Contents
Description
Tephrosia Spicata is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Africa and Madagascar, but it is also found in other parts of the world such as Australia, Asia, and America. The plant has a woody stem and can grow up to 1 meter tall. It produces beautiful pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom from June to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Tephrosia |
Appearance
Tephrosia Spicata has a woody stem that is covered with fine hairs. Its leaves are pinnate, with 5-13 leaflets that are 2-6 cm long. The plant produces beautiful flowers that are pink, purple, or white in color, and they have a sweet fragrance. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems and bloom from June to September.
Care Guide
Watering Tephrosia Spicata should be done regularly, especially during the dry season. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Fertilizing the plant can be done with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tephrosia Spicata is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Some of the common pests that affect the plant include mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also susceptible to root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poorly draining soils. Powdery mildew can also affect the plant, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Tephrosia Spicata is native to Africa and Madagascar, where it grows in dry savannah, woodland, and grassland habitats. The plant can also be found in other parts of the world such as Australia, Asia, and America. It thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tephrosia Spicata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a bright location with good air circulation.
Q: How often should Tephrosia Spicata be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the best time to plant Tephrosia Spicata?
A: The best time to plant the plant is during the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild.
Q: How often should Tephrosia Spicata be watered?
A: The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the dry season, but the soil should not be waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Tephrosia Vogelii
- Tephrosia Purpurea
- Tephrosia Candida
References
- “Tephrosia spicata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 21, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286886.
- “Tephrosia spicata.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed September 21, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/tephrosia-spicata.
- “Tephrosia spicata.” The Plant List. Accessed September 21, 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/ild-1047.
