Overview:
Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana (Merxm.) A.Schreib. is a species of plant that is native to Africa. It is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant has various uses and is an important plant in traditional medicine in Africa.
Common Names:
This plant is commonly known as the African Indigo, Hochstetter's Indigo, and Indigofera. It has several local names including ‘Makwa’, ‘Maundo’, ‘Maswala’, and ‘Iku’ in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, and Cameroon respectively.
General Appearance:
Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana is a small shrubby plant that grows up to a height of 2 m. The plant has a woody stem with numerous branches that create a dense bush. The leaves are pinnate with small leaflets arranged in pairs along the stem. The flowers are pinkish-purple with a prominent keel, and the plant produces long, slender pods.
Uses:
The plant has several uses in medicine and is used to treat various ailments ranging from diarrhea, skin infections, and stomach pains to respiratory infections. The plant is also used as a natural dye to dye materials such as cotton, wool, and silk. Additionally, the plant has been used to promote soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the soil.
Light Requirements
Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It cannot survive or produce well in shady areas or areas with low light intensity. When planted in shady areas, the plant's growth will be stunted, stems will be weak, and leaves will yellow.
Temperature Requirements
Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it thrives in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can cause plant dormancy, and temperatures above 35°C can cause sunscald and dehydration in the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types. It is well adapted to sandy and loamy soils but can also do well in clay soils provided they drain well. The plant requires a soil pH of between 6.0 to 7.5. Acidic soils with a pH level below 6.0 can cause stunted growth in the plant and lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Cultivation methods
Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana (Merxm.) A.Schreib. is a plant that thrives in well-drained soils and partial shade. When planting, it is essential to provide a location with sufficient light but not in direct sunlight. The plant grows well in neutral to mildly acidic soil and can tolerate a pH range of 6.5 and 7.5. Proper circulation of air and moisture is recommended to prevent fungal infections.
Watering needs
The plant requires moderate watering but should not be allowed to stand in water. Watering should be done during the morning hours, ensuring the leaves dry out before the nighttime. Additionally, the plant needs thorough watering every two weeks and even more frequently during the dry season. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana (Merxm.) A.Schreib. can benefit from regular fertilization using organic matter. Incorporating compost or manure into the soil before planting can improve soil fertility. Using slow-release fertilizers once a month during the growing season can also enhance plant growth. It is recommended to avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaf growth over flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the desired shape of the plant and improve airflow. It is recommended to prune during the dormant season to avoid cutting off buds and flowers. Remove any dead or diseased growth and trim down the old growth to promote new growth. The use of clean and sharp tools is recommended to avoid the spread of plant diseases.
Propagation of Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana (Merxm.) A.Schreib.
Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana (Merxm.) A.Schreib. is a leguminous shrub that grows up to 1.5 m tall. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds and vegetative methods.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana (Merxm.) A.Schreib. can be collected from the mature pods of the plant. Once collected, the seeds are cleaned, sun-dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until planting season. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground or in seedling trays filled with well-draining soil. It’s important to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them regularly until germination occurs, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through vegetative methods
Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana (Merxm.) A.Schreib. can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as cuttings and layering. Cuttings should be taken from the softwood of the plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root formation. The cuttings can be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and placed in a humid and shaded location until rooting occurs, which usually takes about 3-4 weeks.
Layering involves bending a low-growing branch of Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana (Merxm.) A.Schreib. to the ground, making a small slit on the underside of the branch, and burying it in a shallow trench. The branch should be pinned down with a stake and kept moist until roots begin to form, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks. Once well-rooted, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana (Merxm.) A.Schreib.
Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana (Merxm.) A.Schreib. is generally a hardy plant that is fairly resistant to diseases and pests. However, it can still be affected by certain issues that can be addressed by following the appropriate management practices.
Common Diseases
The most common disease affecting Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana is root rot, which is caused by fungi such as Rhizoctonia solani, Phythium spp. and Fusarium spp. This disease can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage of the soil and avoiding overwatering. Application of fungicides may also be necessary to control the disease.
Another disease that can affect the plant is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. This disease can be controlled by maintaining good air circulation around the plant, avoiding overcrowding, and using fungicides as necessary.
Common Pests
The most common pest affecting Indigofera hochstetteri Baker subsp. streyana is the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata), which can cause significant damage to the pods of the plant. Other pests that may affect the plant include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
To control the legume pod borer, it is recommended to use insecticides or release natural predators such as parasitic wasps. Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites can be controlled by spraying insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
Additional Tips
Proper plant care, such as regular pruning and fertilization, can help prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests. It is also important to remove any infected or damaged plant parts to prevent the spread of disease. Finally, monitoring the plant regularly for signs of disease or pest infestations can help catch and address issues early on.
