Origin and Common Names
Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the horn of Africa region, specifically Ethiopia and Somalia. This plant is commonly referred to as Dembi Indigofera or Sticky Indigo.
Appearance
Dembi Indigofera is a perennial plant that grows to a height of about 2 meters. It has branches that can grow upright or can spread out horizontally. The leaves are pinnate, consisting of 5-9 leaflets that are hairy and oval in shape. The flowers are small and pink in color, and they grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The plant is known for its sticky stem and leaves due to the presence of a secretion that provides protection against herbivores and insects.
Uses
Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. has several uses. The plant is commonly used to produce natural dyes due to its high content of indigo. The leaves and stems are crushed and fermented to produce a blue dye that is used to color fabrics. The plant also has medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as respiratory problems, wounds, and skin diseases. In addition, the plant is used as fodder for livestock due to its high nutritional content.
Furthermore, the plant has cultural significance as it is used in traditional rituals and ceremonies. The sticky nature of the plant is believed to have protective powers, and it is sometimes used to ward off evil spirits.
Overall, Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. is a versatile and beneficial plant with a unique appearance and a rich cultural history.Light Requirements
Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. is a sun-loving plant that requires full sun exposure for healthy growth. It can, however, tolerate partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in hot and dry climates and can tolerate temperatures of up to 45°C. It grows best in areas with a temperature range of between 20°C and 35°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are sandy or loamy. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soils with a pH of up to 8.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, and the plant requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. The plant can tolerate drought and is resistant to most pests and diseases.
Cultivation methods
Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. plants can be cultivated through either seeds or cuttings. The best time to plant seeds is at the beginning of the rainy season, while cuttings can be planted throughout the year. These plants require well-draining soil with a pH range of 6-7.5. They perform best when planted in full sunlight, although they can also tolerate partial shade. They can be grown in beds, borders, or used as a hedge plant.
Watering needs
Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. plants require regular watering, especially during the dry season. The frequency of irrigation will depend on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. However, care must be taken not to over-water these plants as this can cause root rot. To prevent waterlogging, ensure that the soil is well-drained. Using organic mulch can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce the need for frequent watering.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization can help ensure that Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. plants grow healthy and robust. Fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium should be used, with a preference for organic fertilizers such as compost or manure. The ideal fertilization schedule is every three months.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. plants maintain their shape, size, and health. Pruning should be done at the beginning of the rainy season, and only dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed. Using sterilized pruning tools can help prevent the spread of diseases from one plant to another. Care must be taken not to over-prune, as this can damage the plants and reduce their overall health and appearance.
Propagation of Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov.
Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. can be propagated both through seeds and vegetative means.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds remain viable for a few months and can be sown directly into well-prepared soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced 15-20 cm apart. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks. However, it should be noted that the percentage of germination is usually low.
Propagation through Vegetative Means
Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. can also be propagated through vegetative means. The most common method is through stem cuttings. This method involves the use of cuttings obtained from mature healthy plants. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, preferably from the middle section of the stem. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should be taken in late spring or early summer.
The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until the cuttings have established roots. It is recommended to cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity and increase chances of successful rooting. The cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location when they have developed roots in about 6-8 weeks.
Disease Management
Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. is susceptible to various diseases that can significantly reduce crop yield. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown lesions on leaves, stems, and pods, leading to defoliation and reduced yield. To manage anthracnose, farmers should remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
- Root Rot: Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. is prone to root rot caused by soil-borne pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium spp. Farmers should avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage. Application of fungicides can help control the disease.
- Bacterial Wilt: This disease affects the stem vascular system, causing wilting and death. Crop rotation, use of disease-free seedlings, and removal of infected plant parts can help manage bacterial wilt. Applying copper-based fungicides is also useful.
Pest Management
Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. is also vulnerable to various pests that can cause serious damage. Some common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Leafhoppers: These pests cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Farmers should remove weeds and make use of biological control measures like predators and parasitoids as well as applying insecticides.
- Aphids: Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. is also prone to aphid infestation, which causes wilting of leaves, curling, and stunted growth. Apply insecticides, use yellow sticky traps, or inteoduce natural predators to control the infestation.
- Cutworms: These pests cut the stem of the plant near the soil causing plant death. Farmers can manage cutworms through biological control or use insecticides
Regular monitoring of the crop for signs of pest and disease infestations followed by early intervention and appropriate control measures is critical to successful Indigofera viscosa Lam. var. dembianensis Chiov. cultivation.
