Overview:
Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. is a flowering plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is commonly known as the smooth-leaved dolichos or asgrow bean.
Description:
The plant grows as a twining vine with smooth stems, which can reach up to 3 meters in length. The leaves are pinnately compound, with three leaflets that are elliptical in shape, smooth and shiny, and grow to about 6 cm long. The flowers are white to pale pink, and pea-like, measuring around 15 to 20 mm in length and grow in clusters of 2 to 6 in the leaf axils. The fruit of the plant is a pod, up to 8 cm long, that is green when unripe and turns brown when mature.
Uses:
Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. is commonly used as a feed for livestock and as a cover crop. The plant's roots nodulate and fix atmospheric nitrogen, which improves soil fertility. It is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and fever.
Appearance:
Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. is a slender, climbing vine that has smooth and shiny leaflets. The flowers are pea-like and grow in clusters of 2 to 6. The fruits are long, narrow pods that turn brown when they mature. The plant is hardy and can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions.
Light Requirements
The Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. plant requires bright light to thrive. It is recommended to place the plant in an area where it can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. However, the plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight during peak hours as this can cause the leaves to wilt or even burn.
Temperature Requirements
The Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. plant requires warm temperatures between 18°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate extremely cold temperatures, frost, or high humidity, which can cause damage to the leaves or root rot. Therefore, the plant should be kept in a warm and dry environment with good air circulation.
Soil Requirements
The Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. It is also recommended to add perlite or sand to the soil mixture to ensure better drainage. Over-watering should be avoided as it can cause the roots to rot, and the plant may die. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods of Dolichos Axillaris E.Mey. var. Glaber E.Mey.
Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. commonly referred to as Small-leaved Kudu Bean, is a relatively easy-to-cultivate plant. It thrives well in fertile and well-draining soils that are sufficiently moist. This plant is perennial, and its growth habit is semi-scandent, meaning that it leans and often climbs over trees and shrubs that are around it.
You can propagate Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. through seeds or seedlings. The plant prefers a moderate temperature between 20°C to 30°C with high humidity. Sow the seeds in well-prepared soil, and ensure that you provide adequate support like trellis and stakes to the young growing plant.
Watering Needs of Dolichos Axillaris E.Mey. var. Glaber E.Mey.
Proper and timely watering is crucial in the growth and development of Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. The plant requires moderate watering which should only be done when the soil is dry. Too much watering can lead to root rot and damping-off diseases. Water your Kudu Bean enough to moisten the soil and not flood it.
During the rainy season, you may not need to water the plant frequently as the rainwater is sufficient. However, during the dry season, you may need to water every two to three days.
Fertilization of Dolichos Axillaris E.Mey. var. Glaber E.Mey.
Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. requires fertilizer application to ensure proper growth and healthy foliage. Add well-rotted farmyard manure or compost during planting and incorporate it into the soil. You can also use a balanced N-P-K fertilizer to boost plant growth, especially during the vegetative stage.
Additionally, you can use foliar fertilizers occasionally to provide the plant with micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and magnesium, among others.
Pruning Dolichos Axillaris E.Mey. var. Glaber E.Mey.
Pruning is essential in maintaining the shape and size of Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. It also helps to remove any dead or diseased branches and improves air circulation in the plant center. Prune the plant after the blooming period, and make sure that you do not remove more than one-third of the foliage.
You can also pinch the tips of young plants to encourage a bushy and compact appearance. Furthermore, regular pruning helps to stimulate the growth of new shoots, which enhances foliage density and flower production.
Propagation of Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey.
Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey., commonly known as the Cape Scrambling Bean, refers to a climbing shrub that belongs to the legume family. The plant is native to South Africa and is often cultivated for ornamental purposes. With proper care, the plant is relatively easy to propagate, and gardeners can use several different methods to propagate new plants.
Propagation by Seeds
One of the easiest and most common methods for propagating Dolichos axillaris is to use seeds. The plant produces small, flat, disk-shaped seeds that are relatively easy to collect and store until the following growing season. These seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and transplanted outdoors later in the season.
When starting seeds indoors, gardeners should first soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to help soften the hard coating. The seeds can then be planted into small pots filled with a fertile, well-draining potting mix. Once the seedlings develop their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors as desired.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another common method for propagating Dolichos axillaris is through stem cuttings. This process involves taking a healthy cutting from a mature plant, treating it with rooting hormone, and then planting it in a suitable potting mix or directly into soil outdoors.
When taking cuttings, gardeners should select healthy stems that are at least 4 to 6 inches long and free of disease or damage. After trimming the stem to the desired length, the gardener should strip the lower leaves and then dip the cut end into rooting hormone. The cutting can then be planted into a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, watered, and placed in a warm, sunny location.
Propagation by Division
For more mature Dolichos axillaris plants, propagation by division can be an effective method for producing multiple plants from a single parent plant. To propagate by division, gardeners should carefully remove the parent plant from the soil and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have its own set of stems and leaves, and the gardener should immediately plant each section in its own pot or directly into the soil outdoors.
Propagation by division is best done in the early spring before the plant begins to actively grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey.
Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey., commonly known as the Butterfly Pea or the Hairy Dewflower, is a creeping perennial plant that is native to southern Africa. It is an ornamental plant that is cultivated for its attractive blue or white flowers that bloom from summer to autumn.
Common Diseases
The common diseases that might affect Dolichos axillaris are:
- Root Rot: If the plant is grown in poorly drained soil, it might suffer from root rot, which is caused by fungi that thrive in wet soil. The symptoms of root rot include yellowing of leaves, wilting, and plant death. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and make sure that the soil has good drainage. You can also apply fungicides to the soil to prevent the growth of fungi.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Dolichos axillaris. It is characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, you can spray the plant with fungicides or make a homemade solution with a mixture of water, baking soda, and dish soap. Regularly pruning the plant can also improve air circulation and prevent the growth of the fungus.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering, as this can spread the fungus. You can also apply copper-based fungicides to the plant.
Common Pests
The common pests that might affect Dolichos axillaris are:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause the leaves to curl and become distorted. To manage aphids, you can wash them off the plant with a strong jet of water or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that can cause the leaves of the plant to become stippled and yellow. To manage spider mites, you can wash them off the plant with a strong jet of water or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that can eat the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, you can handpick them off the plant or spray the plant with bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterium that kills caterpillars.
It is important to regularly inspect your plant for signs of disease or pest infestation and take immediate action to manage the problem. With proper care and management, your Dolichos axillaris E.Mey. var. glaber E.Mey. can stay healthy and beautiful all year round.
