Centrapalus pauciflorus

Cultivation Details

Centrapalus pauciflorus is a plant of the semi-arid tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 2,000 metres, occasionally to 2,500 metres. It is found in areas where the mean annual rainfall may be as low as 250 - 500mm for some types, but as high as 1,850mm for others^[1]. In cultivation, it requires a rainy season that provides sufficient moisture to permit the main flowerheads to develop; a longer rainy season that permits secondary flowerheads to develop will result in poor uniformity of maturation and a risk of seed shattering^[1]. Plants tolerate substantial shading, which may make cultivation in agroforestry systems possible^[1]. On poorly drained soils, growth of the main stem stops before flowering; branches develop from the base of the plant, but they also wither and die. A well-drained soil with a pH in the range 5.0 - 8.5 is preferred^[1]. The plant is viewed traditionally as a weed^[1]. In an experiment with selections of var. ethiopica at different locations in Ethiopia, flowering started 87 - 117 days after sowing, and seeds matured after 161 - 261 days^[1]. When growing conditions permit, branching starts after formation of the main inflorescence and occurs only at the higher nodes; these branches may also form flowerheads^[1]. Topping of young plants may reduce the risk of lodging and enhance uniform maturation. In a trial in Zimbabwe, plants of var. ethiopica topped at a height of 15cm led to the development of 18 - 20 main branches per plant, each with 3 - 5 flowerheads. At harvesting, plant heights were less, lodging was significantly reduced and seed maturity more uniform^[1]. Shattering of mature fruiting heads occurs in most types, but types with limited shattering have been identified^[1]. The best yields recorded in Ethiopia from local selections are 4,000 kilos of seed per hectare, equivalent to 1,625 kilos of oil^[1]. The plant is self-fertile, but rates of outcrossing of up to 16% have been found^[1].