Origin
Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain, commonly known as the hairy physic nut, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. The plant is native to East Africa, including Tanzania and Kenya.
Common Names
Common names for Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain include the hairy physic nut, sand-bur, and ndundulu in Swahili.
Uses
The hairy physic nut has several uses, including medicinal and agricultural applications. The plant has been traditionally used in East Africa to treat digestive issues, such as constipation and diarrhea. It is also used to treat snake bites and skin infections. In addition, the oil extracted from the plant's seeds is used for biofuels and as a lubricant for machinery.
The plant is also used in agriculture as a boundary plant and as an ornamental. Its drought-resistant properties make it an ideal plant for arid regions. Additionally, the plant serves as a source of food for livestock.
General Appearance
Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain is a shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. The leaves are simple, alternate, and broad with a rough texture. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow and are borne in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a three-chambered capsule that contains seeds used for oil extraction.
The plant's stem, leaves, and fruits are covered in short hairs, giving it the common name of hairy physic nut. The plant has a deep taproot, which aids it in surviving in arid regions with low moisture levels.
Light Requirements
Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain prefers full sunlight to partial shade. Therefore, it is essential to grow them in places that receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Insufficient light could lead to stunted growth and poor flowering in the plant. So, it is crucial to keep this in mind when choosing a location for planting.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperature conditions. The ideal temperature range for Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain is between 20°C to 35°C (68°F-95°F). It is necessary to note that temperatures below 5°C (41°F) or above 43°C (109°F) could hamper the growth and development of the plant. Therefore, the plant should be grown in areas where the temperature is within the optimal range.
Soil Requirements
Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain can grow in different soil types, including sandy to loamy soils. However, the ideal soil for planting is well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0-7.5. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in regions with low rainfall. But, planting in a dry region would necessitate proper irrigation.
Cultivation Methods
Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain can be grown through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and maintained at a constant temperature of around 25°C to ensure germination. Once the seedlings have grown to about 10 to 15 cm, they can be transplanted to the main field at a spacing of about 3 meters between plants. The plant prefers full sunlight, and can tolerate a range of climatic conditions.
Watering Needs
The Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain plant requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other diseases. During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering, and in the rainy season, watering can be reduced.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 can be applied every month to facilitate optimal growth. In addition, organic fertilizer such as well-rotted cow manure or compost can be added to the soil to improve soil fertility and provide additional nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain plant requires regular pruning to promote bushy growth and to control the size of the plant. Pruning should be done at the beginning of the growing season, and can involve removing any damaged or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will facilitate proper airflow and sunlight penetration, which are important factors in the growth of the plant.
Propagation of Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain
Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain can be propagated both through seeds and stem cuttings. However, stem cuttings are the preferred propagation method as they are more reliable and produce plants with desirable traits more quickly than seed propagation.
Propagation by Cuttings
To propagate Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain by stem cuttings, first select a healthy parent plant that is at least one year old. Then, take cuttings from the parent plant's stem that are at least 15 cm long and have several nodes.
After removing the leaves and thorns from the bottom half of the cutting, treat the cut end with a rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a container with well-draining soil and water it thoroughly. Cover the container with plastic to maintain humidity and keep it in a shaded area. Regularly water the soil to ensure that it remains moist.
The cutting should take root within two to four weeks. Once new growth emerges, gradually expose the plant to more sunlight until it can handle full sun.
Propagation by Seeds
To propagate Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain by seeds, collect seeds from a mature plant. Remove the outer husk and soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to aid in germination.
Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and water them thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The seeds should germinate within two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have at least two sets of leaves, transplant them into individual containers or a larger bed with well-draining soil.
Disease Management for Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain
Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain, commonly known as the hairy Jatropha, is a hardy plant that is resistant to pests and diseases. However, if conditions are not favorable, the plant may be affected by several diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus and is characterized by brown, sunken lesions that may appear on leaves, stems, and fruit. To manage anthracnose, affected plant parts should be pruned and destroyed, and the use of fungicides may also be necessary.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by a bacterium or fungus and is characterized by circular or angular lesions that are yellow or brown in color. To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be pruned and destroyed, and the use of fungicides may also be necessary.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by a fungus and can cause a white, powdery substance to appear on leaves, flowers, and fruit. To manage powdery mildew, the use of fungicides may be necessary, and in severe cases, affected plant parts should be pruned and destroyed.
Pest Management for Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain
While Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain is resistant to most pests, there are a few that can affect the plant:
- Jatropha stem borer: This pest can cause damage to the stem of the plant. To manage the Jatropha stem borer, the use of insecticides may be necessary, and affected plant parts should be pruned and destroyed.
- Whiteflies: These pests can cause damage to leaves and also transmit viruses. To manage whiteflies, the use of insecticides may be necessary, and affected plant parts should be pruned and destroyed.
Overall, proper sanitation practices, such as pruning and destroying affected plant parts, and the use of fungicides and insecticides when necessary, can help manage diseases and pests in Jatropha hirsuta Hochst. var. glabrescens (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain.
