Overview
Lessertia polystachya Harv. is a medicinal herb that is native to South Africa. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is commonly known as "Kankerbos" or "Cancer bush". The plant is well known for its anti-cancer properties and has also been used to treat various other health conditions.
Appearance
Lessertia polystachya Harv. is a shrub that can grow up to 2m tall. It has a woody stem and small, grey-green leaves that are feathery and pinnate in shape. The plant also produces small, yellow pea-like flowers that grow in elongated clusters. The flowers bloom in spring and summer.
Uses
The Kankerbos plant has a range of medicinal uses. The most well-known use is its anti-cancer properties. The plant contains a range of flavonoids that have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It has also been used to treat a range of other health conditions, including respiratory infections, fever, and stomach ailments. The dried leaves of the plant can be made into a tea that is commonly consumed as a natural remedy.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Kankerbos is also sometimes used for culinary purposes. The leaves of the plant have a bitter taste and can be added to soups or stews for flavor.
Finally, the plant is also used for ornamental purposes. Its yellow flowers and feathery leaves make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes.
Light Requirements:
Lessertia polystachya Harv. requires full sunlight for optimal growth and blooms in the summer. This plant can tolerate partial shade but will not thrive in shady areas. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an area with a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to promote healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant thrives in warm and dry conditions. It is well-adapted to hot and dry climates and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C to 35°C. They are highly tolerant of drought conditions and can survive for an extended period without water. However, it cannot tolerate frost and can be damaged by extreme cold conditions.
Soil Requirements:
Lessertia polystachya Harv. requires a well-drained soil with good aeration. It grows well in sandy or rocky soils, but it can also thrive in loamy soils. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5, and the plant prefers soils with low to moderate fertility. It is highly tolerant of dry and infertile soils and can grow in various soil types, including soils with low nutrient and high salinity levels.
Cultivation methods
Lessertia polystachya Harv., commonly known as "rooihoogtebos" or "wag-'n-bietjie", is a hardy and drought-resistant plant that thrives in dry regions. It prefers to grow in well-draining, rocky soil with a neutral pH. This plant is relatively easy to cultivate, and its seeds can be sown in spring or autumn directly in the ground or in containers.
When sowing directly in the ground, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and mix in some compost or well-rotted manure. Sow the seeds about 5-10mm deep and cover them lightly with soil. Water the area gently and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs. Thin the seedlings to a spacing of 30-60cm apart.
For container planting, prepare a well-draining potting mix and plant the seeds about 5-10mm deep in the soil. Water lightly and ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Place the container in a sunny and sheltered spot.
Watering needs
Lessertia polystachya Harv. is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive long periods without water. For optimum growth and blooming, water the plants regularly during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out between watering to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce the watering frequency to prevent any risk of overwatering.
Fertilization
Lessertia polystachya Harv. does not require frequent fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow too quickly, leading to weak and spindly stems. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in spring, before the start of the growing season. Use a slow-release or granular fertilizer and follow the package instructions for application rates.
Pruning
Pruning plays a minimal role in the care of Lessertia polystachya Harv. and is generally not necessary. However, if the plant becomes too leggy or straggly, pruning can be done in early spring before the start of the growing season. Snip back the stems to promote branching and dense growth. Cut back any dead or damaged stems any time of the year.
Propagation of Lessertia Polystachya Harv.
Lessertia polystachya Harv., commonly known as Kankerbos, is an attractive perennial shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to Southern Africa and is known for its medicinal properties that help boost the immune system, improve digestion, and treat skin conditions.
The propagation of Lessertia polystachya Harv. can be achieved through various methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Lessertia polystachya Harv. is through seeds. The seeds are obtained from the plant's pods, which dry out and split open to release the seeds. Collect the seeds and sow them in a well-prepared seedbed filled with well-draining soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep them moist until they germinate. Seed germination takes around two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have developed, transplant them to their permanent growing position.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is a practical and less time-consuming method. The cuttings are taken from the mature healthy plant, preferably during the spring when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings of about 10cm-15cm in length are taken with sharp, clean secateurs. Remove the lower leaves of the cuttings, leaving only the top two leaves. Dip the cuttings' ends in rooting hormone powder and place them in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the pot with a clear polythene bag and keep it in a shaded area. Check the cuttings' moisture levels daily and mist them if they seem to be dry. After six to eight weeks, the cuttings are ready for transplanting.
Division Propagation
Propagation through division is carried out on established Lessertia polystachya Harv. plants. Divide the plant during the spring when the plant is actively growing. To do this, use a sharp, clean knife to separate the clumps of the mother plant. Ensure that each division has an adequate root system. Transplant the divided plants into well-draining soil and keep them moist until they are established.
Ensure that the propagating environment is clean and pest-free. Provide the seedlings or cuttings with the required nutrients, water, and sunlight as per their needs.
Disease and Pest Management for Lessertia Polystachya Harv.
Lessertia polystachya Harv., commonly known as Sutherlandia, is a medicinal plant species that is native to Southern Africa. It is considered as an important plant for the treatment of various ailments, such as fever, influenza, cancer, and diabetes. Like any other plant species, Sutherlandia is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can limit its growth and productivity.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Sutherlandia plants include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is caused by a fungal infection that results in the formation of a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves, stem, and flowers. Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi that infect the roots, leading to the wilting and eventual death of the plant. Leaf spot, on the other hand, is caused by a bacterial infection that causes the formation of circular spots on the leaves, which then turn brown or yellow.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Sutherlandia plants include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Aphids are small green insects that suck the sap from the plant, deforming the leaves and causing the plant to weaken. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's juices and cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Whiteflies are small flying insects that attach themselves to the underside of the leaves, causing them to yellow and eventually die.
Disease Management
To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them in a sealed bag. Spray the plants with a fungicide that contains copper or sulfur. Preventative measures include planting Sutherlandia in areas that have good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering. To manage root rot, use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering the plant. If the plant is already infected, remove it and replant it in fresh soil. To manage leaf spot, remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them in a sealed bag. Spray the plants with a bactericide that contains copper or streptomycin.
Pest Management
To manage aphids, spray the plants with a solution of water and dish soap, or use insecticidal soap. Introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on the aphids. To manage spider mites, spray the plants with a solution of water and dish soap, or use insecticidal soap. Boost humidity levels around the plants by regularly misting them with water to prevent infestations. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps to catch them. Remove any heavily infested leaves and apply a solution of water and dish soap to the plants.
