Overview
Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. is a perennial plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. The plant is also called ‘Silvery Tephrosia’ or ‘Silver bush.’ It is native to the eastern and central parts of Africa.
Description
Tephrosia gossweileri grows up to 1 m tall. The plant has green, hairy leaves with a silvery sheen on the underside. Its stems are covered with fine hairs. The flowers are borne on long inflorescences and are purple-pink in color. The fruits are slender pods about 2-3 cm long containing several seeds.
Uses
Medicinally, various parts of Tephrosia gossweileri have been used in traditional African medicine. The roots, leaves, and stems are believed to have antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It is also used in treating venereal diseases, as well as rheumatism and stomach ulcers. The plant extract is being investigated for its potential anticancer properties.
Tephrosia gossweileri is commonly used for natural reforestation, soil conservation, and erosion control in many areas of East Africa. It is also used as forage by livestock and the seeds are used in reforestation programs.-
Cultivation
Tephrosia gossweileri is propagated by seeds or cuttings. It grows best in well-drained soils and full sun. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soil conditions, but it prefers a pH of 6-7.5. Tephrosia gossweileri thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with annual rainfall of 800-1000mm. The plant is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice among farmers in East Africa.
Typical Growth Conditions for Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f.
Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. is a leguminous shrub that is native to the African continent. It is generally found growing in semi-arid regions and is particularly common in Angola, where it is often used in traditional medicine.
Light Requirements
Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. prefers full sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It is typically found growing in open areas such as grasslands and savannas.
Temperature Requirements
Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. is adapted to grow in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 5.5-7.0.
In conclusion, Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. is a leguminous shrub that prefers full sunlight, a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C, and well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. It is often found growing in semi-arid regions in Africa and is commonly used in traditional medicine in Angola.
Cultivation of Tephrosia Gossweileri Baker f.
Tephrosia Gossweileri Baker f. is an evergreen shrub that is native to Zambia and Tanzania. The plant is well known for its medicinal value and is also cultivated as an ornamental plant. If you are interested in cultivating Tephrosia Gossweileri Baker f., here are some tips that can help:
- The plant is best grown in regions with warm temperatures ranging between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate some shade but prefers full sunlight.
- Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of about 30 cm. The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5.
- Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
- Plant the seedlings in holes that are about twice the size of the root balls. The plant should be placed in the hole at the same depth as it was in the original container.
- Water the plant thoroughly after planting and continue to water regularly to keep the soil moist.
- It is advisable to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Watering Needs for Tephrosia Gossweileri Baker f.
Tephrosia Gossweileri Baker f. requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Here are some tips to consider when watering:
- Water the plant deeply once or twice a week instead of lightly watering it frequently.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, but avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases.
- During the rainy season, reduce the frequency of watering to avoid waterlogging which can lead to root rot.
- Water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce water loss through evaporation and minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Tephrosia Gossweileri Baker f.
Tephrosia Gossweileri Baker f. responds well to regular fertilization. Here are some tips to consider:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 once every two weeks during the growing season.
- Use a fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus during the flowering season to promote flower growth.
- Avoid applying too much nitrogen fertilizer as this can lead to a lot of foliage at the expense of flower production.
- Apply fertilizer around the plant's base, not on the foliage, to avoid burning the leaves.
- Water the plant thoroughly after fertilization to help dissolve the nutrients and distribute them evenly in the soil.
Pruning Tephrosia Gossweileri Baker f.
Pruning Tephrosia Gossweileri Baker f. is necessary to keep the plant healthy and attractive. Here are some tips to consider:
- Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth and prevent the spread of diseases.
- Pinch off the tips of young plants to encourage bushy growth.
- Remove any branches that cross over each other or are growing towards the center of the plant.
- Prune the plant to maintain its desired size and shape. However, do not prune too much as this can reduce flower production.
Propagation of Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f.
Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f., commonly known as Gossweiler's tephrosia, is a shrub that is extensively grown for medicinal purposes and used as a source of forage for livestock. Propagation of this plant can be done through both sexual and asexual means.
Propagation through seeds
Propagation through seeds is the easiest and most reliable method for growing Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. Seeds should be collected from mature pods that have turned brown and dry. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil that has good organic content. The seedbed must be kept moist by watering regularly. Seeds will germinate within two to three weeks under favorable environmental conditions.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation of Tephrosia gossweileri through cuttings can be done by taking semi-hardwood cuttings from the plant when it is in active growth. Cuttings should be taken from healthy disease-free plants. The cuttings should be 6-8 cm in length and should be treated with rooting hormone powder for better root development. The cuttings should then be planted in well-draining soil mix and kept under shade. Cuttings should root within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to a new location once they are well established.
Propagation through layering
Propagation through layering is an asexual propagation method that is used for Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. The process involves bending a low hanging stem of the plant down to the ground, making a small cut on the stem, and burying the cut portion in moist soil. The buried portion of the stem will develop roots and new shoots, resulting in a new plant. Once roots develop in the buried stem, it can be separated from the mother plant and planted at a new location.
Propagation through tissue culture
Tissue culture is another method for propagating Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. It involves using small pieces of the plant called "explants" to grow new plants in a sterile laboratory environment. This method enables mass production of plants without the risks of pests and diseases. Tissue culture is a complex method that requires a high degree of technical expertise and specialized equipment.
Disease Management
The plant Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. is commonly affected by fungal diseases such as anthracnose, rust, and powdery mildew. Anthracnose causes the leaves to develop yellowish-brown spots that eventually lead to defoliation. Rust manifests as reddish-brown spots on the underside of leaves and weakens the plant. Powdery mildew causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves, which may curl, twist, or become distorted.
To manage fungal diseases, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overcrowding. Remove any infected plant parts promptly and dispose of them. Use fungicides labeled for use on Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. following the recommended dilution rates and application frequency.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests that affect Tephrosia gossweileri Baker f. is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and drop prematurely. They also produce webbing that can cover the plant. Another common pest that affects the plant is the cottony cushion scale. Cottony cushion scales are small, oval insects that produce a cotton-like mass on the leaves and stems of the plant. They also suck sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and become stunted.
To manage spider mites, rinse the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them. Cottony cushion scales can be picked off by hand or treated with insecticidal soap. In severe cases, use an oil spray or systemic insecticide. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use of any insecticide and use protective gear like gloves and mask when applying chemicals.
