Question 3
(a) Give the botanical names of specimens H, I and J. [3 marks]
(b) State the method of propagation of each of specimens H, I, J. [3 marks]
(c) Mention five characteristics of specimen H. [5 marks]
(d) State four uses of specimen I. [4 marks]
Observation
Although many candidates could state the methods of propagating Centrosema, elephant grass and tropical kudzu, they did not follow scientific nomenclature in the botanical names of the specimens; thus losing marks.
The expected answers include:
(a) Botanical names of specimens H (Centrosema), I (Elephant grass) and J (Tropical kudzu)
H (Centrosema) - Centrosema pubescens
I (Elephant grass) - Pennisetum purpureum
J (Tropical kudzu) - Pueraria phaseoloides
(b) Methods of propagation of specimens H, I and J
H (Centrosema) - Seeds
I (Elephant grass) - Stolons/stem cuttings/seeds
J (Tropical kudzu) - Seeds
(c) Characteristics of specimen H (Centrosema)
- It is a vigorous and aggressive growing legume
- It is a creeping and twining plant
- Has trifoliate leaves
- It is a perennial plant
- Drought resistant
- Tolerant of shade
- It is highly nodulated
- Palatable to animals
(d) Uses of specimen I (Elephant grass)
- For feeding livestock
- For roofing
- Used as bedding materials in livestock pens
- It is planted to conserve soil moisture
- Used to control soil erosion
- For making fence
- Serves as a trap plant to control stem borer
- Used as medicine in the treatment of some ailments e.g. eye problem
- Used for making mat