Origin
The Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean area.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Blue Oxeye, Blue Buttons, African Blue Pea, and Indian Pea.
Uses
The Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa is often used in traditional medicine for various purposes. The roots of the plant are used to treat diarrhea and fever. It is also believed to be beneficial for the treatment of liver disorders. The plant is also used as a fodder crop for livestock.
General Appearance
The Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa is a small, herbaceous plant that grows up to 20 cm tall. The plant has a sprawling growth habit and forms small clumps. The leaves of the plant are compound, with six to eight pairs of leaflets, and are about 2-4 cm long. The flowers of the plant are blue, pea-like, and are about 1-2 cm long. The plant produces numerous flowers that are arranged in dense clusters.
Growth Conditions of Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa
Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa commonly known as the Blue Oxeye or African Oxeye is a small, perennial, herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It is commonly found in grasslands, savannahs, and woodland areas.
Light Requirements
Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but the plant may not produce as many flowers and the growth may become leggy and spindly. If grown indoors, it is important to provide bright light to ensure healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to warmer conditions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Ideal temperatures for Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa range from 16 to 26 °C (60 to 80 °F) during the day and 10 to 16 °C (50 to 60 °F) at night. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 4 °C (40 °F) but may experience frost damage.
Soil Requirements
Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa thrives in well-draining soils that have a slightly acidic pH. However, the plant can tolerate a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plant requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth.
Cultivation methods
The Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa is a herbaceous evergreen plant that requires a well-drained soil. It can be grown in pots, but it thrives better when planted directly in the ground. For optimal growth, ensure the plant is well-spaced and gets enough sunlight.
Watering needs
The Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa requires moderate watering. You should water the plant once the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering the plant, as it may lead to root rot and other diseases. In areas with high humidity, reduce the watering rate to prevent the plant's roots from rotting.
Fertilization
Although the Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa plant is not a heavy feeder, you may need to fertilize it occasionally. Fertilize the plant during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid applying fertilizer during the winter season when the plant is dormant. Doing so may lead to the fertilizers burning or shocking the plant's roots.
Pruning
The Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa plant does not require much pruning. However, regular pruning encourages bushy growth and improves air circulation through the plant's stems. Prune the plant lightly after flowering to remove any dead or damaged stems and to maintain shape.
Propagation of Parochetus Communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. Africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa
Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa can be propagated both from seeds and cuttings. Here are the different methods:
Propagation from Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa is to plant seeds directly in the garden or in containers. Sow the seeds approximately 1 cm deep into well-draining soil with good organic matter content. Water them regularly and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Seed propagation is best done during spring or fall when the temperature is mild. Like most legumes, Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa has a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria present in the soil. Therefore, inoculating the seeds with these bacteria before planting can be helpful.
Propagation from Cuttings
Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa can also be propagated from cuttings taken during the growing season. Softwood cuttings that have not yet hardened can be taken and planted in well-draining soil that has been amended with organic matter.
Keep the soil moist and provide a shade cover for the cuttings until they have developed roots. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted to their final position.
Cuttings from this plant are challenging to propagate due to the fact that they are slow to root and do not produce many new shoots. Therefore, it is important to apply a rooting hormone when taking cuttings to help improve the chances of success.
Disease Management
Parochetus communis Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don subsp. africanus (Polhill) Chaudhary & Sanjappa is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, it may be affected by some common diseases that need to be managed to maintain its health and vigor.
One of the common diseases that affect this plant is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plants. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Another disease that may affect Parochetus communis subsp. africanus is root rot, which is caused by the soil-borne fungi. Symptoms of this disease include wilting and stunted growth of the plant. To manage root rot, it is advisable to plant the plant in well-draining soil, ensure proper watering, and avoid overcrowding the plants.
Pest Management
Parochetus communis subsp. africanus is generally not affected by many pests. However, some common pests may occasionally attack the plant, causing significant damage to it.
One of the most common pests that affect this plant is aphids. These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the plant's sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts other insects. Aphids can be managed by using insecticidal soaps, insecticides, or by introducing natural predators.
Another pest that may attack Parochetus communis subsp. africanus is spider mites. These tiny arachnids feed on the plant's fluids and can cause yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for their presence and use insecticidal soaps or miticides to control them.
In conclusion, by being vigilant and taking appropriate measures at the first signs of diseases and pests, Parochetus communis subsp. africanus can be kept healthy and free from damage. Regular inspection, proper watering, and good sanitation practices can go a long way in ensuring a pest-free and healthy plant.
