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Description
Macrotyloma Coddii, also known as the wild cowpea or Codd’s cowpea, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to southern Africa and can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It has a deep taproot system and is known for its drought tolerance, making it a popular choice for arid regions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Macrotyloma |
Appearance
The leaves of Macrotyloma Coddii are trifoliate and have a lanceolate shape. They are about 3-8 cm long and 1-3 cm wide, and have a dark green color. The flowers are small, about 5-7 mm long, and are usually purple or pink. The fruit is a pod that is about 3-6 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide, and contains several seeds. The seeds are small and round, about 4-6 mm in diameter, and are usually brown or black in color.
Care Guide
Macrotyloma Coddii is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you grow and care for this plant:
- Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive on very little water. However, it is important to water it regularly during the growing season to ensure healthy growth.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilization. However, you can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but does not do well in heavy clay soil.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Macrotyloma Coddii is relatively disease-resistant and pest-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant. In addition, watch out for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can occasionally infest the plant. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or by using a natural insecticide.
Habitat
Macrotyloma Coddii is native to southern Africa and can be found in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and woodland areas. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, including drought and high temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Macrotyloma Coddii edible?
A: Yes, the seeds of Macrotyloma Coddii are edible and are often used as a food source in Africa.
Q: Can Macrotyloma Coddii be grown indoors?
A: While it is possible to grow Macrotyloma Coddii indoors, it is generally not recommended. This plant prefers full sun and can grow quite large, making it difficult to keep indoors.
Q: Does Macrotyloma Coddii attract bees?
A: Yes, Macrotyloma Coddii is a good source of nectar for bees and can attract them to your garden.
Q: Can Macrotyloma Coddii be used as a forage crop?
A: Yes, Macrotyloma Coddii is often used as a forage crop for livestock in Africa.
Related Plants
- Macrotyloma axillare
- Macrotyloma uniflorum
- Macrotyloma africanum
- Macrotyloma breviflorum
References
- “Macrotyloma Coddii.” Encyclopedia of Life, eol.org/pages/703797/details. Accessed 10 May 2021.
- “Macrotyloma Coddii.” Useful Tropical Plants, tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Macrotyloma+coddii. Accessed 10 May 2021.
- “Macrotyloma Coddii.” Plants of the World Online, kew.org/plants/MACTY. Accessed 10 May 2021.
