Contents
Description
Tephrosia Obovata, commonly known as the Obovate Hoarypea, is a perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia and is characterized by its strong root system, which makes it suitable for soil conservation. The plant grows up to 1 meter in height and has a woody stem. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with five to nine leaflets, and its flowers are pink or purple in color. The fruit of Tephrosia Obovata is a pod, which contains several seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Tephrosia |
Appearance
Tephrosia Obovata is a beautiful plant with pink or purple flowers that bloom in clusters. The leaves are pinnately compound, with five to nine leaflets, and are green in color. The stem of the plant is woody and strong, while the roots are fibrous and extensive. The plant grows up to 1 meter in height and has a spread of up to 1.5 meters. The pods are cylindrical in shape and contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Tephrosia Obovata is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:
Water: Water your Tephrosia Obovata once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth and blooming.
Soil: Tephrosia Obovata prefers well-draining soil, rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow healthy.
Hardiness Zones: Tephrosia Obovata grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tephrosia Obovata is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some of them:
Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. Remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Aphids: These pests suck the sap from the leaves and can cause stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Habitat
Tephrosia Obovata is native to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and savannahs. The plant is also used for soil conservation, as it has a strong root system that prevents erosion.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tephrosia Obovata grow in cold regions?
A: No, Tephrosia Obovata grows best in warm regions with a minimum temperature of 10°C.
Q: Is Tephrosia Obovata poisonous?
A: Yes, Tephrosia Obovata contains toxic alkaloids and should not be ingested by humans or animals.
Q: How often should Tephrosia Obovata be pruned?
A: Tephrosia Obovata can be pruned once a year to remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can Tephrosia Obovata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Tephrosia Obovata can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Related Plants
Here are some plants related to Tephrosia Obovata:
- Tephrosia Purpurea
- Tephrosia Vogelii
- Tephrosia Candida
- Tephrosia Villosa
References
- “Tephrosia Obovata.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://pza.sanbi.org/tephrosia-obovata/.
- “Tephrosia Obovata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277997.
- “Tephrosia Obovata.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed September 15, 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=501907.
