Description of Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz
Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz is a plant belonging to the Fabaceae family which is commonly known as "Fenchel's rhynchosia".
Origin
This plant is found in the eastern parts of South Africa, particularly in the KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces.
General appearance
Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1.5m in height. It has a sprawling habit and produces stems that are flexible and slender. The stem is pale green and slightly grooved. The leaves of the plant are alternate and trifoliate with petioles that are almost equal in length to the leaflets. The bright green leaflets of the plant are ovate in shape and have a smooth texture.
The inflorescence of Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz is a raceme of showy yellow flowers that have a butterfly-like shape.
Uses
The roots of Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach disorders, fever, and inflammation. The leaves and stem of the plant are also used in some communities for animal fodder.
Additionally, the plant is used for soil conservation and restoration purposes due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
Light Requirements
Rhynchosia totta var. fenchelii Schinz grows well in full sunlight. The plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Lack of sunlight can lead to stunted growth or even death of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Rhynchosia totta var. fenchelii Schinz is between 25°C and 35°C. This plant cannot thrive in temperatures below 15°C, and temperatures above 40°C can lead to stress and damage. The plant is best suited for a tropical or subtropical climate.
Soil Requirements
Rhynchosia totta var. fenchelii Schinz grows in a variety of soils, but it thrives in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be fertile and rich in nutrients, preferably with plenty of organic matter. The plant is not tolerant of waterlogged or highly saline soils, which can lead to root damage and affect growth.
Cultivation Methods
Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz is a perennial shrub that grows in many different soil types. The plant prefers a well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The shrub can tolerate a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. The plant can grow in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C.
The best time to plant Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. Planting should be done in holes that are two to three times larger than the size of the root ball. The plant should be placed in the hole, and the soil should be gently packed around the roots. The shrub should be watered deeply after planting.
Watering Needs
Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz requires regular watering to thrive. The shrub should be watered deeply once a week during the dry seasons. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The plant should be checked regularly for signs of drought stress such as wilting or yellowing leaves, and watered as needed.
Fertilization
Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied in moderation during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the shrub and watered in. Organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure can also be used to keep the soil fertile.
Pruning
Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz does not require much pruning. The shrub can be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The pruning should be done to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the shrub. The shrub can also be pruned lightly after flowering to promote bushier growth and more blooms.
Propagation of Rhynchosia Totta (Thunb.) DC. var. Fenchelii Schinz
Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz is a woody climber plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly known as the Fenchel's Rhynchosia. The plant has yellow flowers and a woody stem that can reach up to 5 m in height. Propagation of Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz can be done through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz is through seed. The seeds should be collected from mature pods, which should be left on the plant until they dry out. Once collected, the seeds should be cleaned and scarified mechanically or soaked in hot water to break the seed coat dormancy. After scarification, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing.
The seeds should be sown in a well-drained potting medium, covered with a thin layer of soil, and kept moist. They should be placed in a warm and bright location with a temperature between 25-30°C. Germination takes between two to three weeks, after which the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots.
Cutting Propagation
Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy mature stems that are free from diseases and pests. Each cutting should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained potting mix. They should be placed in a partially shaded location and watered regularly. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent fungal diseases.
The cuttings will start forming roots within three to four weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Layering Propagation
Layering is another method of propagating Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz. The stem of the plant is bent towards the soil, and a part of it is buried under the soil. The buried part of the stem will develop roots, which can be separated from the parent plant once they are well-established.
The layering should be done during the growing season, and the soil around the parent plant should be kept moist to encourage root formation. The rooted stem can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation of Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. fenchelii Schinz through seed, cutting, and layering is easy and can produce multiple plants, making it an ideal method for both commercial and home gardeners.
Disease Management
Rhynchosia totta is generally a pest and disease-resistant plant; however, some common diseases that can affect the plant include:
1. Mosaic virus: This is a viral disease that causes yellowing and distortions of the leaves. The virus is spread by sap-sucking insects such as aphids, whiteflies, and thrips. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected plants and weeds around them. Additionally, control the insect vectors by using insecticides.
2. Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves that may spread to cause blight or dieback of the plant. The disease is spread by splashing of water containing the fungal spores from an infected plant to healthy ones. The management strategies include planting disease-resistant cultivars, pruning infected plant parts, applying fungicides, and minimizing plant stress.
3. Root rot: This is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and may lead to stunted growth or death of the plant. The management strategies include planting in well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering, removing infected plants, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
The pests that can affect Rhynchosia totta include:
1. Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects cause distortion and yellowing of leaves by sucking the sap. They can also transmit viruses from an infected to a healthy plant. The management strategies include using insecticidal soaps and oils, pruning of infected parts, planting companion plants that repel aphids, and using sticky traps.
2. Whiteflies: These small, white winged insects suck sap from the leaves, resulting in yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. They also excrete honeydew, leading to the growth of black sooty mold on the leaves. The management strategies include using yellow sticky traps, pruning of infected parts, and using insecticidal soaps and oils.
3. Caterpillars: These larvae of moths and butterflies can cause significant damage to the leaves by feeding on them. The management strategies include handpicking the caterpillars, using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and insecticidal soap and oils, and planting companion plants that repel caterpillars.
