Overview
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the smooth abrus, smooth Indian liquorice, or smooth rosary pea. This plant is a small, perennial climber that has several medicinal and other uses.
Origin
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. is native to Africa and can be found in countries such as Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The plant is also found in Madagascar and Nambia. It prefers shady and moist habitats including riverbeds and rocky slopes.
Appearance
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. is a climbing plant that can grow up to 4 meters long with slender branches and a woody stem. It has a smooth surface and weakly developed tendrils that usually support the plant. The leaves are pinnate, with 6-16 leaflets that are oblong to elliptic and about 0,5-2 cm long. The flowers are small and usually pinkish or purplish-red in color and borne on slender stalks with very small bracts. The fruit is a pod, 2-3,5 cm long, 8-9 mm wide, slightly curved, and tapering at both ends with a hard, pale brown surface.
Common Names
The plant has several common names in different parts of the world. In Africa, it is commonly known as "Skitso", "Luahame", or "Ncema" in Angola, "Korokoro" in Botswana, and "Gumo-gumo" in Namibia. In Madagascar, it is known as "Nnatso". The plant is also known as "Smooth Indian Liquorice" or "Smooth Rosary Pea" in English.
Uses
The smooth abrus has several medical uses. The crushed leaves can be used to treat fever, headache, and stomach illness. The roots contain a poison that has been used to kill parasites in the body, particularly worms and tapeworms. The plant also has some cultural and religious significance in some African communities where it is used in traditional rituals as part of herbal medicine.
The smooth abrus is also commonly used as a decorative plant due to its attractive flowers and pods. The seeds, which are bright red with black on the top half, are often used in beadwork and jewelry-making, particularly in Africa. However, it should be noted that the seeds are toxic and the ingestion of even a single seed can cause serious health problems, hence the plant should be handled with care.
Light Requirements
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. is able to tolerate a wide range of light conditions. However, this plant typically prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. It should be noted that excessive exposure to direct sunlight can stunt the growth of the plant and might result in leaf burn, so it is recommended to provide some shade during the hottest time of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. is a tropical plant and requires warm temperatures to thrive. Ideally, the daytime temperature should be around 25-35°C (77-95°F), while nighttime temperatures should not drop below 18-20°C (64-68°F). Extreme temperature fluctuations can affect the growth and overall health of the plant, so it is recommended to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the growth period.
Soil Requirements
Abrus Laevigatus E.Mey. grows well in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5 is ideal for this plant. The soil should also be able to hold moisture well without becoming waterlogged. It is recommended to add a layer of compost to the planting area or mix the soil with slow-release fertilizers before planting to ensure adequate nutrition for the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Abrus laevigatus E.Mey.
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It grows well in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 5.5-6.5. This plant can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings. If planting from seeds, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until the plant has established.
Watering Needs for Abrus laevigatus E.Mey.
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The plant may require more frequent watering during periods of drought or hot weather. Watering should be reduced in the winter when the plant enters a period of dormancy.
Fertilization for Abrus laevigatus E.Mey.
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two to three weeks during the growing season. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped during the winter when the plant enters a period of dormancy.
Pruning for Abrus laevigatus E.Mey.
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning can be done in the winter when the plant is dormant. The plant should be pruned to remove any dead or diseased branches and to promote overall shape and structure. If the plant becomes too large, it can be pruned back to control its size.
Propagation of Abrus laevigatus E.Mey.
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. is a plant species that can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. can be collected from ripe pods. After collecting, the seeds should be soaked in hot water for 24 hours to overcome their hard seed coat. After soaking, the seeds should be sown in a well-drained potting mix, covered with a thin layer of soil, and watered. The pots should be placed in a warm and bright location, and the soil should be kept moist. The seeds will germinate in four to six weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey. can also be propagated by cuttings taken from mature plants. The cuttings should be taken in the spring, when new growth begins to appear. The cuttings should be four to six inches in length and have at least two nodes, from where the leaves emerge. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The pots should be placed in a warm and bright location, and the soil should be kept moist. The cuttings will develop roots in four to six weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Abrus laevigatus E.Mey.
Abrus laevigatus E.Mey., commonly known as the smooth abrus or jequirity bean, is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is a known source of the toxin abrin and is used in traditional medicine. Proper disease and pest management are essential to ensure its survival and productivity.
Common Diseases
Abrus laevigatus is susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections that may be caused by various pathogens, including Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, and Xanthomonas campestris. These diseases can cause symptoms such as leaf spots, wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth.
The best way to manage these diseases is through preventive measures such as ensuring proper drainage, avoiding overwatering, keeping the area clean and free from debris, and removing infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides and bactericides can also be used to control the disease. However, before using these chemical interventions, it is important to consult a specialist on the recommended dosage and application methods.
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are common pests that may attack Abrus laevigatus. These pests feed on the plant sap, causing the plant to wilt and its leaves to turn yellow. In addition, these pests can transmit viral diseases that can further weaken the plant.
To manage these pests, one can use natural predators such as ladybugs, praying mantises, and lacewings to control their population. Additionally, one can use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or garlic oil to control insect pests. It is necessary to follow the label instructions and recommended application rates when using any chemical intervention.
Cultural Practices
Abrus laevigatus can be grown under various conditions, but it thrives best in fertile, well-draining soils under partial to full sunlight. Maintaining good cultural practices such as pruning, fertilization, and watering can prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests.
Regular pruning of the plant can improve airflow, prevent moisture buildup, and reduce the incidence of fungal diseases. Also, proper fertilization with organic matter can improve plant resistance to diseases and pests. Consistent monitoring of the plant for any sign of disease or pest attack can enable the early detection and management of these problems.
By following these disease and pest management practices, one can ensure healthy and productive Abrus laevigatus plants.
