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Description
Tephrosia Capensis, commonly known as Cape Pea or Wild Sweet Pea, is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to South Africa and is known for its therapeutic properties. It is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1 meter in height. Tephrosia Capensis has a woody rootstock and leaves that are alternate, pinnately compound, and have 6-12 leaflets. The flowers of this plant are pink or purple in color and grow in clusters. The fruit of Tephrosia Capensis is a legume that contains 1-2 seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Tephrosia |
Appearance
Tephrosia Capensis is a beautiful plant that is known for its pink or purple flowers. The leaves of this plant are green and have a pinnately compound structure. Each leaf has 6-12 leaflets that are oblong in shape. The flowers of Tephrosia Capensis grow in clusters and have a sweet fragrance. The fruit of this plant is a legume that contains 1-2 seeds.
Care Guide
Tephrosia Capensis is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Tephrosia Capensis requires regular watering during the growing season. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: This plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize it once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Tephrosia Capensis grows well in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.- Sunlight: This plant requires full sunlight to thrive. Make sure that it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.- Hardiness Zones: Tephrosia Capensis can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tephrosia Capensis is a relatively pest and disease-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered. Some of the common pests that can affect this plant include spider mites and aphids. You can control these pests by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Tephrosia Capensis is native to South Africa and can be found in the grasslands and savannas of this region. It grows well in well-drained soil and requires full sunlight to thrive.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tephrosia Capensis a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Tephrosia Capensis is a medicinal plant that is known for its therapeutic properties.
Q: What are the common pests that can affect Tephrosia Capensis?
A: Spider mites and aphids are the common pests that can affect this plant.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for growing Tephrosia Capensis?
A: The ideal soil pH for growing Tephrosia Capensis is between 6.0 and 7.5.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for growing Tephrosia Capensis?
A: Tephrosia Capensis can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Tephrosia Capensis:- Tephrosia Vogelii- Tephrosia Purpurea- Tephrosia Candida- Tephrosia Apollinea
References
– “Tephrosia Capensis.” PlantZAfrica. South African National Biodiversity Institute, n.d. Web. 29 July 2021.- “Tephrosia Capensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 29 July 2021.- “Tephrosia Capensis.” The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 29 July 2021.
