Overview
Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce, commonly known as Devil's Thorn or Slangbos, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant has various medicinal properties and is found in many parts of Africa.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 80 cm tall, with a woody stem at the base and herbaceous stems above it. The leaves are pinnately compound and have small leaflets that are less than 1 cm in length. The plant produces yellow flowers that have a red or brownish center and are about 1 cm in diameter.
Origin
Lessertia herbacea is native to Africa and is found in various regions across the continent, including South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. The plant prefers well-drained soil and is commonly found in grasslands and savannas.
Common Names
The plant is known by various names in different African countries including:
- Devil's Thorn
- Slangbos
- Mongongo a Pitsi (Botswana)
- Umutsha (Zimbabwe)
Uses
The roots, stems, and leaves of Lessertia herbacea are used for medicinal purposes in African traditional medicine. The plant has various health benefits and is used to treat a range of conditions, including fever, infections, and stomach problems. The roots of the plant are also used to make a tea that is believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
The plant is also used in African cultural rituals to ward off evil spirits. The thorny seed pods are believed to have protective properties and are sometimes worn as jewelry or placed in homes to keep away evil spirits.
In addition, the plant is used as a forage for livestock and is an important source of food for wild animals such as antelope and rabbits.
Growth Conditions for Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce
Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce, commonly known as Sutherlandia, is a shrubby plant species native to South Africa. It is a hardy and resilient plant that can survive in a range of environments, but certain conditions are optimal for growth.
Light
Sutherlandia requires a lot of sunlight to grow successfully. It can tolerate partial shade, but full sun is ideal. As a result, it thrives in bright, open areas and is often found growing in fields and on hillsides.
Temperature
Sutherlandia can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it does best in warm to hot conditions. The ideal temperature range is between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20-30°C). When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10°C), growth may slow down or stop, and the plant can become susceptible to frost damage.
Soil Requirements
Sutherlandia is a drought-tolerant plant that can grow in a variety of soil types. It prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. However, it can also grow in poor soils with low fertility and high levels of salt. If the soil is too wet or waterlogged, the plant can suffer from root rot and other fungal diseases.
Overall, Sutherlandia is a hardy and adaptable plant species that can thrive in a variety of growth conditions. With the right amount of light, warmth, and well-draining soil, it can grow and spread rapidly, making it an excellent option for landscaping and land restoration projects.
Cultivation Methods for Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce
Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce, commonly known as cancer bush, is a hardy shrub that typically grows up to 2 meters tall. It is best cultivated in areas with full sun exposure and well-drained soil with a pH of 6-8.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, with the latter method being more reliable. Cuttings should be taken during early spring, and seedlings should be transplanted after the last frost.
Watering Needs for Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce
Watering of Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce should be done sparingly, especially during dry periods. The shrub is drought-tolerant and can survive on minimal water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
It is advisable to water the plant deeply, once every two weeks, during the growing season. However, during the dormant season, watering should be reduced to once every month.
Fertilization of Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce
Fertilization can improve the growth and overall health of Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce. However, the plant does not require excessive fertilization.
It is recommended to fertilize the plant once a year, during the early spring, using a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Additionally, adding compost to the soil can provide the necessary nutrients for the plant.
Pruning of Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce
Pruning Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce is not necessary, as the plant has a natural growth habit. However, if pruning is desired, it should be done after the shrub has finished flowering.
Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and any shaping or sizing should be done sparingly, to avoid damaging the plant's natural beauty. Pruning can also improve air circulation within the shrub, preventing the occurrence of diseases.
Propagation of Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce
Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce, commonly known as "Cancer bush," is a well-known medicinal plant native to Southern Africa. It has long been used as a traditional medicine for treating various illnesses such as cancer, tuberculosis, and diabetes. Propagation of Lessertia herbacea can be done by various methods, including seed germination, stem cuttings, and layering.Seed Germination
Seeds of Lessertia herbacea are readily available and easy to grow. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring season. Before sowing, the seeds must be soaked in warm water for a few hours or overnight to enhance germination. The seeds are then sown in sandy soil and covered lightly with soil. The soil must be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within two to three weeks.Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is a quick and easy method to propagate Lessertia herbacea. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season in spring or summer. Select healthy stems and cut them from the parent plant, ensuring that each cutting has four to six leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder. The cutting is then planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly until roots have formed.Layering
Layering is another effective propagation method for Lessertia herbacea. Choose a healthy branch that is low on the parent plant and bend it towards the ground. Make small incisions on the bottom side of the branch and cover the wounded area with soil. The branch is then secured to the ground with a small stake. The branch will eventually produce new roots, and once this happens, it can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a new location.Conclusion
Lessertia herbacea is a valuable medicinal plant with various therapeutic properties. Propagation of this plant can be easily done by seed germination, stem cuttings, and layering. Each propagation method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is crucial to select a method that suits the grower's needs and requirements.Disease Management of Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce
Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce, commonly known as the Cancer bush, is a resilient plant that can tolerate harsh environmental conditions. However, it is susceptible to some diseases that can hinder its growth and development. Some of the common diseases include:
1. Phytophthora root rot
This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce. Symptoms of the disease include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. To manage the disease, it is important to practice good plant hygiene, which involves removing infected plants from the field, disinfecting farm implements, and avoiding over-irrigation. Fungicide application may also be necessary, but this needs to be implemented with caution to avoid negative effects on the plant.
2. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular or irregular shaped spots on leaves. The spots may appear yellow, brown, or black, and they may coalesce as the disease progresses, leading to defoliation. To manage leaf spot in Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce, it is important to improve air circulation and reduce humidity by spacing the plants adequately and avoiding over-irrigation. Fungicide application may also be necessary, but only as a last resort.
Pest Management of Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce
Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce is generally resistant to pests, which is one of its strengths. However, it may be attacked by some pests that can cause significant damage if left uncontrolled. Some of the common pests include:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plants, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yield. To manage aphids in Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce, it is important to practice good plant hygiene, which involves removing infested plants from the field, controlling ant populations, and promoting the presence of natural enemies such as ladybirds and lacewings.
2. Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on plant sap and cause yellowing of leaves, defoliation, and reduced yield. To manage spider mites in Lessertia herbacea (L.) Druce, it is important to improve air circulation and reduce humidity by spacing the plants adequately and avoiding over-irrigation. Insecticidal soap or botanical insecticides may also be used to kill the pests, but this needs to be implemented with caution to avoid negative effects on the plant.
