Overview of Stylosanthes calcicola Small
Stylosanthes calcicola Small is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. This unusual plant is native to the southern United States, specifically in the southeastern area of the country. It is mostly found in calcareous soils in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The plant is highly valued for its high-quality forage and soil conservation properties, which makes it a popular choice in pastures.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by different names depending on the geographic location. Some of the most popular names include limestone Stylo, Stylo, and pencilflower. In some areas, it is called "Japanese Stylo" because it was initially thought to have originated from Japan.
General Appearance
Stylosanthes calcicola Small is a small-statured plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. It is characterized by a deep taproot system that can penetrate up to one meter, allowing it to grow in poor and marginal soils. The plant has small leaves that are trifoliate, with leaflets measuring 1-3 cm long. The flowers are small and pink, with a pencil-like shape measuring 2-5 cm long. They grow in clusters at the end of the stems from August to October.
Uses
Stylosanthes calcicola Small is a highly valuable plant and is used for various purposes. One of the popular uses is in animal husbandry for its high-quality forage, which makes it a popular choice in pastures. It is also used in soil conservation practices as it helps to fix nitrogen in soils, hence, enriching them. This plant is also used in landscaping designs, thanks to its unique appearance. Furthermore, it has medicinal properties, and its roots are believed to be potent cures for dysentery and diarrhea.
Light Requirements
The Stylosanthes calcicola Small plant requires full sunlight or partial shade to grow optimally. The plant can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can affect its growth. Full sunlight exposure stimulates the plant's growth, and it also improves the crop's yield.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives best in a warm temperature range of 25-30°C, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C and as high as 40°C. The plant's growth rate slows down at temperatures below 20°C and above 35°C. It is necessary to ensure that the plant's temperature requirements are met to foster optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Stylosanthes calcicola Small plants require well-drained and fertile soils for optimal growth. The plant grows well in sandy soils, loamy soils, or clay soils provided that they have good drainage. The plant can also grow in mildly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. However, it is essential to note that the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, salty soils or soils with poor drainage.
Cultivation
Stylosanthes calcicola Small grows best in well-draining soils, and a pH of around 5.5-6.5 is ideal for this plant. The plant requires good sunlight to thrive, so plant it in areas where it can receive full sunlight. After planting, allow the plant to establish in the soil before beginning any care practices. The plant is frost-sensitive, so be sure to plant it when the frost risk has passed.
Watering Needs
Stylosanthes calcicola Small has moderate water needs, with the plant requiring watering only when the soil becomes slightly dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and ultimately the death of the plant. During the dry season, water the plant more often to maintain its moisture levels.
Fertilization
Stylosanthes calcicola Small requires regular fertilization to support its growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer to the plant every six weeks during the growing season. Additionally, incorporate dolomite lime into the soil at planting time to ensure the plant receives the necessary calcium and magnesium it needs to grow.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Stylosanthes calcicola Small, but if you want to encourage a denser growth habit, lightly prune the plant at the start of the growing season. Cut back the plant's stem tips by about one-third, and avoid cutting too much as the new growth that forms will be weak and spindly.
Propagation of Stylosanthes calcicola Small
Stylosanthes calcicola Small, commonly known as "Carpet grass" or "Townsville Stylo," is a warm-season perennial forage legume that is native to Australia. Propagation of Stylosanthes calcicola Small is an important factor in establishing a healthy and productive stand. There are several methods of propagating this plant, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, root cuttings, and tissue culture.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Stylosanthes calcicola Small is through seed. Seeds can be collected from mature plants in the summer or early fall. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. Before planting, the seeds should be scarified to break the hard seed coat and improve germination. This can be accomplished by soaking the seeds in hot water for 1-2 minutes or rubbing them with sandpaper. After scarification, the seeds can be planted directly into the soil or started in trays indoors and transplanted later.
Stem cuttings
Another method of propagating Stylosanthes calcicola Small is through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants in the late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of new growth. The bottom inch of the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and covered with a plastic bag until they root.
Root cuttings
Root cuttings can also be used to propagate Stylosanthes calcicola Small. This method is best suited for established plants. In the late fall or early winter, dig up a portion of the plant's root system and cut it into 2-3 inch sections. These sections should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist. New shoots should emerge from the cuttings in the spring.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is a relatively new method of propagating Stylosanthes calcicola Small. This method involves taking small pieces of plant tissue and growing them in a laboratory under sterile conditions. Once the tissue has formed roots and shoots, it can be transferred to soil and grown into a mature plant. Tissue culture is a highly specialized method that requires a laboratory and trained personnel.
Disease and Pest Management of Stylosanthes calcicola Small
Stylosanthes calcicola Small is a forage legume species that is resistant to drought and has a high nutritive value. To ensure maximum yield and growth of this plant, it is necessary to implement measures to prevent and manage diseases and pests that may affect the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Stylosanthes calcicola Small and how to manage them.
Diseases
1. Root rot: Root rot in Stylosanthes calcicola Small is caused by various species of fungi such as Pythium and Rhizoctonia. Symptoms of this disease include brown or black roots and wilting of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to plant the crop in well-drained soils and avoid over-watering. Crop rotation and the use of fungicides can also help in preventing the disease.
2. Leaf spots: Leaf spots in Stylosanthes calcicola Small are caused by fungi such as Cercospora and Colletotrichum. Symptoms of this disease include small brown to black spots on leaves which later enlarge and coalesce to form larger spots. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove diseased plant parts, practice crop rotation and ensure adequate spacing between plants. Fungicides can also be used to prevent and control the spread of the disease.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids suck the sap of the plant and secrete honeydew which attracts ants. Symptoms include curled and distorted leaves, yellowing, and stunted growth. To control aphids, natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the crop. The use of insecticidal soaps and neem oil can also help in managing aphids.
2. Armyworms: Armyworms feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage to the crop. Symptoms of armyworm infestation include defoliation and uneven stands. To manage this pest, it is essential to monitor the crop regularly, remove and destroy affected plant parts, and use insecticides when necessary.
Implementing these measures will help in preventing and managing the diseases and pests that can affect the yield and growth of Stylosanthes calcicola Small.
