Overview
Sphedamnocarpus pruriens (A.Juss.) Szyszyl. var. lanceolatus Launert, also known as "Prickly Rocket", is a small flowering plant native to tropical and subtropical Africa. It belongs to the family of Brassicaceae, which includes other food crops like cabbage, broccoli, and mustard.
Appearance
The plant is an annual herb, growing up to a height of 20-50 cm. It has a slender stem with hair-like projections and is covered in small prickles. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring 1-3 cm in length and are arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are white or pinkish and arranged in loose clusters at the tip of the branches. The fruit is a long, narrow pod about 4-6 cm in length, containing numerous small seeds.
Common Names
Sphedamnocarpus pruriens is commonly known by different names in different regions. In West Africa, it is called "Mashey" in Hausa, "Pakurombara" in Yoruba, and "Danzarwar Kaura" in Fulfulde. In East Africa, it is called "Kizingani" in Swahili and "Kitumula" in Luganda.
Uses
The plant has a variety of uses in traditional medicine, especially among African communities. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and diuretic properties and is used to treat ailments like arthritis, back pain, and urinary tract infections. Additionally, the roots and leaves of the plant are used to produce a soap-like substance that is used to treat skin ailments like scabies and ringworm.
The seeds are also edible and have a nutty flavor. They are sometimes roasted and eaten as a snack or ground into flour to make a type of porridge.
Growth Conditions of Sphedamnocarpus pruriens (A.Juss.) Szyszyl. var. lanceolatus Launert
Sphedamnocarpus pruriens (A.Juss.) Szyszyl. var. lanceolatus Launert is a tropical plant that is predominantly found in East Africa. This plant requires specific growing conditions to reach its full potential. Here are the crucial growth conditions for this plant.
Light
Sphedamnocarpus pruriens (A.Juss.) Szyszyl. var. lanceolatus Launert requires bright sunlight to grow well. However, it cannot tolerate direct sunlight since it can cause sunburn to the leaves. The plant thrives well in partial shade or dappled shade. Indoor plants should have full access to bright light throughout the day.
Temperature
This plant can grow under a broad range of temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. Sphedamnocarpus pruriens (A.Juss.) Szyszyl. var. lanceolatus Launert can handle temperatures as low as 7°C, but this must not persist for long. Temperatures above 35°C are dangerous to the plant and can cause irreparable damage to leaves and flowers. Therefore, it is best to keep the plant in a place with moderate temperatures.
Soil
Sphedamnocarpus pruriens (A.Juss.) Szyszyl. var. lanceolatus Launert thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. The soil should have a pH range between slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. A soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 works well for this plant. Avoid water-logged soils since they can cause root rot. To ensure proper drainage of the soil, make sure that there are drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Watering
Sphedamnocarpus pruriens (A.Juss.) Szyszyl. var. lanceolatus Launert requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and fall off. Water the plant in the morning to allow the leaves to dry throughout the day.
Fertilization
This plant requires regular fertilization to reach its full potential. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen during the growing season (spring and summer). During the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce the amount of fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization. Follow the instructions on the package to avoid over-fertilization, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and wilt.
Cultivation:
Sphedamnocarpus pruriens var. lanceolatus is a hardy plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It grows well in well-draining soil and likes sunlight, but not direct sunlight. It is best to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering needs:
The plant needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not overly soggy. It is recommended to water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot.
Fertilization:
The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilizing once a month with a 10-10-10 fertilizer can help promote healthy growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can burn the plant's roots.
Pruning:
Pruning can help promote healthy growth and maintain the plant's shape. The best time to prune is in the early spring just before new growth starts. Cut back any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired. Regular pruning can also help prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
Propagation methods for Sphedamnocarpus pruriens var. lanceolatus
Sphedamnocarpus pruriens var. lanceolatus can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The most reliable propagation methods include seed germination and vegetative propagation.
Seed germination
Seeds of Sphedamnocarpus pruriens need to be collected in the early autumn when mature and fully ripe. The seeds should be cleaned and sown immediately in well-draining soil mixed with sand or vermiculite. The seeds should not be covered with soil, but they should be pressed gently into the soil mix. Water the soil thoroughly and keep it moist, but not waterlogged. Sphedamnocarpus pruriens seeds take around 10-20 days to germinate, and the seedlings can be transplanted when they have developed at least two true leaves.
Vegetative propagation
Sphedamnocarpus pruriens var. lanceolatus can be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings or by division. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants in the early spring or late summer. The cuttings should be around 8-10 cm long and should be cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil mixed with sand or vermiculite. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. The cuttings should root in 2-3 weeks.
Division is another method of vegetative propagation which should be carried out in the early spring. Dig up the mature plant and divide it into several smaller pieces, each with a portion of the roots and a shoot. Plant each division in well-draining soil mixed with sand or vermiculite and water them thoroughly.
Disease Management
Several diseases affect Sphedamnocarpus pruriens var. lanceolatus Launert. One of the most common is leaf spot disease. It is caused by the fungus Cercospora spp. and results in the development of small, circular spots on the leaves.
To manage leaf spot disease, it is essential to maintain proper sanitation practices. Practice crop rotation, remove and destroy any infected leaves or plant debris, and avoid excessive plant moisture. Fungicides could be used as preventive measures, and they are often recommended to keep the fungus from spreading to other healthy plants.
Another disease that attacks this plant is root rot. It is caused by pathogens such as Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. Root rot disease causes severe damage and can kill the plant. Key prevention strategies include avoiding overwatering the plant, providing good drainage, and avoiding waterlogging.
When root rot is detected, it is best to discard the infected plant and the soil surrounding it. Do not attempt to replant in the same location as this increases the risk of reinfection. Applying fungicides to the healthy plants in contact with the infected plant is also recommended to prevent any future outbreaks.
Pest Management
Aphids are a common pest affecting Sphedamnocarpus pruriens var. lanceolatus Launert. They are sap-sucking insects that weaken the plant and cause stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of leaves.
One of the most effective aphid management strategies is to adopt cultural controls. Regular inspection and monitoring of the plant population and manual removal of aphids are ideal. Insecticides based on neem oil, horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or pyrethrum are the safest to apply. Chemical controls should be used only as a last resort and should be applied with caution.
The plant can also be affected by spider mites, which appear as small, white dots and cause yellowish spots on the leaves. These pests can be managed by increasing humidity levels around the plants or by applying a neem oil/soap spray. Predatory mites are natural enemies of spider mites and can be released to control populations.
In summary, it is essential to maintain proper sanitation practices, ensure good drainage, avoid waterlogging, and monitor plants regularly to increase the likelihood of managing diseases and pests affecting Sphedamnocarpus pruriens var. lanceolatus Launert.
