Overview
Polygala sennii Chiov. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Polygalaceae family. It is also known as Sen's Milkwort or the African Pea. The plant is native to Ethiopia and grows in the areas with an elevation of 3000-3400 meters above sea level.
Appearance
Polygala sennii Chiov. is a perennial herb that grows up to 20-40 cm in height. The plant has a woody root that is typically branched. The leaves are oblong, measuring 10-17 mm in length and 2-3 mm in width. The color of the leaves is dark green, and they are arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers of Polygala sennii Chiov. are purplish-pink and are arranged in compact racemes. The fruit is a small, black, flattened capsule that contains one seed.
Uses
Polygala sennii Chiov. has various medicinal uses in Ethiopia. The root and aerial parts of the plant are used to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma and coughs. The plant's roots are also used to manage hypertension. The plant is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat skin conditions such as boils. Additionally, the plant contains alkaloids that have shown promising results in anticancer treatments.
In traditional medicine, an infusion of the roots is used externally for inflamed eyes, and a leaf infusion is used for toothache. The oil obtained from the seeds of Polygala sennii Chiov. is known to have antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat bacterial infections.
Light Requirements:
Polygala sennii Chiov. is a plant species that thrives well in direct sunlight. Therefore, it would be best to plant it in a location that receives full sunlight. The plant requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight to ensure proper growth.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant can tolerate both high and low temperatures. However, it would be best to keep the temperature between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. During the winter, the plant can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius, but it is advisable to keep it above the freezing point. On hotter days, it would be best to water the plant more frequently to keep it hydrated.
Soil Requirements:
The plant prefers well-draining soils with high organic matter content. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for the plant's growth. It also thrives well in mildly acidic soils, but alkaline soils may cause stunted growth. Therefore, it would be best to amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve water retention.
Cultivation methods
Polygala sennii Chiov. is a plant that thrives in well-draining, sandy soil. It requires full sunlight to grow and the ideal temperature range for its growth is between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius.
You can grow this plant from seed or propagate through stem cuttings. If growing from seeds, sow them in well-drained soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until germination, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks.
For propagation through stem cuttings, take a healthy stem from a mature plant and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant it in well-drained soil and keep the soil moist. Roots will develop within four weeks.
Watering needs
Polygala sennii Chiov. needs regular watering to grow and thrive. Water it deeply once a week, making sure the soil is well-drained. During the hot summer months, it may require additional watering to prevent the soil from drying out.
However, be careful not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot. It is best to water the plant only when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Polygala sennii Chiov. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer, following the package instructions on the amount to use.
Do not fertilize during the winter months as the plant is dormant at this time.
Pruning
Polygala sennii Chiov. requires minimal pruning, but it is important to remove any dead or diseased wood to promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in early spring before the growing season begins or after the flowering period is over.
You can also prune the plant to shape it or to remove any unwanted growth. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent any damage to the plant.
Remember to disinfect the pruning shears with rubbing alcohol or a solution of bleach and water before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Polygala sennii Chiov.
Polygala sennii Chiov. can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The plant produces seeds after the flowering season, and it can be propagated through seedlings. The seeds should be collected from the plant when they are mature and planted immediately. The seeds should be sown shallowly in a germination tray with soil mixture that drains well. The tray should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and exposed to bright, indirect light. Germination can take up to four weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, they should be transplanted to individual pots where they can grow to maturity.
Propagation through cuttings
Polygala sennii Chiov. can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken from the plant during the active growth phase. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy and mature plant and should be about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with soil that drains well. Keep the soil moist and warm and expose it to bright, indirect light. Roots should develop in about 3-4 weeks. Once the roots are established, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot where it can grow to maturity.
Disease Management
Polygala sennii Chiov. is a hardy plant that does not typically succumb to serious disease problems. However, it is still vulnerable to a few diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. The following are some of the common diseases that can affect Polygala sennii Chiov:
Fungal Diseases
One of the major diseases that can affect Polygala sennii Chiov. is fungal infection. The most common fungal diseases affecting this plant include powdery mildew and root rot. To avoid fungal growth, provide the plant with well-draining soil, proper ventilation, and ensure that it does not get overwatered. In cases where the plant has already been infected, treat it with an appropriate fungicide.
Viral Diseases
Polygala sennii Chiov. is prone to viral infections such as yellow virus and mosaic virus. These viruses can cause yellowing and mottling of leaves, stunted growth, and deformities. To avoid viral infection, remove and destroy infected plants and control the insects that transmit the virus.
Pest Management
Like other plants, Polygala sennii Chiov. is susceptible to insect infestations. Insect pests can damage the plant by sucking its sap, causing the leaves to wilt, and deforming plant structures. The following are some of the common pests that can affect Polygala sennii Chiov:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause massive damage to Polygala sennii Chiov. They suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to yellow and drop. Also, they spin fine webs on the plant surfaces, which makes the plant look unsightly. To manage spider mites, ensure that the plant is kept well-watered, and spray it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny winged insects that can cause damage to Polygala sennii Chiov. They feed by puncturing the plant cells, weakening the plant. Signs of thrips infestations include discoloration of flower petals and stippled leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control thrips on the plant.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can cause damage to Polygala sennii Chiov. by chewing on leaves and damaging plant structures. Signs of caterpillar infestations include large holes on leaves and droppings. You can pick caterpillars off the plant manually or use an appropriate insecticide to get rid of them.
