Overview
Pseudarthria hookeri Wight & Arn. var. hookeri is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae, commonly known as Indian coral-tree or Hooker's salwood. It is an important medicinal plant that has been used in various traditional medicinal practices.
Origin and Distribution
Pseudarthria hookeri is native to India, where it is widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the country, including the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. It is also found in other parts of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Indian coral-tree, Hooker's salwood, Chinsurah sal, and Kundalini in India. In Tamil Nadu, it is called Vellai-mantharai and in Malayalam, it is known as Cherukonna.
Appearance
Pseudarthria hookeri is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 6 meters in height with a trunk diameter of up to 30 cm. The plant has an erect and cylindrical stem, with a grayish-brown bark that is rough and fissured. The leaves are compound and pinnate, with 3-5 pairs of leaflets, which are oblong-lanceolate in shape, and measure 2-7 cm in length and 1-3 cm in width. The plant produces small, pale green or yellowish flowers in axillary racemes, each measuring 1-1.5 cm in length. The fruit is a flat, brownish pod, about 4-9 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide, containing up to 8 seeds.
Uses
Pseudarthria hookeri has many medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is known to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and anticonvulsant properties, making it useful in treating various diseases and disorders. The plant is commonly used to treat joint and muscle pains, rheumatism, arthritis, and fever. Pseudarthria hookeri is also used as a natural remedy for snakebites and scorpion stings. In addition to its medicinal uses, the wood of the plant is used for construction and making furniture.
Light Requirements
The Pseudarthria hookeri Wight & Arn. var. hookeri plant prefers partial sun. It grows well in shaded areas and can tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours but needs protection in hot afternoons. It is best to keep the plant out of direct sunlight during the afternoon hours as too much sun could damage the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate hot temperatures and is native to the tropics. Its growth is optimal at temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). It can survive light frost and temperatures above or below its optimal range but it affects the plant's growth. The plant should not be exposed to temperatures below 0°C (32°F) for prolonged periods.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained, fertile soil. It can adapt to different soil types but needs good drainage as it cannot tolerate waterlogging. The pH range for optimal growth is 5.5-6.5. The plant is susceptible to root rot, and proper soil drainage is necessary to avoid this. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and regular fertilization is advised to promote optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Pseudarthria hookeri Wight & Arn. var. hookeri is commonly grown in temperate regions with well-drained soil. It thrives in full sunlight and partial shade. It requires moderate humidity, and temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
When growing Pseudarthria hookeri var. hookeri, ensure that you plant the seeds in pots filled with rich, well-draining soil mixtures. Once planted, cover the pots with plastic to trap in moisture and promote germination.
Watering Needs
Pseudarthria hookeri var. hookeri needs consistent moisture to grow healthy, but it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Therefore, it is advised to water regularly but avoid soaking the soil. Water the plant whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
During the winter season, reduce the frequency of watering, as the plant goes into a dormant state.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Pseudarthria hookeri var. hookeri promotes new growth and flowering. It is recommended to use organic fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize once every two to three weeks during the growing season, from early spring to late summer.
Avoid overfertilizing, as it can cause damage to the plant and reduce its growth.
Pruning
Pruning Pseudarthria hookeri var. hookeri helps to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Prune the plant in the late winter to early spring season, just before new growth starts to appear.
Remove dead, damaged, diseased, or yellowing leaves, stem tips, and branches. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, and avoid tearing or damaging the plant's healthy tissues.
Propagation of Pseudarthria Hookeri Wight & Arn. var. Hookeri
Pseudarthria hookeri Wight & Arn. var. hookeri, also known as Sookshma, is a perennial herb endemic to the Western Ghats of India. The plant can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual propagation
Seeds of Pseudarthria hookeri can be collected from mature fruits during the monsoon season, usually from July to September. The seeds can be sown in nursery beds during the rainy season, either directly or after treatment with cow urine or ash for better germination. The nursery beds should be well-draining, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm. Germination can take 15 to 30 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual containers after 3 to 4 months.
Asexual propagation
Propagation of Pseudarthria hookeri through stem cuttings is also possible. The best time for taking cuttings is during the monsoon season when the plant is actively growing. Softwood cuttings of about 10 to 15 cm in length, with a few nodes, can be collected from the tip of the stem and treated with rooting hormones. The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium consisting of sand and peat moss in a ratio of 1:1. The pot should be covered with a polythene sheet, and the cuttings should be watered regularly. It takes about 3 to 4 weeks for the cuttings to form roots and can be transplanted to individual containers after 2 to 3 months.
Disease Management
The Pseudarthria hookeri Wight & Arn. var. hookeri plant is known to be fairly resistant to diseases. However, some fungal and bacterial diseases can still occur. The most common diseases that affect this plant are root rot, leaf spot, and anthracnose.
Root rot is caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil, leading to the death of the roots and eventual death of the plant. To manage this disease, ensure the plant is not overwatered and the soil has adequate drainage. Avoid planting in poorly-drained soil.
Leaf spot is caused by fungal disease, and it appears as small, brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove affected foliage and dispose of it properly. Avoid overhead watering, as water on the leaves can encourage the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to manage this disease, but it's essential to follow the instructions on the label.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease, and it causes brown spots on the leaves and stem cankers. To manage anthracnose, remove affected foliage and dispose of it properly. Prune affected branches to avoid the spread of the disease to other parts of the plant. Fungicides can also be used to manage this disease, but it's essential to follow the instructions on the label.
Pest Management
The Pseudarthria hookeri Wight & Arn. var. hookeri plant can also be affected by pests such as scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to plant leaves and feed on sap. They appear as small, circular, waxy scales on the foliage. To manage scale insects, remove affected foliage and dispose of it properly. Use a solution of insecticidal soap to control a severe infestation.
Mealybugs are soft-bodied, white, and waxy pests that appear in clusters on the plant's foliage. They suck sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, remove affected foliage and dispose of it properly. Use a solution of insecticidal soap to control a severe infestation.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap and spin webs on the foliage. They appear as tiny yellow dots on the foliage. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to dislodge them. Use a solution of insecticidal soap to control a severe infestation.
Regularly inspecting your plant and maintaining good hygiene practices can go a long way in preventing disease and pest infestations. Ensure the plant has adequate light, water, and nutrients to promote healthy growth and make it less susceptible to diseases and pests.
