Overview:
Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv. is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to southern Africa and is commonly known as Silky Tephrosia.
Description:
Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv. is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.2 meters tall. This plant has a silky texture due to the fine hairs on its leaves, stems, and flowers. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 5 to 7 leaflets, and are up to 8 cm long. The flowers are pale pink to purplish-pink, and they bloom in the summer. The fruit is a cylindrical pod that is up to 3 cm long.
Uses:
The roots of Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv. have been traditionally used in southern Africa to treat various ailments, including snake bites, headaches, and respiratory infections. In addition to its medicinal uses, this plant is also used for soil conservation and as a forage crop.
Cultivation:
Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv. is a hardy plant that grows well in a range of soil types, including poor and sandy soils. This plant prefers full sun and can tolerate moderate drought. It can be propagated through seed or vegetative cuttings.
Light Requirements
Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv. requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it may affect its overall growth rate. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the species in areas where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 15°C to 40°C. However, the species is best suited to warm temperatures because it grows naturally in tropical and subtropical areas. The ideal temperature range for Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv. is between 25°C and 35°C. In colder climates, it is essential to protect the plant from frost and extreme cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil to grow optimally. The soil should be moderately fertile, with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can grow in various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot, which may eventually lead to the plant's death. Before planting, it is recommended to add organic matter to the soil, which can improve the soil fertility and drainage.
Cultivation
Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv. is a perennial legume plant that grows well in warm climates. It requires a well-draining soil and full sunlight of at least 6 hours per day. The plant can be propagated through seed or stem cuttings and can also self-seed in favorable conditions.
Watering
The plant requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. It is best to water deeply once per week rather than shallow watering every day. The frequency of watering can be reduced during the dormant season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Fertilization
For optimum growth and flower production, the plant requires regular fertilization. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied once every two months during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be added to the soil before planting.
Pruning
Pruning the plant is not necessary, but it can help to maintain a tidy and bushy appearance. The plant can be pruned in early spring before new growth appears. Cut back any dead or damaged branches and remove any old, woody growth. Pinching back the tips of the stems can also encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv.
Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv. can be propagated through seeds and cuttings. Both methods have been found to be successful in producing healthy and robust plants.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds can be collected from mature dry pods. The pods should be left on the plant until they have turned brown and started to split open. Pods can be harvested by cutting the entire pod or by plucking individual seeds. The collected seeds should be treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal attack. After treating, the seeds should be sown in well-draining soil. The soil should be moistened but not waterlogged. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept in a warm and humid place until germination.
Propagation through cuttings
The cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm in length and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower part of the cutting, leaving only 2-3 leaves on the upper part. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance the root development. The cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix, which should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The cutting should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cutting should be kept in a warm and bright place until it forms roots.
Both methods of propagation have been found to be successful in producing healthy and robust Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv. plants.
Disease Management
One common disease that affects Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv. is root rot, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. This disease causes yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and eventually death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. Fungicides can also be applied to limit the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect the plant is leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora tephrosiae. This disease causes circular spots on the leaves, which can merge and lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used.
Pest Management
One common pest that can affect Tephrosia elongata E.Mey. var. pubescens Harv. is the root-knot nematode. These pests cause swelling of the roots, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage this pest, it is important to rotate crops and use nematode-resistant varieties. Soil solarization can also be used to reduce populations of the nematode.
An insect pest that can affect the plant is the bean fly. These pests attack the leaves, causing them to wilt and yellow. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used to manage this pest. Intercropping with marigold can also repel bean flies.
