Overview of Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild.
Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild. is a perennial, woody plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is also commonly known as the “Purple-podded Tephrosia.” The plant is native to central and eastern Africa, including Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Appearance of Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild.
The plant has simple, alternate leaves that are compound, trifoliate, and densely hairy. The stem is slender, flexuous, and also hairy. It typically grows up to 2 meters tall. The flowers are dark purple to lilac with a tinge of pink, arranged in racemes. The fruit is a legume, about 6cm long, and densely hairy.
Uses of Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild.
The plant has several medicinal and agricultural uses. Its roots, leaves, and stems contain alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins that are known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-cancer properties. It is also effective in treating respiratory infections, malaria, and skin diseases. In agriculture, the plant is useful in controlling soil erosion, as a green manure crop, and for intercropping with other crops.
Furthermore, Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild. has been used in traditional African medicine for centuries. The plant's roots are used as a hunting poison, insecticide, and fish poison. The crushed seeds can be used as a pesticide. The plant is also commonly used as a natural dye, yielding a red or purple dye that can be used to color textiles.
Light Requirements
Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild. prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure daily to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions, and it thrives in warm temperatures. It cannot withstand frost and must be shielded from extremely low temperatures. The optimal temperature for growth is between 20°C and 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild. prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It grows well in sandy loam, sandy clay loam, and lateritic soil. The soil must be fertile and rich in organic matter to support the growth of this plant. Additionally, the plant cannot tolerate saline soil.
Cultivation
The Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild. plant can be cultivated in a variety of soils, including sandy or loamy soils, but prefers well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings and should be planted in a location that receives partial to full sunlight.
Watering Needs
It is important to water the Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild. moderately and consistently. During the growing season, the plant should be watered when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. However, excessive watering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
To ensure the Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild. plant grows healthy and strong, it is recommended to fertilize it with a balanced organic fertilizer. The first application should be done in early spring, and a second in summer. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can cause more harm than good.
Pruning
To keep your Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild. plant looking tidy and to promote new growth, regular pruning is recommended. It is best to prune during the growing season and remove any dead or damaged branches or leaves. Pruning can also be done to shape the plant, but avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Propagation of Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild.
Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild. can be propagated by different methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
The plant produces seeds that can be collected for propagation. Seeds should be gathered from healthy plants that exhibit the desired characteristics. The collected seeds should be cleaned and dried thoroughly before sowing.
Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and ensure they are covered with soil to a depth of about two times their diameter. The potting mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur within two to four weeks.
After sprouting, seedlings can be moved into individual pots with a well-draining potting mix. However, they need to be well-established before re-potting.
Vegetative propagation
The plant can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Collect cuttings from healthy plants in the early morning when the plant's hormone levels are high. Cuttings should be about 4-5 inches in length and include at least one node.
Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist.
The cuttings should take root in six to eight weeks, after which they can be potted individually.
Disease Management
Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild. is susceptible to various diseases, such as fungal leaf spots, root rot, and powdery mildew.
Fungal leaf spots: The symptoms include circular or irregularly shaped spots on the plant's leaves, which may be dark-colored with concentric rings. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and avoid excessive watering. Apply a fungicide with copper or sulfur as the active ingredient to stop the spread of the fungal infection.
Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-drained, and avoid overwatering. Remove the infected plant parts and apply a fungicide with thiophanate-methyl or chlorothalonil as the active ingredient.
Powdery mildew: This disease typically affects the leaves, causing a powdery white coating. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and improve air circulation around the plant. Apply a fungicide with myclobutanil or propiconazole as the active ingredient.
Pest Management
Tephrosia subfalcato-stipulata De Wild. is also susceptible to several pests, such as spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars.
Spider mites: These pests are tiny and can be found on the plant's leaves. Spider mites cause the leaves to turn yellow or bronze. To manage spider mites, use a hose and spray water over the plant to wash them away. Alternatively, you can use an insecticide with pyrethrin as the active ingredient.
Aphids: These pests can be identified by their soft bodies and small size. They cause leaves to curl and stunt plant growth. To control aphids, prune away infected leaves and apply an insecticide with imidacloprid or neem oil as the active ingredient.
Caterpillars: These pests are common in late summer and early fall and can be identified by the holes they leave on leaves. To manage caterpillars, use a natural insecticide with Bacillus thuringiensis as the active ingredient.
