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Description
Centrosema Pubescens, commonly known as Centro, is a perennial legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical regions of the Americas and is widely cultivated as a forage crop in the United States, South America, and Africa. The plant is known for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which makes it an excellent cover crop and soil improver.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Centrosema |
Appearance
Centrosema Pubescens grows up to 1 meter tall and has a sprawling habit. The leaves are trifoliate, ovate, and pubescent. The flowers are pink to purple in color and grow in clusters. The fruit is a linear legume that contains several seeds. The plant produces a taproot that can penetrate up to 2 meters in depth, making it drought-tolerant.
Care Guide
Centrosema Pubescens requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. It responds well to fertilization with phosphorus and potassium but does not require nitrogen fertilization due to its nitrogen-fixing ability. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Centrosema Pubescens is susceptible to root-knot nematodes, which can cause stunting and yellowing of the plant. The plant is also susceptible to leaf spot diseases, which can cause defoliation. Powdery mildew can also affect the plant, causing white powdery patches on the leaves. Proper sanitation and the use of fungicides can help control these pests and diseases.
Habitat
Centrosema Pubescens is native to tropical regions of the Americas, including Central and South America. The plant is widely cultivated as a forage crop in the United States, South America, and Africa. It grows well in well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: What is Centrosema Pubescens used for?
A: Centrosema Pubescens is used as a forage crop and a cover crop. It is also used as a soil improver due to its nitrogen-fixing ability.
Q: How long does Centrosema Pubescens live?
A: Centrosema Pubescens is a perennial plant that can live up to 5 years.
Q: How do you propagate Centrosema Pubescens?
A: Centrosema Pubescens can be propagated by seeds or by stem cuttings. The plant can also reproduce through self-seeding.
Q: Is Centrosema Pubescens invasive?
A: Centrosema Pubescens is not considered invasive but can spread rapidly under favorable conditions.
Related Plants
- Centrosema acutifolium
- Centrosema brasilianum
- Centrosema macrocarpum
- Centrosema molle
References
- USDA Plants Database. Centrosema pubescens Benth. Accessed 15 October 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CEPU
- Gutteridge, R. C. and H. M. Shelton. 1997. Forages: The Science of Grassland Agriculture, 6th ed. Blackwell Science, Ltd., Oxford, UK.
- Broughton, W. J. and J. A. Hernandez. 2003. Legumes and their symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria. American Society for Microbiology, Washington, DC.
