Origin:
Codariocalyx gyroides is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It grows in tropical rainforests and prefers well-drained soils.
Common Names:
Codariocalyx gyroides is commonly known as Winged bean, Asparagus bean, Goa bean, Princess pea, Four-angled bean, Manila bean, Mauritius bean, and Winged pea.
Uses:
The Winged bean has many uses, some of which are:
- The young pods, shoots, and leaves of the plant are edible and are often used in Southeast Asian cuisine.
- The nutritious beans are high in protein and essential trace minerals and can be used as animal feed.
- The plant's roots have nitrogen-fixing properties, making them useful in agroforestry systems.
- Medicinally, the plant has been used to treat several ailments, such as diarrhea, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- The plant is also grown as an ornamental species in gardens.
General Appearance:
Codariocalyx gyroides is a trailing perennial that can grow up to 4 meters long. Its leaves are trifoliate, with leaflets that are oblong and have a length of about 5-17 cm and a width of 2-7 cm. The plant produces pink, purple, or white flowers that are about 2.5 cm long and form clusters of 2-5 flowers. The Winged bean's fruit is a long, narrow, winged pod that is about 15-30 cm long and has four wings, which give it the common name 'Four-angled bean'. The pods contain 4-8 seeds that are kidney-shaped and about 1 cm long.
Light Requirements
Codariocalyx gyroides is a photophilic plant that requires bright and indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It should be placed in an area that receives at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. However, direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause leaf scorching and damage.
Temperature Requirements
Codariocalyx gyroides is a plant that thrives in warm and humid environments. It prefers a temperature range of 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), but can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 35°C (95°F). Temperature fluctuations should be avoided as they can cause stress to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Codariocalyx gyroides prefers well-draining and moist soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant is neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It can also grow in sandy soils, but they must be enriched with compost or manure to improve their fertility. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but never waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Codariocalyx gyroides (Roxb. ex Link) Hassk. Cultivation Methods
The plant requires warm weather and will grow well in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil, and the pH level should be kept between 6 and 7.
The best method for planting the Codariocalyx gyroides (Roxb. ex Link) Hassk. is by using seedlings. The seedlings should be planted in rows, with a distance of at least 1 meter between the rows. The seedlings should be spaced at least half a meter apart in the rows.
Watering Needs
Codariocalyx gyroides (Roxb. ex Link) Hassk. requires regular watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. During the rainy season, the plant may not need much additional water. However, during the dry season, it will require regular watering.
It is better to water the plant in the morning. This allows the soil to dry out during the day, which can help reduce the risk of diseases.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to grow well. Fertilizer should be applied after the first four weeks of planting. The recommended fertilizer ratio is 10-10-10.
Addition of organic matter to the soil can be beneficial to the plant. Organic matter helps improve the soil quality, water holding capacity, and nutrient content.
Pruning
Pruning helps the plant to grow strong and healthy. The best time to prune Codariocalyx gyroides (Roxb. ex Link) Hassk. is during the dormant season. The branches that are damaged or dead should be removed with pruning shears. This allows the plant to focus its resources on the healthy branches.
If the plant becomes too dense, some branches can also be removed to improve air circulation. This can help reduce the risk of diseases and pests.
Propagation of Codariocalyx gyroides
Codariocalyx gyroides can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation via seeds
The seeds of Codariocalyx gyroides are small and grey in color. They can be directly sown into the soil or first soaked in water for 12-24 hours before planting. The seeds usually germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation via stem cuttings
Stem cuttings of Codariocalyx gyroides can be taken from mature plants during the growing season. Cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and should contain at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed and the cutting is then planted in a well-draining, moist soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, partially shaded area until it develops roots, which takes about 4-6 weeks.
Propagation via air layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Codariocalyx gyroides. This involves wounding a mature stem and applying a rooting hormone to the wound. The wound is then covered with a moist material such as moss, and wrapped in plastic to create a mini greenhouse. Roots should develop in about 4-6 weeks, after which the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease Management for Codariocalyx gyroides
Codariocalyx gyroides is relatively resistant to common diseases. However, the plant is prone to fungal infections, especially if the growing conditions are damp and humid. One of the most common diseases that affect Codariocalyx gyroides is root rot. Root rot can be caused by several pathogens, including Fusarium oxysporum and Pythium aphanidermatum. To prevent root rot, practice proper watering techniques, provide good drainage, and avoid overwatering. Use a well-draining soil mix, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. If root rot has already set in, remove the affected parts of the plant and treat the remaining plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management for Codariocalyx gyroides
Codariocalyx gyroides is relatively resistant to pests. However, spider mites and thrips can sometimes be a problem. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves. They leave behind a fine webbing, which can indicate their presence. Thrips are small insects that feed on the foliage, resulting in a stippled appearance on the leaves.
To prevent spider mites and thrips, keep the growing environment clean and well-ventilated. Regularly washing the leaves can also help prevent infestations. If mites or thrips are already present, treat the plant with a solution of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. These products are effective in controlling pest populations.
