Origin
Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt, commonly known as Butayei fish-poison or Terrier's Tephrosia, is a plant species native to Africa. Specifically, it can be found in Angola, Zambia, and Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names across its native range, which include Butayei fish-poison, Terrier's Tephrosia, and Mbebe-munganda in Tanzania.
Uses
The plant is known to have several uses, particularly in traditional medicine. The roots, leaves, and bark of the plant are used in various ways to treat different ailments. The roots are used as a decoction to relieve coughs, phlegm, asthma, and bronchitis. The leaves are used to treat headaches, earaches, and fever. The bark of the plant is used to treat intestinal worms and skin conditions such as sores, wounds, and ulcers. The plant also has piscicidal properties, and its roots are used to poison fish for easy capture.
General Appearance
Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei is a perennial shrub that grows up to 2 meters tall. It has a woody stem and branches that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are pinnate with 5-7 pairs of leaflets, which are equally spaced and lead up to a terminal leaflet. The leaflets are oblong, narrow, and slightly curved towards the tip. The flowers are pea-like, with a pink-purple color and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a pod that is about 5cm long and 1cm wide when mature. The pod has a rough texture and contains several seeds. The plant is hardy and can withstand harsh, dry conditions, making it suitable for cultivation in arid areas.
Growth Conditions for Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt
Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. It is a subshrub that can grow up to a meter in height and width. When growing this plant, it is important to consider the light, temperature, and soil requirements to ensure its optimal growth.
Light Requirements
The ideal light condition for Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt is full sun or partial shade. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it needs at least four hours of direct sunshine daily to grow optimally. When planting, choose a location with access to plenty of sunlight or make sure that sunlight can get to the plant if planting in partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate heat and drought conditions, but it can also grow in cooler temperatures. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. It can survive temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius, but it cannot survive frost.
Soil Requirements
When growing Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt, it is important to consider the soil requirements. This plant can grow in almost any well-draining soil, but it prefers soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can affect the plant's growth. It is also important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
By providing adequate light, temperature, and soil conditions, Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt can grow into a beautiful, healthy plant.
Cultivation methods:
Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei is a leguminous shrub that requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. It thrives in well-drained soils, preferably a mixture of loam and sand, with a slightly acidic pH of around 6.0-6.5. It is best grown in full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Watering needs:
Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei prefers moderate watering, with the soil being evenly moist but not waterlogged. It is important to allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between each watering session to prevent root rot. During the dry season, it is necessary to water it more frequently.
Fertilization:
Adequate fertilization is crucial for the optimal growth of Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei. It thrives in soils rich in organic matter and nitrogen. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. Apply an appropriate amount of compost to encourage the growth and health of the plant.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential to keep Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei in good shape. Regular pruning helps to control its size and shape. It is recommended to prune the shrub at the end of the flowering period to maintain the shrub's structure. Prune any dead or damaged branches back to the nearest healthy growth point or ground level throughout the year to encourage new growth and sustain the plant's health.
Propagation of Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt
Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt plant can be propagated by several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated via seeds. The seeds of Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt can be planted directly into the ground or in nursery pots filled with suitable potting mix. The ideal time for planting seeds is during the rainy season, as this ensures the right conditions for germination. The seedlings will sprout after 14 to 21 days depending on the temperature, moisture content, and soil type. It will take 5-6 months for the Tephrosia plant to grow into a full-sized plant.
Cutting Propagation
Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt plant can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings are taken from the mother plant, and the rooting process is initiated to generate new plants. The cuttings are typically taken from the stem, and the leaves are removed. The cuttings are then planted in a soilless potting mix, and kept in a warm and moist environment to support root development. After roots develop in about 3-4 weeks, the cutting can be transplanted into the main nursery or pots.
Division Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through division. The root mass of an existing plant can be divided into several smaller plants, each with roots and shoots. This is done during the dormant seasons (winter), when the growth of the plant is slow and it is easier to handle. The divided plants can then be replanted into suitable soil, and watered regularly for optimum growth.
With proper care and attention, any of these propagation methods can successfully be used to propagate Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei (De Wild. & T.Durand) Brummitt plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei
Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei, commonly known as African peas, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family, known for its medicinal properties. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions for managing them.
Diseases
1. Root Rot
Root Rot is a disease caused by fungal pathogens. Symptoms of Root Rot include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. To manage and prevent Root Rot, avoid over-watering the plant, maintain proper drainage, and use well-draining soil.
2. Leaf Spot
Leaf Spot is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage and prevent Leaf Spot, remove and dispose of infected leaves, prune branches that are touching each other, and avoid splashing water on the leaves.
Pests
1. Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and plant death. To manage and prevent Aphids, use insecticidal soap, prune out infested plant parts, and release beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
2. Spider Mites
Spider Mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and webs. To manage and prevent Spider Mites, keep the plant properly hydrated, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and release beneficial insects such as phytoseiulus persimilis.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help keep your Tephrosia dasyphylla Baker subsp. butayei healthy and thriving.
