Origin and Common Names
Sutherlandia tomentosa Eckl. & Zeyh. is a flowering plant from the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to South Africa and is commonly known as the fuzzy sutherlandia due to its hairy leaves and stems. The plant is also referred to as "bitterblaar" and "kankerbos," which translates to "cancer bush" in Afrikaans.Uses
Sutherlandia tomentosa has been traditionally used in South African traditional medicine for various ailments such as fever, coughs, colds, and stomach problems. However, its reputation as a "cancer bush" has recently gained attention, and studies have been conducted to investigate its anti-cancer properties. The plant contains several compounds that have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and boost the immune system. One of the active compounds, canavanine, is known to have anti-tumor properties. As a result, the plant is now being studied as a potential treatment for cancer and other diseases.General Appearance
The Sutherlandia tomentosa is a small shrub that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has long, narrow, hairy leaves that are 10-20 mm long. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are arranged in dense clusters. The flowers bloom during late winter and early spring, from July to September. Overall, the Sutherlandia tomentosa is an attractive plant with potential medicinal benefits that are still being studied. Its hairy leaves and stems, yellow flowers, and small size make it easily identifiable in its native habitat in South Africa.Light Requirements
Sutherlandia tomentosa Eckl. & Zeyh. requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. It can withstand high-intensity sunlight for several hours daily but may get sunburnt in harsher climates. Therefore, it is advisable to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day, especially in areas with extreme heat.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm weather and can withstand high temperatures but cannot tolerate extreme heat or frost. The optimal temperature range for Sutherlandia tomentosa Eckl. & Zeyh. growth is between 20 - 30°C. It can withstand temperatures as low as -3°C but only for a brief period. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in warm climates.
Soil Requirements
Sutherlandia tomentosa Eckl. & Zeyh. thrives in well-drained soil, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and have excellent water retention capacity. Sandy, loamy, or clay soils are suitable for this plant, as long as they are well-drained. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly-drained soil as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Sutherlandia tomentosa, commonly known as the Round-leaved Sutherlandia, is a hardy shrub that can be propagated from both seeds and cuttings. The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 and can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils. It requires full sun exposure and tolerates drought conditions.
To propagate Sutherlandia tomentosa from cuttings, the best time is during the late rains or early summer. Take cuttings from mature plants that are approximately 10-15 cm in length and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone before planting them in a rooting medium. Keep the cuttings moist and provide them with good sunlight until they develop roots and start growing.
Watering Needs
Sutherlandia tomentosa prefers moderately dry conditions and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant once a week during its growing season and reduce watering during the winter months. The plant can tolerate drought conditions, making it an ideal choice for hot and dry regions.
Fertilization
The Round-leaved Sutherlandia can grow well in nutrient-poor soils, requiring minimal fertilization. However, a mild application of organic fertilizer or compost during the growing season can boost its growth and flowering. Avoid applying excessive amounts of nitrogen, as it can cause the plant to produce excessive foliage without any flowers.
Pruning
Sutherlandia tomentosa does not require frequent pruning, but you can prune it to help keep its shape. Prune the plant after it has finished flowering, leaving only the green leaves and removing any old or dead stems. Pruning is also advisable during the early stages of growth to help create a bushier plant with more stems.
Propagation of Sutherlandia tomentosa Eckl. & Zeyh.
Sutherlandia tomentosa Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as the velvet leaf sutherlandia, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through several methods
Seed Propagation
The first propagation method is through seeds, which are readily available in most seed stores. To propagate sutherlandia through seed, one should first scarify the seed coat to aid in germination. Some of the recommended scarification methods are mechanical scarification or soaking the seeds overnight in warm water. After scarification, plant the seeds in well-draining soil or seedling trays about 1/4 inch deep. The seeds should be watered moderately so as not to waterlog or dry out the soil.
Cuttings Propagation
The second propagation method is through cuttings. Sutherlandia tomentosa can be propagated using both softwood and semi-softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are the tips of branches that are approximately 4 to 6 inches long, while semi-softwood cuttings are slightly below the softwood stage. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting them in the soil. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and water regularly.
Division Propagation
The final propagation method used for sutherlandia tomentosa is division. This method involves uprooting an established plant and dividing it into several pieces. Before dividing, ensure that each piece has a healthy root system and some foliage. Plant each divided piece in a new or well-draining soil. Water it regularly, but avoid waterlogging or drying out the soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Sutherlandia tomentosa Eckl. & Zeyh.
Sutherlandia tomentosa Eckl. & Zeyh. is a hardy South African plant that is known for its medicinal properties. However, it is not immune to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Proper disease and pest management are essential to ensure optimal plant health and productivity.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Sutherlandia tomentosa is root rot, which is caused by various soil-borne fungi. This disease can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding waterlogging. Fungicides can also be applied to the soil to control the spread of root rot.
Another disease that can affect Sutherlandia tomentosa is powdery mildew, which is caused by a fungus that creates a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, it's important to ensure proper air circulation around the plant and to avoid watering the plant from above. Fungicides can also be applied to control the spread of powdery mildew.
Common Pests
Sutherlandia tomentosa is generally resistant to pests. However, certain pests can still affect their growth and productivity, such as spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests will cause leaf malformation, leaf shedding, and discoloration. Insecticides can be sprayed on the plant to control pest infestations.
Pest Management
It is always best to practice preventative measures when it comes to pest management. Introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises to the growing area can help control spider mites and aphids. Regularly inspecting the plant for any signs of pests and addressing the problem promptly can prevent the pests from creating substantial damages on the plant.
In summary, proper disease and pest management is essential in ensuring the optimal health and productivity of Sutherlandia tomentosa. Several preventative measures can be taken to prevent or control diseases and pests, including proper watering practices, regular inspections, and appropriate use of fungicides and insecticides.
