Overview:
Tephrosia candida DC., commonly known as "white hoarypea" or "white tephrosia," is a flowering plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to various regions of Africa, including Central and East Africa. Tephrosia candida DC. is widely popular for its several medicinal and food uses.General Appearance:
Tephrosia candida DC. is an erect herbaceous plant that grows up to a height of 1-3 meters. The plant has a branched stem, covered with light-green to grey-brown pubescence. The leaves are pinnately compound and have 8-15 narrow, elongated, and pointy leaflets, measuring 3-8 cm x 0.3-1.2 cm. The flowers appear in spikes that are 3-10 cm long, and pure white in color, with a yellowish standard measuring up to 1.5 cm long.Common Names:
Tephrosia candida DC. is commonly known as "white hoarypea," "white tephrosia," or "Mpuku" in Zambia. In Swahili, the plant is called "Mkungu wa Mavi" and "Mugombero" in Tanzania.Uses:
Tephrosia candida DC. has been used in traditional medicine for several ailments such as, coughs, stomach pains, diarrhea, and fever. The roots and leaves of the plant are crushed to make a poultice, which is applied externally to relieve pain and treat skin diseases. The plant also has insecticidal and piscicidal properties, and the powder obtained from the seeds is used as a fish poison to catch fish in some African countries. In addition to medicinal uses, Tephrosia candida DC. has culinary uses as well. The young shoots and leaves of the plant are boiled and eaten as vegetables in some African communities. In conclusion, Tephrosia candida DC. is an important plant species in Africa, favored for its medicinal and food uses. This plant species has a unique appearance, with elongated leaflets and pure white flowers, making it a beautiful addition to any garden.Typical Growth Conditions for Tephrosia candida DC.
Tephrosia candida DC. is a shrub endemic to Southeast Asia, particularly in the countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It grows best in tropical and subtropical regions with a warm and humid climate.
Light Requirements
The plant thrives with moderate to high levels of sunlight exposure. It requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day to maintain healthy growth. Insufficient sunlight can cause the plant to grow tall and lanky with weak stems and less foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Tephrosia candida DC. growth is between 20°C and 35°C. It can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C but only for short periods. During cold seasons, it is essential to protect the plant from frost as exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or even kill it.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It can thrive in various soil types such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as they are well-aerated. A combination of organic matter and inorganic fertilizers can help improve soil quality and promote healthy growth.
Watering requirements for the plant vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Excess water can cause root rot and fungal diseases, while insufficient water can lead to stunted growth and decreased flowering.
Overall, Tephrosia candida DC. is a hardy plant that can adapt to various growing conditions. With proper care and maintenance, it can produce beautiful flowers and provide numerous benefits such as soil stabilization and erosion control.
Cultivation Methods for Tephrosia candida DC.
Tephrosia candida DC. is a perennial species that thrives in warm climates and a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sunlight to partial shade and can grow to a height of up to 2 meters. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
If grown from seeds, they should be sown in a seedling tray filled with well-draining soil. The seeds need to be kept moist and in a warm area with temperatures ranging between 20-25°C. Germination of the seeds takes about 10-14 days, after which the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
If grown from cuttings, the shoots should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the growth period, and then directly transplanted into the soil, or placed in a container preferably filled with perlite and sand mixed in equal proportions. The cuttings should be regularly watered and kept in partial shade until they have developed roots.
Watering Needs for Tephrosia candida DC.
Tephrosia candida DC. requires moderate watering to thrive. The plant prefers soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the dry season, the plant should be watered once a week to prevent drought stress, while in the wet season, the frequency of watering should be reduced to avoid waterlogging.
The best time to water the plant is in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is lower, as it helps prevent evaporation of water from the soil surface, which can lead to drying out of the soil.
Fertilization for Tephrosia candida DC.
Tephrosia candida DC. requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer to support its growth. The plant can be fertilized twice a year, during spring and autumn, using a slow-release organic fertilizer, which adds essential nutrients to the soil gradually.
If organic fertilizer is not available, nutrient-rich compost can be used instead. The compost should be spread around the plant's root zone and watered thoroughly to facilitate the absorption of nutrients.
Pruning for Tephrosia candida DC.
Tephrosia candida DC. requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. The plant should be pruned after flowering to remove dead or damaged branches or stems, which can inhibit healthy growth.
The pruning process should be carried out using clean and sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. It is crucial to remove all the dead or damaged parts of the plant, as this can stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant.
Propagation of Tephrosia Candida DC.
Tephrosia candida DC. can be propagated by either sexual or asexual methods. The plant is a leguminous perennial herb and belongs to the Fabaceae family. The following are the propagation methods:
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated by seeds. The seeds can be collected from the parent plant when the pods ripen. The pods should be left on the plant until they start turning brown. Once they start turning brown, the pods should be picked and left to dry in a well-ventilated area. After the pods have dried, the seeds can be extracted and stored in a cool, dry place until they are needed for planting.
The seeds are sown directly into the soil where the plant is to grow. The soil should be well-drained with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2 cm and covered with soil. The seedlings should start emerging after 7 to 21 days, depending on the temperature and soil conditions.
Asexual Propagation
The plant can also be propagated asexually using stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 15 cm long and should be taken from the softwood part of the plant.
The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings will start developing roots after 4 to 6 weeks, and after 8 to 10 weeks, they can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the soil.
Propagation of Tephrosia candida DC. can be achieved through sexual or asexual methods. The plant is a leguminous perennial herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. If propagated correctly, the plant will grow and thrive, providing ornamental value and therapeutic benefits.
Disease Management
Tephrosia candida DC. is mainly affected by two primary diseases: leaf spot and powdery mildew. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that first manifests as small, brownish-gray spots on the leaves, which gradually transform into larger, irregularly shaped brown patches. Powdery mildew, on the other hand, is another fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stunting their growth and causing them to wither. To manage these diseases, it's essential to adopt preventive measures such as good plant hygiene, proper air circulation, and timely watering. In case of an infestation, apply a copper-based fungicide to the affected areas, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Tephrosia candida DC. is prone to infestation by pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and deform. Mealybugs are like small cotton balls that usually settle on the leaf axils, sucking the sap and secreting a honeydew-like substance that attracts ants. Spider mites are more challenging to spot but can cause devastating damage to the plant, leaving tiny yellow or white spots on the leaves and producing webs in severe cases.
To manage these pests, it is crucial to identify their presence early and adopt preventive measures such as regular monitoring, good plant hygiene, and proper pruning. In case of an infestation, techniques such as spraying with water or horticultural oils can be used to dislodge the pests. Introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings is also an effective way of controlling aphids and mealybugs. However, in severe cases, it might be necessary to use chemical treatments, which should only be used following the manufacturer's instructions and with caution to avoid harming the plant and beneficial organisms.
