Introduction
Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. subsp. altissima Brummitt, commonly known as the purple tephrosia, is a flowering plant that belongs to the pea family.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka; it also grows in Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam. It is widely distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including purple tephrosia, wild indigo, fumitory, fish-poison-fiddle, Java-bean, Pada-bagham, and Sharpunkha.
General Appearance
The plant is a small- to medium-sized, perennial shrub that typically grows up to a height of three feet. It has hairy and woody stems that form a bushy, spreading habit. The leaves of the plant are pinnate and are composed of eight to ten leaflets that are oval or elliptical in shape. The flowers of the plant are purple or pink in color, and they grow in long clusters or spikes that emerge from the leaf axils. The fruits of the plant are narrow, cylindrical, and about an inch long and are initially green but later turn brown as they mature.
Uses
The purple tephrosia has several uses in traditional medicine. The plant has been used to treat a range of ailments, including dysentery, fever, jaundice, asthma, and inflammation. The leaves and roots of the plant are also used as an antidiabetic agent. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used for erosion control and as a green manure crop due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
In conclusion, the purple tephrosia is a versatile plant with several medicinal properties and is also useful for soil conservation. Its attractive flowers and bushy habit also make it a popular choice for ornamental gardening.
Growth Conditions of Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. subsp. altissima Brummitt
Light Requirements: Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. subsp. altissima Brummitt thrives well under full sunlight to partial shade conditions. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it requires at minimum five hours of direct sunlight every day to grow and develop.
Temperature Requirements: The plant grows in a wide range of climatic conditions and temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 35°C. The plant is well adapted to grow in tropical to sub-tropical regions and can also tolerate occasional frosts. However, the optimum temperature for the plant's growth ranges from 25°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirements: For optimal growth and development, Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. subsp. altissima Brummitt requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers sandy loam to clay loam soils, but it can adapt to various soil types, as long as the soil is fertile. The plant is well adapted to grow in dry and arid regions with low soil fertility.
Other growth factors that affect the growth and development of the plant include water availability, wind exposure, and humidity level. The plant is drought-tolerant, and it requires moderate watering in the early stages of growth. The plant is well adapted to grow in windy conditions, but it requires protection from strong winds that can break its stems and branches. Lastly, the plant thrives well in regions with moderate to high humidity levels, but it can still grow in low humidity regions.
Cultivation Methods
Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. subsp. altissima Brummitt thrives in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6-7.5. The plant grows well in full sun or partial shade, but it requires moderate sunlight for optimal growth. The recommended planting time is during the rainy season, as the plant cannot tolerate water shortage.
Watering Needs
Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. subsp. altissima Brummitt is moderately drought-tolerant, but frequent watering is essential for optimal growth and flowering. During the dry season, the plant requires regular watering, usually once every two days, to prevent wilting. The amount of water required depends on the soil, temperature, and humidity. It is important to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. subsp. altissima Brummitt requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth, flowering, and fruiting. The ideal fertilizer should have a balanced NPK ratio (e.g., 10-10-10). Fertilizer application should be done during the flowering and fruiting periods, usually every four weeks. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the appropriate dosage and method of application.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. subsp. altissima Brummitt cultivation. Regular pruning can promote bushy growth, increase flowering and fruiting, and improve overall plant health. Pruning should be done after the flowering period to encourage new growth. The plant can be pruned to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches and to shape the plant to the desired size and form.
Propagation of Tephrosia Purpurea (L.) Pers. Subsp. Altissima Brummitt
Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. subsp. altissima Brummitt, also known as Wild Indigo or Purple Tephrosia, is a flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is a commonly grown ornamental plant worldwide because of its bright purple flowers and medicinal properties. There are different methods of propagating Tephrosia purpurea, including:
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Tephrosia purpurea is through seeds. Seeds should be collected when the pods are brown and dry. The seeds should be soaked in water overnight and scarified before planting. Scarification is necessary because the seed coat of Tephrosia purpurea is hard, and germination can be delayed if the coat is not removed. After scarification, the seeds should be sown in seed trays at a depth of 1cm. The trays can be placed under a shade, and the soil should be kept moist. Seedlings emerge within two to three weeks, and they should be transplanted after they attain a height of approximately 15cm.
Propagation through Cuttings
Tephrosia purpurea can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings are taken from mature plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be 10cm long, and the leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in pots filled with a mixture of sand and compost. The soil should be kept moist, and the pots should be placed under a shade. The cuttings will develop roots in four to six weeks and can be transplanted into larger pots or directly moved to the garden.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is another method of propagating Tephrosia purpurea. This method is useful when the plant is overgrown, and the root ball needs to be divided to rejuvenate the plant. The plant should be dug up, and the root ball should be divided into smaller clumps. Each clump should have at least one growing point and a few roots. The clumps can be planted separately in the garden or in pots filled with well-draining soil.
Propagation of Tephrosia purpurea is relatively easy and can be done through seeds, cuttings, or division. The ideal time for propagation is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing.
Disease Management
Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. subsp. altissima Brummitt is a hardy plant species and is generally not very susceptible to diseases. However, in certain cases, the plant can be vulnerable to diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
To manage root rot, it is important to ensure proper drainage in the soil and avoid over-watering. Additionally, planting in well-drained soil and avoiding waterlogging can also help prevent the disease. Leaf spot can be managed by removing infected leaves and disposing of them properly. Monitoring the plant and providing proper spacing can also help prevent the disease. Powdery mildew can be managed by practicing good sanitation, pruning the plant regularly, and providing adequate air circulation.
Pest Management
Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. subsp. altissima Brummitt is generally not very susceptible to pests. However, in some cases, the plant can be affected by pests such as aphids, mites, and mealybugs.
To manage aphids, mites, and mealybugs, it is important to regularly monitor the plant for signs of infestation. Early detection can help prevent the spread of pests. Using organic pesticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps can also help manage infestations. Additionally, providing adequate air circulation and avoiding overcrowding can help prevent the spread of pests.
