray the plant with a solution of water and insecticidal soap.
Mites are small, spider-like insects that can cause the leaves to become stippled. They can also cause the leaves to fall off prematurely. To manage mites, spray the plant with a solution of water and neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators, such as predatory mites or lacewings, to the garden.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. are root rot and leaf spot.
Root rot is caused by overwatering the plant or growing it in poorly drained soil. To manage root rot, remove any infected plants, and improve the drainage in the garden. Avoid overwatering the plant and let the soil dry out between waterings.
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause circular spots to appear on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove any infected leaves, and spray the plant with a fungicide. Make sure to water the plant at the base, and avoid getting the leaves wet.
By following the above tips, you can ensure that your Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. var. acutifolia Chiov. plant stays healthy and disease-free.
