Origin
Tephrosia macropoda (E.Mey.) Harv. var. diffusa (E.Mey.) Schrire belongs to the family Fabaceae and is a native to the southern parts of Africa, specifically in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It is commonly found in open woodland, grassland and along rocky outcrops in these regions.
Common Names
The plant Tephrosia macropoda (E.Mey.) Harv. var. diffusa (E.Mey.) Schrire is commonly known as the 'Bushveld Tephrosia' or 'Morotse'. The name Morotse is derived from a Sotho word that means to 'restore to life' - a name given to the plant because of its medicinal properties.
Uses
The Bushveld Tephrosia has been used traditionally for a wide range of medicinal and cultural purposes. It is well known and highly valued as a medicinal plant among the indigenous people of Southern Africa. The roots and leaves of this plant have been used to treat various ailments, such as chest problems, respiratory infections, fever, and wounds. The plant has also been used in traditional rituals as a washing and purifying agent.
General Appearance
The Bushveld Tephrosia is a multi-branched, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1m in height. It has a slender and woody stem covered with fine hairs. Its leaves are made up of 3 leaflets that are oval-shaped and elongated, with a pointed tip. The leaves are a distinctive greyish-green colour and are covered with fine hairs. The plant flowers from October to April, producing clusters of small pink or mauve flowers at the end of branchlets. The fruit is a long pod that contains seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Overall, Tephrosia macropoda (E.Mey.) Harv. var. diffusa (E.Mey.) Schrire is a valuable and widely used plant in Southern Africa, both for its medicinal properties and cultural significance. It is a beautiful plant that adds to the biodiversity and natural beauty of the African bushveld.
Light Requirements
Tephrosia macropoda var. diffusa prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow in areas with low light levels but will not produce as many flowers and may have stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in areas with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C. However, it will not survive frost or extreme heat. It is best to keep the temperature between 18°C and 25°C for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Tephrosia macropoda var. diffusa prefers well-drained soils. It does not tolerate water-logged soils well and can easily develop root rot. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Adding organic matter to the soil, such as compost or well-rotted manure, will improve the soil structure and provide essential nutrients for growth.
Cultivation of Tephrosia macropoda (E.Mey.) Harv. var. diffusa (E.Mey.) Schrire
Tephrosia macropoda (E.Mey.) Harv. var. diffusa (E.Mey.) Schrire is a hardy plant that adapts well to different soil types and weather. It is commonly grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The following are some cultivation tips:
Watering needs
The plant requires regular watering especially during the dry season. Water the plant once or twice a week depending on the climate. Avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
Apply fertilizer once a month during the growing season to boost growth and enhance the plant's ability to fight diseases. Use a balanced fertiliser that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Alternatively, use organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and bone meal.
Pruning
Pruning helps to shape the plant and promote flowering. Prune the plant once a year while it is still young to encourage the formation of a bushy plant. Remove all the dead branches and any damaged leaves. Cut off the top of the plant to encourage the formation of new branches and buds.
Propagation of Tephrosia macropoda var. diffusa
Tephrosia macropoda var. diffusa is a perennial herb indigenous to southern Africa. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Propagation of Tephrosia macropoda var. diffusa via seed is relatively easy and can be done at any time of the year. The seeds should be collected from mature pods and sown in a mixture of sand and compost, kept moist and warm until germination. Germination will usually occur within a few weeks, and the resulting seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent position once they are large enough to handle.
Cuttings
Propagation of Tephrosia macropoda var. diffusa through cuttings is also a common method. Semi-hardwood cuttings, taken from the current season's growth, and with a length of about 10cm, can be used. Before planting, the leaves on the lower half of the cuttings should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they root, which can take several weeks.
Division
Tephrosia macropoda var. diffusa can also be propagated through division. This method is best done during the plant's dormant period, usually in late winter or early spring. The plant should be lifted from the soil and divided into sections, making sure each section has a healthy root system. The divided sections can then be replanted in their permanent position, making sure to water them well until they are established.
Disease Management
Tephrosia macropoda is susceptible to several diseases, including leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew. Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora and appears as circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves. Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi and results in stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and root decay. Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erisyphe and appears as a white powder on the leaves and stems.
To manage leaf spot, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide containing copper or sulfur. To manage root rot, the soil should be well-drained, and infected plants should be removed to prevent the spread of the fungus. Powdery mildew can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant, removing infected leaves, and treating with a fungicide containing potassium bicarbonate or neem oil.
Pest Management
Tephrosia macropoda is also susceptible to pests, including mites, scales, and caterpillars. Spider mites are tiny pests that appear as white specks on the leaves and cause yellowing and webbing. Scales are small insects that appear as bumps on the stems and leaves and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies and can defoliate the plant.
To manage spider mites, the plant can be sprayed with water to dislodge the mites, or treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Scales can be removed by hand or treated with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Caterpillars can be handpicked from the plant, or treated with a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
