Description
Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt, also known as Swynnerton's leadwood or MKOMA in Swahili, is a small deciduous tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to East Africa, specifically Tanzania and Kenya.
Appearance
The tree can grow up to 6 meters in height and has a spreading canopy. The bark is grey-brown and rough, while the branches are thin with prickles. The leaves are compound with three leaflets, and the flowers are pink or purple with yellow markings. The fruit is a slender pod that is covered in a fine hairs.
Uses
Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, wounds, and snake bites. The bark contains tannins, which can be used to make a durable leather. The wood is very dense and is often used for firewood and charcoal.
Growing Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt
Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt, commonly known as Swynnerton's Tephrosia, is a flowering plant native to Tanzania. Here are some detailed growth conditions necessary for the proper growth of this plant:
Light
Swynnerton's Tephrosia requires full sun to flourish. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can interfere with the plant's ability to produce flowers. Therefore, it's important to plant it in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature
This plant is native to warm climates, so it thrives in temperatures between 20 to 25ºC. It tends to grow better in areas where temperatures don't drop below 15ºC, but the plant can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures if the soil is well-drained and not too wet. High humidity is preferred, and the plant does not do well in regions that experience frost or cold snaps.
Soil Requirements
Swynnerton's Tephrosia prefers a well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, a soil that is too compact or too alkaline can interfere with the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water. The plant needs moderate watering to thrive, and it prefers soils that do not dry out too often.
Overall, Swynnerton's Tephrosia is a hardy and low-maintenance plant. With the right amount of sun, moderate watering, and well-draining soil, you can enjoy the beauty of its showy pink to purple flowers from late winter to early spring.
Cultivation Methods
Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. For outdoor cultivation, it is best to grow in a tropical or subtropical climate, where the temperature is warm and humid throughout the year. This plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, from loamy to sandy, but it prefers soil rich in organic matter, so it is advisable to mix compost or manure into the soil before planting.
It is best to plant Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt during the spring or summer when temperatures are consistently warm. Sow the seeds directly into the soil or start the seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size.
Watering Needs
This plant requires consistent watering to maintain its growth and health. Water the plant regularly and deeply, taking care not to overwater. Soggy soil may lead to root rot, and the plant cannot withstand drought, so ensure that the soil is consistently moist.
During the winter months, when temperatures are lower, reduce the amount of water you give the plant, but make sure the soil does not dry out completely.
Fertilization
Fertilize Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt every few months with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this may lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Prune Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt during the winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back the remaining branches to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.
The plant will benefit from regular pruning, as this encourages the growth of new shoots and increases flower production.
Propagation of Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt
Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt can be propagated through different methods which include:
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt is through seeds. The seeds should be collected when the pods have dried and are brown. They should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until sowing. Sowing should be done in the spring, either in a seed tray or directly into the field.
It is recommended to soak the seeds in warm water for a few hours prior to sowing, which will help to soften the seed coat and speed up germination. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2 cm and spaced approximately 10 cm apart. Germination can take up to one month.
Cuttings
Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, preferably in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept in a warm, humid area with bright, indirect light until new growth appears. This can take several weeks.
Division
Propagation of Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt can also occur through division of mature plants. The plant should be lifted carefully, and the rhizomes should be divided into sections with a sharp, sterile knife.
Each section should have a growing point and a healthy root system. The sections should be replanted in well-draining soil, watered well, and kept in a warm, humid area with bright, indirect light until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt
Tephrosia longipes Meisn. subsp. swynnertonii (Baker f.) Brummitt is a hardy plant that is not particularly susceptible to pests or diseases. However, the following are some potential issues to watch out for:
Diseases
Root Rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be identified by brown, mushy roots. Watering should be done sparingly, and the soil should be well drained.
Mildew: High humidity levels can cause powdery mildew to grow on the plant. Prune diseased leaves, increase ventilation and mist the plant to keep the surrounding air moist.
Leaf Spot: Spots on leaves that look pale yellow with a brownish color are the result of fungal or bacterial infections. Remove infected leaves, water your plant from the bottom, or use a fungicidal spray to control it.
Pests
Coffee Bean Weevil: It can be identified by small holes in the leaves, and by the beans that have been eaten. Prune infected parts of the plant and avoid planting new crops next to infected plants.
Spider Mites: Spiders on the underside of leaves and fine webs indicate that spider mites are present. Use insecticidal soap or spraying with water to manage them.
Thrips: Small, commonly found on the buds and flowers, and there are black droppings on the leaves. Prune all damaged buds and flowers immediately, and apply insecticidal soap to the plant.
It is important to maintain good care practices to prevent pests and diseases in the first place. This includes removing diseased leaves, spraying with water to keep away any dust and pests from the leaves, providing proper spacing between plants, and consider cultural practices and fertilization schedule.
