Description of Abrus Pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites Subsp. Tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc.
Abrus pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc. is a plant in the Fabaceae family, which is also known as the pea family. This plant is endemic to India and is commonly found in the Western Ghats, a mountain range located on the western coast of the Indian peninsula.
Common Names of Abrus Pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites Subsp. Tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc.
The plant has several common names across different regions of India, including Kondagullu, Kondapindi, and Kondakarive. In the English language, the plant is commonly referred to as the Indian liquorice
Uses of Abrus Pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites Subsp. Tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc.)
The roots of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, and they are known to have antimicrobial properties that can help in treating various infections, including skin infections, eye infections, and respiratory infections. The roots are also used to cure fevers, rheumatism, and diarrhea. The plant is also used in ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments.
General Appearance of Abrus Pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites Subsp. Tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc.)
The plant is a vine that climbs on other plants for support, and it can grow up to 10 meters long. The leaves of the plant are compound, with each leaflet measuring about 1-2 cm in length. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow in color, and appear in clusters, whereas the fruits are flattened and covered with hair. The roots of the plant are woody and cylindrical, and they emit a strong odor when crushed.
Light Requirements
Abrus pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc. is a plant that thrives in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant does not tolerate shade well and tends to become leggy and straggly in low light conditions. As such, it is recommended to grow it in areas that offer maximum exposure to the sun.
Temperature Requirements
Abrus pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc. enjoys warm temperatures and does not tolerate frost well. The plant prefers a minimum temperature of 20°C and a maximum of 35°C. It can tolerate some variations in temperature, but extreme fluctuations or temperatures below 10°C for an extended period can cause damage and lead to the death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Abrus pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc. is not too demanding in terms of soil requirements. The ideal soil should be well-draining, have a pH range of 6.0-7.5, and be nutrient-rich. The plant prefers soils that are not waterlogged or too heavy. It is recommended to amend heavy soils with organic matter such as compost or leaf mold to improve drainage and soil structure. Additionally, the soil should be evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Abrus pulchellus is a woody climber that can grow up to 6 meters tall, and it prefers a warm and humid climate, with temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. It can grow in a variety of soils, but it thrives best in loamy and well-drained soils.
The plant can be propagated easily through seeds, which can be sown directly into the soil during the spring season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2 cm and should be watered regularly until the plants have established themselves.
Watering Needs
Abrus pulchellus requires moderate watering during the growing season, and it is essential to keep the soil moist but not damp. Watering should be reduced during the winter season, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Abrus pulchellus responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost and well-rotted manure. Fertilizers should be applied during the growing season, and the plants should be watered thoroughly after the application. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Abrus pulchellus requires regular pruning to keep it in shape and to promote healthy growth. Pruning is best done in the early spring season before the plants start to grow actively. Dead and diseased branches should be removed, and any crossing branches should be pruned back to maintain an even spacing of the stems. The plants can also be trained to grow along a trellis or support structure to encourage vertical growth.
Propagation of Abrus pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc.
Abrus pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc. can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Abrus pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc. can be collected from mature pods. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24-48 hours before sowing. The soil should be well-drained and fertile. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination can take 15-30 days, and after germination, the seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Abrus pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy parent plants. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should be taken from the softwood region. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and after rooting, they should be transplanted to individual pots.
Disease Management
Abrus pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc. is generally a healthy plant and does not suffer from many diseases. However, some common diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: Fungal leaf spot can be an issue in humid conditions, causing black or brown spots to develop on the leaves. To prevent fungal infections, avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation around the plants, and remove any infected leaves.
- Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot, which can be identified by yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a rotten smell. To prevent this disease, provide well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves. To manage this disease, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected leaves.
If a disease does occur, consider using a fungicide that specifically targets the disease, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Abrus pulchellus Wall. ex Thwaites subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) Verdc. is not usually bothered by pests, but some common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are small pests that suck the sap from leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, wash the plants regularly, remove any infected leaves, and use a miticide if necessary.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, wingless pests that attach to the stems and leaves of plants, causing them to turn yellow and wither. To manage scale insects, remove any infected leaves or stems and use an insecticidal soap if necessary.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat the leaves of plants, causing significant damage. To manage caterpillars, remove any visible caterpillars by hand, and use a pesticide if necessary.
To prevent pest infestations, keep the plants healthy and strong, provide adequate sunlight and water, and remove any dead or infected leaves or stems. If a pest does become a problem, consider using an environmentally friendly pest control method, such as using beneficial insects or natural pesticides.
