General Description
Tylosema fassoglensis (Schweinf.) Torre & Hillc. is a perennial, woody climber that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as the "Butterfly Pea" or "Kolobedu" in northern Namibia and Botswana.
Origin
Tylosema fassoglensis is native to the savannah regions of northern Namibia, Botswana, and southern Angola. It grows in dry, sandy soil and is adapted to hot and dry environments.
Appearance
The plant has a woody, branched stem that can grow up to 3 meters in length and has tendrils used for climbing. The leaves are pinnate and have around 12 to 14 leaflets that are dark green on the upper surface and lighter on the underside. The flowers are bright orange to red in color, shaped like a butterfly, and bloom in the summer months. The fruit is a long, cylindrical pod that contains several seeds.
Uses
The seeds and leaves of Tylosema fassoglensis are used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including stomach pain, diarrhea, and skin infections. The plant is also used in the production of natural dyes for textiles. In addition, Tylosema fassoglensis is an important fodder plant for livestock, providing a valuable source of nutrition during the dry season when other forage is scarce.
Growth conditions for Tylosema fassoglensis
Tylosema fassoglensis, commonly known as the butterfly cluster pea, is a leguminous shrub that typically grows in dry savannas and woodlands. It is native to Africa and can adapt to various environmental conditions.
Light requirements
Tylosema fassoglensis is a sun-loving plant and requires full sunlight exposure for proper growth and development. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it may affect the flowering and overall appearance of the shrub.
Temperature requirements
The butterfly cluster pea can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in warm to hot climates. The plant can withstand temperatures up to 40°C during the day and 15°C at night. However, it cannot tolerate frost, so it is best grown in areas with mild winter temperatures.
Soil requirements
Tylosema fassoglensis can grow in various soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil with moderate fertility. The plant can tolerate poor and sandy soils, but it requires regular watering to maintain its growth. It can also grow in alkaline soils but may struggle in highly acidic soil conditions.
In summary, Tylosema fassoglensis requires full sunlight exposure, warm to hot temperatures, and well-drained soil with moderate fertility. It is a hardy plant that can adapt to various environmental conditions and can tolerate drought and periodic flooding. By providing the right growth conditions, your butterfly cluster pea can thrive and flourish in your garden or landscape.
Cultivation
Tylosema fassoglensis is native to southwestern Africa and grows best in warm climates with plenty of sun and well-draining soil. It can be cultivated from seeds or cuttings.
Before planting, soak the seeds in water overnight to soften their hard outer coating. Sow the seeds directly in the soil, placing them 1-2 inches deep and about 12 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water thoroughly. Germination can take up to three weeks.
If using cuttings instead of seeds, select a healthy stem and cut it at a 45-degree angle. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs
Tylosema fassoglensis prefers dry soil to damp soil. Aim to water your plant once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot.
In the winter months, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Fertilization
Tylosema fassoglensis does not require heavy feeding. In fact, too much fertilizer can harm the plant. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Alternatively, you can use compost or organic matter to fertilize your plant annually. Spread a layer of compost or organic matter around the base of the plant and work it into the soil.
Pruning
Tylosema fassoglensis does not require regular pruning, but you can pinch back the tips of the stem to encourage branching and a fuller plant. You can also remove any dead or diseased branches as necessary.
If you wish to control the size of your plant, prune back the stems by about a third in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Propagation of Tylosema fassoglensis
Tylosema fassoglensis can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Tylosema fassoglensis can be collected from the plant during the fall season when the seed pods are mature. The seeds should be cleaned to remove any debris or chaff and can be stored in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
Before planting, the seeds should be scarified to facilitate germination. Scarification can be done by nicking the seed coat with a blade or sandpaper, or by soaking the seeds in water for a few hours. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil.
Seeds should be kept moist and warm, and germination should occur within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a size of 4-5 inches, they can be transplanted to individual pots or a suitable outdoor location.
Propagation through Cuttings
Tylosema fassoglensis can also be propagated through stem cuttings. A stem cutting should be taken from a mature plant during the growing season and should ideally be 6-8 inches in length.
The cutting should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in well-draining soil or a rooting medium. The cutting should be kept moist and warm, and roots should start to form within 4-6 weeks. Once the cutting has established roots, it can be transplanted to a suitable location.
Propagation through Layering
Layering is another method of propagating Tylosema fassoglensis. This method involves bending a low-hanging branch to the ground and covering a portion of it with soil. The covered portion of the branch should be fastened to the ground with a stake or wire to keep it from springing up.
Over time, roots will form at the covered portion of the branch, and a new plantlet will emerge. Once the new plantlet has grown to a suitable size, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease Management
Tylosema fassoglensis is generally a healthy plant, but certain diseases may affect it. The most common disease that affects this plant is leaf spot. It appears as red or yellow spots on the leaves and can spread quickly if not treated. Fungal diseases such as Botrytis and Fusarium can also attack the plant, leading to stunted growth and eventual death. To manage these diseases, it's important to keep the garden or field free of plant debris and provide good airflow around the plants. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Tylosema fassoglensis is generally not heavily affected by pests, but a few pests can damage the plant. The most common pests that attack this plant are spider mites and aphids. They can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. A pest infestation can be managed by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. Certain insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used to get rid of the pests without harming the plants.
Tips for Prevention
The best way to manage diseases and pests is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Here are a few tips for preventing diseases and pests from affecting Tylosema fassoglensis:
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Ensure good airflow around the plants
- Water the plants only when the soil is dry
- Use fungicides and insecticides as a preventive measure
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can attract pests and diseases
