Overview
Lotononis namaquensis Bolus is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is also known as the Cape pea, Northern Cape pea, and Gem squash pea. The plant is native to Africa, specifically in the Namibian desert, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 40 centimeters tall and it has a spreading habit. Its stem is hairy and its leaves are green and hairy. The flowers of Lotononis namaquensis Bolus are usually vivid yellow and can bloom all year round. The plant's fruits are small, cylindrical pods that can be about 3 to 4 centimeters long.
Uses
Lotononis namaquensis Bolus has some medicinal uses, such as treating wounds and preventing infections. Crushed leaves of the plant can also be used to help relieve pain. Additionally, it is a great plant to use for soil stabilization due to its roots having a strong anchoring system. Moreover, it is used for grazing as it is a highly nutritious plant for livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
Light Requirements
Lotononis namaquensis Bolus requires full sunlight in order to grow and thrive. This plant species needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, and it is not recommended to grow this plant in areas with shade or low-light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Lotononis namaquensis Bolus is a warm-season plant that requires temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius in order to grow and thrive. It is best to grow this plant in areas where the temperatures range between 25-30 degrees Celsius during the day and 18-22 degrees Celsius at night.
Soil Requirements
Lotononis namaquensis Bolus prefers well-drained soils that are sandy or clayey in texture with a pH level of between 5.5-7.5. It is important to avoid growing this plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils since this can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases. When planting Lotononis namaquensis Bolus, it is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or manure to increase soil fertility and improve drainage.
Cultivation
Lotononis namaquensis Bolus, also known as the African Bush Pea, is a hardy plant that grows well in full sun or partial shade. It can be propagated by seed or by cuttings. If propagating by seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix at a depth of no more than 1 cm. Water the soil until moist and place it in a warm area to germinate. Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, Lotononis namaquensis Bolus is relatively drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of water. However, during the growing season, it is essential to water the plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Providing proper nutrients to the plant helps it thrive. A balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growing season, following the instructions on the package. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be used, which will feed the plant over a longer period. Avoid applying fertilizer during the plant's dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning Lotononis namaquensis Bolus is not necessary, but it can help keep the plant tidy and encourage bushier growth. Prune the stems to just above a set of leaves with clean, sharp pruning shears. Pruning can be done at any time during the growing season but is best done in the spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of Lotononis namaquensis Bolus
Lotononis namaquensis Bolus is a hardy ornamental plant that is propagated mainly through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest way to propagate Lotononis namaquensis Bolus is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the pods after they have dried on the plant. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix in seed trays or small pots.
The soil should be kept moist and the trays or pots should be placed in a warm, well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight. Germination of the seeds can take up to two weeks.
After the seedlings have reached a height of about 5cm, they can be transplanted into larger pots or into the ground in a well-draining soil mix. The young plants should be watered regularly until they are established.
Propagation by cuttings
Lotononis namaquensis Bolus can also be propagated by cuttings. Take cuttings about 10cm long from the plant in the spring or early summer. Remove all but the top two leaves from the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix.
The soil should be kept moist and the cutting should be placed in a warm, well-lit area out of direct sunlight. Rooting will occur in 4-6 weeks. After the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the ground in a well-draining soil mix. The young plants should be watered regularly until they are established.
Disease Management
Lotononis namaquensis Bolus is susceptible to various diseases, including fungal infections like powdery mildew, rust, and damping-off disease. Powdery mildew is characterized by the appearance of a white powdery substance on the leaves, while rust causes yellow, orange, or brown spots on both sides of the leaves. Damping-off disease, on the other hand, leads to the rotting of the plant's stem, leading to the death of the seedlings. To manage these diseases, it's better to prevent them from occurring by maintaining good plant hygiene practices. Remove any infected parts of the plant and ensure good air circulation by spacing your plants appropriately to avoid trapping humid air. You can also use a fungicide to control and prevent further spread of fungal infections.
Pest Management
Lotononis namaquensis Bolus can also be affected by different pests, including spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that suck plant sap, leading to yellowing of the leaves and rapid wilting. Aphids, on the other hand, cause curling and distortion of the leaves and the presence of sticky honeydew. Caterpillars feed on the leaves, leading to skeletonization and severe defoliation. To manage these pests, you can use a range of methods, including biological control, cultural practices, and chemical control. Biological control involves using predators and parasites to control pest populations. Cultural practices such as removing infected parts and debris and maintaining good hygiene practices can also help reduce pest occurrence. Chemical control involves the use of insecticides and acaricides to control and prevent the further spread of pests.
