Origin
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst. is a plant species that belongs to Sesamum, a flowering plant genus in the family Pedaliaceae. This subspecies is native to Angola and it can be found in the province of Namibe.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as "Angola sesame" or "Angola wild sesame".
Uses
The seeds of Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst. have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments including stomach disorders, coughs, and rheumatism. The oil extracted from the seeds is used in cooking, cosmetics, and as a lubricant. In Angola, the plant is also used as a traditional source of fiber for making ropes and baskets.
General Appearance
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst. is an annual or perennial herb with a height of up to 1 meter. The leaves are simple and alternate, with a length of up to 15 centimeters and a width of up to 6 centimeters. The flowers are purple and arranged in clusters. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both drought and high temperatures.
Light Requirements
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii requires full sun to partial shade. The plant should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure proper growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures and cannot withstand frost or freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 and 7.5. Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii prefers sandy or loamy soil with good organic matter content. It is also important to ensure proper soil moisture levels for optimal growth.
Cultivation of Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst.
The cultivation of Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst. requires well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It grows well in sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant requires full sun exposure to grow correctly and should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst. can be propagated through seedlings or by sowing the seeds directly in the garden. It is suggested to start seedlings indoors for three to four weeks before transplanting them outside, preferably in the spring season.
Watering Needs for Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst.
Once established, Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst. is relatively drought-tolerant and only requires watering when the soil begins to dry out. It is recommended to water the plant deep enough to reach the roots and to avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst.
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst. requires minimal fertilization and can thrive without it. It is suggested to add organic compost or well-aged manure to the soil before planting and to add a balanced fertilizer every two to three months to promote growth.
Pruning Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst.)
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst. does not require regular pruning. However, to maintain the plant's shape and to promote bushier growth, it is suggested to pinch back the tips of young plants after transplanting them outside. It can also be pruned in the fall season to remove any dead or diseased branches.
Propagation of Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst.
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst., commonly known as wild sesame, is a plant species that belongs to the family Pedaliaceae. Propagation of the plant can be done through various methods that include:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of the Sesamum calycinum can be done through the use of seeds. The seeds should be collected from the fruit when it has dried. The collected seeds should then be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready for planting. Sowing of the seeds should be done during the rainy season, and they should be sown at a depth of about 0.5 to 1 centimeter. Germination of the seeds can take between 10 to 15 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Propagation of Sesamum calycinum can also be done through vegetative means. Cutting of the plants should be done using healthy young branches, and the cuttings should be about 10 to 15 centimeters long. The cuttings should then be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a moist and shaded area until they develop roots, which usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks.
Division
Division is another propagation method that can be used for Sesamum calycinum. The plant should be carefully dug out of the ground, and the root system should be gently divided into smaller portions. Each smaller portion should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a moist and shaded area until they develop roots.
Propagation of Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst. can be done through seed propagation, vegetative propagation or division. Regular watering, fertilization, and pest control are essential for the healthy growth of the plant.
Disease Management
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst. is susceptible to a range of diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: Caused by the fungus Colletotrichum capsici, this disease results in the formation of dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and pods. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant debris, practice crop rotation, and treat with a fungicide.
- Fusarium wilt: This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum and causes yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and wilting of the plant. To manage fusarium wilt, practice crop rotation, remove and destroy infected plants, and treat with a fungicide.
- Root rot: Often caused by the fungus Pythium spp., root rot results in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, practice crop rotation, and treat with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Sesamum calycinum Welw. subsp. baumii (Stapf) Seidenst. can also be affected by several pests, including:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing distortion of leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators, like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, and treat with an insecticidal soap.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars cut through the stems of seedlings at the soil line, causing the plants to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, remove debris from the soil surface, use collars around the base of seedlings, and treat with an insecticide if necessary.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the undersides of leaves and cause stippling and bronzing of the foliage. To manage spider mites, spray plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge the mites, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, and treat with an insecticidal soap.
