Origin
Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. is a plant species that is native to tropical and southern Africa. It is found in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, among others.
Common Names
Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. is commonly known as the African jequirity, coral bead plant, or Indian liquorice.
Uses
The seeds of the African jequirity are widely used in traditional African medicine to cure a variety of ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and kidney problems. They are also used as a contraceptive and to treat snake bites.
The seeds of the plant are also used for ornamental purposes. They have a vibrant red and black coloration and are often used in jewelry making and decoration.
General Appearance
Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. is a climbing or twining plant that can reach up to 10 meters in length. Its leaves are composed of multiple leaflets that give it a feather-like appearance. The flowers are small and white, while the fruit is a tipped pod that contains several seeds.
The seeds of the plant are its most distinctive feature. They are small, approximately 5-8 millimeters in length, and are often used in jewelry making and decoration. The seeds have a hard outer coating and a bright red and black coloration, which makes them highly attractive and sought after for aesthetic purposes. However, they are also notoriously poisonous and can cause serious harm if ingested.
Growth Conditions for Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc.
When it comes to growing Abrus schimperi subsp. africanus, a few key factors come into play. The plant is somewhat adaptable to different conditions, but it does have some specific requirements for optimal growth.
Light
Abrus schimperi subsp. africanus typically thrives in full sun or partial shade. It needs a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day to grow properly. So if you are planting it indoors, make sure to choose a sunny window or use artificial light to mimic sunlight.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Abrus schimperi subsp. africanus is between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures but not extreme cold. If you live in a cooler climate, it's best to grow this plant indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil
The soil requirements for Abrus schimperi subsp. africanus are well-draining, moist soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. It prefers sandy or loamy soil with good organic matter content. The plant can grow in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil, but it's important to avoid water-logged soil as it can lead to root rot.
Overall, Abrus schimperi subsp. africanus is a relatively easy plant to grow, as long as you provide the right growing conditions. With the proper light, temperature, and soil, you can cultivate a healthy and vibrant plant that will add beauty to any garden or indoor space.
Cultivation Methods for Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc.
Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. is a tropical plant that is well adapted to warm and humid climatic conditions. It is best grown in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. For optimal growth, the plant should be sown in containers or raised beds.
Propagation of Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. is done through seedlings. The seeds should be soaked overnight in water to hasten their germination before planting. Sow the seeds in containers or nurseries with high organic matter. Transplant the seedlings when they have developed 3-4 leaves into prepared pits in the garden.
Watering Requirements for Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc.
The plant should be watered regularly but avoid waterlogging the soil as it can lead to roots’ rot. For young seedlings, water them twice a day to keep the soil moist. As the plant matures, maintain consistent moisture in the soil by watering once a day in the morning or late evening.
Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. does not tolerate drought conditions. Supplement rainwater with regular watering during the dry season to ensure optimal growth.
Fertilization for Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc.
Fertilize Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. with organic fertilizer as it enhances the soil's fertility. Apply fertilizer to seedlings after the first leaves have formed and then again during the vegetative growth phase. Apply fertilizer in a circular motion around the plant, avoiding touching the stem.
During the flowering and fruiting phase, apply a balanced fertilizer with higher phosphorus and potassium levels to enhance fruit and seed development. The application should be done once or twice a month.
Pruning of Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc.
Prune the plant to enhance air circulation and remove old, diseased, or insect-infested branches. Pruning is done after fruit harvesting. Trim the branches by cutting above the second node to form a Y-shaped structure.
Pruning should be done with sterilized pruning shears to avoid plant infections. Ensure the plants are well-shaped, with a maximum height of 4m to prevent wind damage and simplify harvesting.
Propagation methods of Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc.
Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. can be propagated using several methods which include:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. is through seed propagation. The seeds are readily available and can be collected from the parent plant. It is best to use fresh seeds as they have a higher germination rate. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained organic soil mix and watered regularly. Germination can take up to 2 to 4 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cutting propagation
Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. can also be propagated using stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy parent plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long and should include at least two nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division propagation
Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. can also be propagated through division. This method is best suited for established plants. The parent plant should be carefully dug up, and the root ball should be separated into several sections. Each section should have a sufficient root system and top growth and should be planted in a well-drained soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Once the divisions have established, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. is susceptible to various diseases. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by different fungi, and the symptoms include lesions on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy the infected leaves. Additionally, applying fungicides can be helpful in preventing the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves. It is caused by fungi and can be managed through good sanitation practices such as removing infected plant debris and improving air circulation. Fungicides can also be applied as a preventative measure.
- Rust: This disease is caused by fungi and is characterized by yellow or orange pustules on the leaves. To manage rust, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves and to apply a fungicide.
Preventative measures such as crop rotation, maintaining good soil health, and appropriate watering practices can help reduce the incidence of diseases.
Pest Management
Abrus schimperi Hochst. ex Baker subsp. africanus (Vatke) Verdc. is also susceptible to pest infestations. Common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause leaf curling and stunted growth. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water to physically remove them from the plant.
- Whiteflies: These tiny insects can cause yellowing of leaves and transmit viruses. They can be controlled using yellow sticky traps or insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These minuscule pests suck the sap of plants and cause bronzing. They can be managed by promoting humidity around the plant, physically removing them, or using insecticidal soap.
Preventative measures such as regular inspection of the plant, using appropriate cultural practices such as adequate spacing and nutrient management, and avoiding the use of excessive pesticides can reduce the incidence and severity of pest infestations.
