Plant Description
Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus is a flowering plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae, which is known for its leguminous plants. This plant is a small, perennial herb, which grows up to 30cm tall. The plant has a woody stem and is highly branched. The leaves are small and alternate, with pinnate venation. The flowers are small, bright yellow and resemble pea flowers. They are borne in clusters at the top of the branches.
Common Names
Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus is commonly referred to as 'bitterbossie' or 'kankerbossie' in South Africa, where it is mostly found. The name 'bitterbossie' is a direct translation of its Afrikaans common name, which means 'bitter bush.' Its name 'kankerbossie' means 'cancer bush' and is attributed to its traditional use in the local population as a medicinal plant for the treatment of cancer and other ailments.
Uses
The plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional African medicine for centuries. The roots and leaves of the plant are rich in flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The plant is commonly used to treat various ailments, including skin infections, diarrhea, and coughs. The plant's medicinal properties have been scientifically proven, and it is now being researched for its potential use in cancer treatment.
General Appearance
Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus is a small, woody, perennial herb that grows up to 30cm tall. The plant has a bushy appearance due to its highly branched network of stems. The leaves are small and dark green, with pinnate venation. The flowers are small, bright yellow, and resemble pea flowers. The plants seldom produce fruit, but when they do, the fruits are small, brown, and pod-like. The plant's general appearance may vary depending on its growing conditions, such as soil type, climate, and exposure to sunlight.
Light Requirements
The Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but exposure to full sunlight is preferred. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate this plant in an area with access to direct sunlight for at least six hours every day.
Temperature Requirements
The Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. However, it grows best in a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 20°C to 30°C. It is essential to avoid extremely high temperatures as it can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus prefers a well-draining and fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should also have good aeration to prevent the root system from rotting. It is advisable to add organic matter to the soil to enhance the nutrient content and improve moisture retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods
The Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus plant is a hardy succulent that grows well in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It requires full sunlight for 6 to 8 hours a day and can also tolerate partial shade. The plant can be propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. To propagate stem cuttings, cut off a healthy stem of about 10 cm in length, let it dry in a shaded area for a few days, and plant it in well-draining soil. For leaf cuttings, remove a healthy leaf from the plant, let it dry in the shade for a few days, and then plant it in well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
The Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus plant requires minimal watering, especially during the winter months when it is dormant. Overwatering can lead to root rot and kill the plant. The plant should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. When watering, make sure to pour water at the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent the plant from rotting or getting fungal infections.
Fertilization
The Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus plant does not require frequent fertilization. Fertilization should only be done during the growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer months. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is suitable for the plant. Fertilize the plant once a month with diluted fertilizer to prevent over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
The Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus plant does not require frequent pruning, but it may be necessary to remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems. Pruning should be done in the spring or summer months, but it is important to avoid over-pruning as this can stunt the growth of the plant. Use a clean pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts to prevent damaging the plant. Additionally, pruning can be done to maintain the desired shape or size of the plant.
Propagation of Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus
Propagation of Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus is primarily done by seed. The following are the propagation methods that can be used to propagate the plant:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus can be sown in trays or seedbeds. The steps involved in seed propagation are:
- Collect mature seeds from the plant and remove any debris or unwanted materials.
- Clean the seeds by washing them with clean water to remove any remaining debris or pulp.
- Soak the seeds in hot water for a few hours to soften the hard seed coat and to promote germination.
- Sow the seeds in trays or seedbeds containing a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
- Keep the trays or seedbeds moist and in a warm, sunny location until the seeds germinate, which typically takes two to four weeks.
- Thin out the seedlings to one every few centimeters (depending on their vigour).
- Transplant the seedlings to individual pots or planting sites once they are well established.
Overall, the seed propagation method is easy to follow, and the seeds germinate relatively quickly, making it an efficient method of propagation for Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri (Bolus) L.Bolus.
Disease Management for Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri
Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri, commonly known as Cape Pea or Sutherlandia, is generally a hardy plant that can resist many diseases. However, it is susceptible to certain diseases, including:
- Root rot: This fungal disease can affect the plant when the soil is too moist. To manage root rot, reduce watering and improve drainage.
- Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. To manage mildew, remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Virus: The Tobacco mosaic virus can infect Lessertia pauciflora and cause severe damage to the plant. To manage virus infections, remove any infected plants and clean your gardening tools before using them on any other plants.
Pest Management for Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri
Like most plants, Lessertia pauciflora Harv. var. schlechteri can be affected by pests. Here are some of the common pests that might attack this plant and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can damage the plant by sucking its sap. To control aphids, wash the plant with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Cutworms: These pests cut the stems of young plants at soil level. To control cutworms, use insecticides or other biological control methods, such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause webbing and discoloration on the leaves. To control mites, wash the plant with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap.
Regular inspection of the plant can help prevent infestations and catch them before they become too severe. Remember to always follow the instructions on any pesticides or fungicides used, and try to use the most environmentally friendly methods possible.
