Overview
Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Africa and is also commonly known as the wild laburnum, in reference to its similarity to the laburnum tree. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries by traditional healers in Africa.
Appearance
Tephrosia anthylloides stands tall at a height of about 1.2 meters. It has a woody base, from which numerous branches spread out. The plant has alternate, trifoliate leaves that are light green in color and oblong in shape. The leaves are attached to slender, hairy stems and are arranged alternately on the branches. The flowers of the Tephrosia anthylloides plants are lavender in color, with a whitish-yellow spot at the base, and are arranged in spikes at the end of the branches. Its fruits are slender, hairy pods that are about 5cm in length with a pointed tip.
Uses
The Tephrosia anthylloides plant is known for its medicinal properties. Its roots, leaves, and flowers are extracted and used in various traditional medicines. It is believed that the plant has numerous health benefits such as treating coughs, fever, bronchitis, and skin infections. Its roots are also used to treat snake bites, and its leaves are used as a liver tonic. In addition, the plant is used in soil conservation, and its leaves are used as animal fodder. The plant is also used in developing natural pesticides and insecticides due to the presence of certain compounds that exhibit insecticidal properties.
In summary, Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Africa, commonly known as the wild laburnum. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in various traditional medicines for centuries. It has light green trifoliate leaves arranged alternately on the branches, and lavender flowers that are arranged in spikes. Its roots, leaves, and flowers are used to treat various ailments, and it is also utilized in soil conservation and as animal fodder.Light Requirements
Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb requires full sunlight to grow properly. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to develop appropriately. It is recommended that the plant be situated in a location where it can receive full sunlight to improve its growth significantly. Inadequate sunlight can lead to weak stems, stunted growth, and poor flower production.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature for Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb growth ranges between 20°C and 30°C. The plant cannot grow correctly at temperatures below 10°C, and temperatures above 35°C can reduce its growth rate. The plant requires warm temperatures to thrive, making it suitable for growing in tropical and subtropical climates. It is essential to ensure that the plant is not exposed to frosty conditions as cold temperatures can stunt the growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb grows well in well-drained, moist soil. The plant requires a soil pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 to thrive. The soil should be rich in nutrients, and it is advisable to amend the soil with organic matter regularly. The plant requires soil that is nutrient-rich to develop a robust root system, which is essential for its growth and development. It is also important to ensure that the soil has adequate levels of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus to support the growth of the plant.
Cultivation methods
The Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb plant thrives best in warm tropical climates and is not frost tolerant. It prefers sandy, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings, and cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants. The ideal planting time is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. They should be planted in a sunny location and spaced at least 1 meter apart.
Watering needs
The Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb plant requires moderate watering, especially during dry spells. Over-watering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot which is detrimental to the plant's health. A good guide for watering frequency is once every 4 to 5 days. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. This plant is also drought-resistant and can survive long periods of dry weather once it is established.
Fertilization
The Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb plant benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, and ensure that it is applied approximately 15 cm away from the base of the plant. Fertilizers high in potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen are ideal for this plant. Use compost and organic fertilizer if possible as it will improve the soil structure.
Pruning
The Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb plant requires minimal pruning. However, pruning can be done to remove damaged, diseased or dead branches or to manage its size and shape. Pruning should be carried out when the plant is not actively growing, which is during the dry season. Avoid pruning during the rainy season as it can cause damage or slow down growth. Use sterilized pruning tools to prevent spreading diseases to the plant.
Propagation of Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb
Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb, commonly known as the silky-leaved tephrosia, is a flowering plant found in East Africa. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Tephrosia anthylloides can be collected once the pods have dried and turned brown. The seeds must be cleaned and stored in a dry place until the planting season. The best time to sow the seeds is during the warm season, either in early spring or in late summer. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting to enhance germination. The seeds should be planted in well-drained soil, and they should be covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds should be watered regularly, and the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will germinate in about two to three weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Tephrosia anthylloides can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants, and they should be at least 8 to 10 cm long. The bottom of the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and covered with a plastic bag or a glass jar to maintain humidity. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a bright, warm spot. The cuttings will form roots in about six to eight weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by Division
Tephrosia anthylloides can also be propagated by division. This method is best used for mature plants that have outgrown their current location. The plant should be dug up, and the root mass should be divided into several sections. Each section should have healthy roots and shoots. The sections should be replanted in well-drained soil and watered regularly until established.
Disease Management for Tephrosia Anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb
Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb is a hardy plant that can withstand some diseases and pests. However, it is not completely immune to attacks. The following are common diseases that can affect the plant and how to manage them.
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens that affect the foliage. Symptoms include circular or irregular brown to black spots that are sometimes accompanied by yellow rings. To manage, remove and discard infected leaves and debris. Avoid overhead watering, and instead, water the plant at the base. Apply a fungicide or bactericide following the instructions on the label.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by fungal pathogens and produces a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage, improve air circulation, spacing, and remove affected plant parts. Apply a fungicide as needed.
Root Rot
Root rot is a common soil-borne disease caused by fungi. Symptoms include yellowing, wilting, and ultimately death of the plants. To manage, avoid waterlogging, improve soil drainage, and remove infected plants. Apply a fungicide to the remaining plants to prevent further infection.
Pest Management for Tephrosia Anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb
Several pests can attack Tephrosia anthylloides Hochst. ex Webb. The following are common pests and ways to manage them.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from plants, causing distortion, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. To manage, wash the aphids off with a strong jet of water, prune infested leaves, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil as directed on the label.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny, winged insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing wilting, yellowing and stunted growth. To manage, install yellow sticky traps to trap adult flies, prune affected leaves, and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil as directed on the label.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are small insects that feed on plant juices and cause yellowing and brown spots on leaves. To manage, increase humidity, prune affected leaves, and spray the plant with a strong jet of water. Alternatively, use a miticide as directed on the label.
