Origin
Indigofera strobilifera (Hochst.) Hochst. ex Baker subsp. lanuginosa (Taub. ex Baker f.) J.B.Gillett, commonly known as woolly indigo, is a subshrub plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to Africa, more specifically, it is found in Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Common Names
The plant Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa has several common names depending on the region. In Kenya, it is commonly known as mwito while in Sudan it is called shaaz. In Ethiopia, the plant is known as Aduchi.
Uses
Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa has several uses in traditional medicine. The plant has been used to treat various ailments such as headache, fever, and backache. In Kenya, the plant has been used to produce a dye, which is used in coloring leather clothing, drums, and baskets. The leaves and stems of the plant can also be used as forage for livestock.
General Appearance
Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa is a subshrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height. The plant has pale green leaves that are arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers of the plant are pinkish-purple and arranged in cylindrical spikes. The plant produces fruits that are 2.5-3.5 cm long, which are initially green but turn brown when they ripen. The plant has a woolly texture due to the presence of hairs on its stem and leaves.
Light Requirements
Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa grows best in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight to produce flowers and thrive. However, too much sunlight can cause the plant's leaves to burn or yellow.
Temperature Requirements
Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa prefers warm weather and is adapted to a tropical climate. It can tolerate temperatures between 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F), but it cannot withstand frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa grows best in well-drained soils with a neutral pH. The plant's roots do not tolerate waterlogging or poorly drained soils, which can cause root rot. It prefers sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients.
Cultivation
Indigofera strobilifera (Hochst.) Hochst. ex Baker subsp. lanuginosa (Taub. ex Baker f.) J.B.Gillett
is a plant that can grow in a wide variety of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soil. It can tolerate a pH range of 5.0 to 8.5. To cultivate Indigofera strobilifera, choose a well-drained spot in your garden with full sun or partial shade.Plant your seeds or seedlings in the spring, after the last frost has passed. Sow your seeds ? inch deep and space them 3 inches apart. Once your Indigofera strobilifera has grown to a height of 4-6 inches, thin them to 6-8 inches apart. This plant can also be propagated by cutting. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer and should be about 4-6 inches long. They should be placed in a mixture of perlite and vermiculite and kept moist until roots develop.
Watering needs
Indigofera strobilifera requires regular watering. Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. During the summer months, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Fertilization
Indigofera strobilifera does not require heavy fertilization. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. Alternatively, you can add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to provide the necessary nutrients. Avoid applying too much nitrogen, as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Indigofera strobilifera does not require regular pruning. However, if you want to maintain a neat shape or control the size of the plant, you can prune the branches back by one-third in the late winter or early spring.
Propagation of Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa
Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa is a woody perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant can be propagated by both sexual and asexual means. Here are some of the propagation methods for Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa:
Seed propagation
The plant produces viable seeds that can be collected and used to propagate new plants. The seeds should be collected when they are fully mature and dry. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place until ready to be sown.
Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified or soaked in hot water to break their tough seed coats. The seeds can then be sown in well-draining soil in a nursery bed or directly in the field. The optimal time for sowing is in the early spring when temperatures are warm.
Vegetative propagation
Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be collected from the current season's growth, and the leaves should be removed from the lower third of the cutting. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil in a nursery bed. The soil should be kept moist until roots have developed.
An alternative method of vegetative propagation is through layering. This involves bending a low-hanging stem to the ground and covering a portion of it with soil. The covered portion of the stem will develop roots, and eventually, a new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Overall, Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa can be propagated through both seed and vegetative means. Seed propagation is easy and reliable, and vegetative propagation offers the advantage of producing genetically identical plants.
Disease Management for Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa
There are a few common diseases that may affect Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa. One of these is root rot, which is caused by waterlogged soil and can result in stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and to ensure that the soil has good drainage. Additionally, any infected plants should be removed from the area and disposed of properly to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another common disease that may affect Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa is leaf spot, which causes brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. This disease is usually caused by a fungus and can be managed by removing any infected leaves and using a fungicide spray to prevent further spread of the disease. It is important to follow the instructions on the fungicide carefully and to apply it at the correct intervals to effectively manage the disease.
Pest Management for Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa
Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa may also be at risk of attack from certain pests. One such pest is the aphid, a small insect that feeds on the sap of the plant and can cause wilting and stunted growth. To manage aphids, the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective in controlling the population. Additionally, introducing natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs, can also help to manage the pest.
Another pest that may affect Indigofera strobilifera subsp. lanuginosa is the root-knot nematode, a microscopic worm that infects the roots of the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to rotate crops and avoid planting susceptible species in the same area. Additionally, soil solarization, which involves covering the soil with plastic and allowing it to heat up in the sun, can also be effective in killing off nematodes in the soil.
