Overview
Parochetus africanus Polhill is a flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae, also known as the pea or legume family. It is a low-growing, herbaceous plant native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Common Names
The common English name for this plant is African blue butterfly pea. In Swahili, it is known as mzizi-khadilifu or mzizi-mbichi.
Appearance
Parochetus africanus Polhill is a perennial plant with a prostrate, mat-forming growth habit. Its leaves are trifoliate, with ovate to oblong leaflets that are 1-2 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide. The plants typically grow 10-30 cm tall and 30-60 cm wide.
The flowers of the African blue butterfly pea are striking and unique. They are typically blue to violet-blue in color, with a butterfly-shaped corolla that is 1-1.5 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early autumn and are followed by small, cylindrical pods that contain 2-4 seeds.
Uses
Parochetus africanus Polhill is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, prized for its attractive foliage and showy flowers. It is a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and as a groundcover for sunny areas. The plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
In traditional African medicine, various parts of the plant are used to treat a range of ailments, including colds, coughs, and fever. The roots of the plant are also used to make a yellow dye that is used to color textiles.
Light Requirements
Parochetus africanus Polhill thrives well in bright light. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure daily. However, partial shade is also tolerable, especially during hot weather.
Temperature Conditions
This plant species prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 60°F to 78°F. It cannot withstand temperatures below 50°F or above 85°F. Therefore, it would help if you placed it in a temperature-controlled environment for optimal growth.
Soil Type and Fertility
Parochetus africanus Polhill requires well-draining, porous soil. The soil pH should range between 6.0 - 7.0. Use a sandy loam mixture containing equal parts of sand, loam, and peat moss to grow this plant. Adding organic matter to the soil improves fertility and promotes healthy growth.
Water Requirements
Parochetus africanus Polhill requires moderate watering. The soil should be evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. During hot weather, you can water the plant twice a week.
Fertilizer
The plant requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during its active growth period. Fertilization frequency should be reduced during its dormant phase. Over-fertilizing the plant can lead to weak growth, damaged roots, and death.
Cultivation Methods
Parochetus africanus Polhill, also known as the blue oxeye or African oxeye, thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soils that are moderately fertile. It prefers partial shade to full sun exposure and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. If desired, seeds should be sown in the spring after the last expected frost, barely covering them with soil. Cuttings may be taken in early summer, treated with rooting hormone, and planted into well-draining soil mixture.
Watering Needs
The blue oxeye requires regular watering during the growing season. A consistent supply of moisture in the soil will produce more lush foliage and promote better blooming. However, the plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, which can cause root rot and compromise its health.
It is important to allow the top layer of soil to dry out between watering. To determine if the plant needs watering, poke a finger into the soil. If it is dry down to a depth of an inch or two, water the plant until the soil is evenly moist.
Fertilization
In well-draining, well-composted soil, Parochetus africanus Polhill does not need regular fertilizer. However, if grown in poor soil, it benefits from an annual application of slow-release granular all-purpose fertilizer in early spring. This will provide the nutrients the plant needs for blooming and growth throughout the season.
It is best to avoid over-fertilizing the blue oxeye, as this can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
Pruning
The blue oxeye does not require regular pruning, but it benefits from periodic trimming to promote a more compact and bushy growth habit and to remove any dead or damaged foliage. Pruning should be done in early spring, just before the growing season begins.
To prune, use clean, sharp shears to cut back the stems to just above a leaf node. Disinfect the shears between cuts with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of disease. After pruning, water the plant thoroughly, and apply a slow-release fertilizer to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Parochetus africanus Polhill
Parochetus africanus Polhill is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to eastern and southern Africa. It is an easy-to-grow plant and highly valued for its beautiful flowers and the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. Here are some of the propagation methods for this plant:
Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Parochetus africanus Polhill is through seeds. The plant produces many seeds, which can be harvested easily once the flowers dry out. The seed pods are small and papery, and the seeds are small and black. To ensure successful germination, soak the seeds overnight in water before sowing them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the seed tray in a warm and bright location. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks.
Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is also possible, but it is more challenging than using seeds. Stem cuttings should be taken from the parent plant in early spring and should be at least 3 inches long. Remove all the leaves except for the top two and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag to increase humidity. Place the cutting in a bright location but avoid direct sunlight. After four to six weeks, the cuttings should start developing roots, and they can be gradually acclimated to normal room conditions.
Division
Parochetus africanus Polhill can also be propagated through division. Dig up the entire plant in spring or fall, and separate the clumps into smaller sections. Make sure each section has a few leaves and roots. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mix and water them thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the plant in a bright location but avoid direct sunlight. The divided plants usually establish themselves relatively quickly and produce new growth within a few weeks.
Overall, Parochetus africanus Polhill is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and gardeners of any experience level can successfully propagate it through seeds, cuttings, or division.
Disease and Pest Management for Parochetus africanus Polhill
Parochetus africanus Polhill, commonly known as Blue Oxalis, is a beautiful, low-growing plant that is native to southern Africa. Although it is a hardy plant, it can still fall prey to various diseases and pests that can attack it at any time. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants in the Oxalis family. It appears as dusty, white spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to leaf yellowing and can cause poor growth. The best way to manage this disease is by removing the infected leaves and composting them. You can also apply a fungicide to the plant to help manage the disease and prevent it from spreading to other plants.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is caused by various fungi growing in the soil. Overwatering and poor drainage can contribute to the development of this disease. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. It is best to avoid overwatering the plant and to ensure that the soil drains well. Also, remove any affected plants immediately and discard or compost them to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are one of the most common pests that can affect Parochetus africanus Polhill. These tiny insects feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to become curled or deformed. The best way to manage an aphid infestation is to wash them off the plant using a spray of water or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are another common pest that can attack Blue Oxalis. These tiny pests also feed on the plant's sap and can cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and webbing. A strong blast of water can help dislodge and control these pests. You can also apply a miticide to the plant to manage an infestation of spider mites.
By following the above suggestions to control diseases and pests, your Parochetus africanus Polhill should continue to thrive and remain healthy.
