Overview
Dolichos baumannii Harms is a herbaceous climbing plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Africa, particularly in Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The plant is characterized by its slender stems, big non-compound leaves, attractive flowers, and large edible seeds.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Bambara groundnut, ground beans, Congo goober, underground nuts, and earth pea. The name Bambara groundnut originated from the Bambara tribe in Mali, who cultivated and consumed the plant as a major food crop.
Uses
Dolichos baumannii Harms has various uses. Its seeds are highly nutritious and rich in protein, carbohydrate, and minerals. The people of Africa and Asia countries use the seeds to make soups, stews, and flour for making cakes, bread, and confectionaries. The plant also has medicinal benefits as it contains essential amino acids that help in reducing the risk of malnutrition and boosting the body's immune system. In addition, the plant is used as animal feed, green manure, and in soil and water conservation due to its ability to fix nitrogen.
Appearance
The plant has slender, hairy stems that can grow up to 2 meters long. Its leaves are non-compound and are relatively large, measuring around 5-15cm long and 4-10cm wide. The flowers occur in clusters of up to 12 and are white, yellow, or pink. The plant's fruit is a pod-like structure that contains two to eight seeds. The seeds are round or oval, measuring 0.5-1.5 cm in diameter and are brown or blackish in color.
Light Requirements
The Dolichos baumannii Harms plant is known to be a sun-loving plant that requires adequate exposure to sunlight to grow and develop properly. The plant thrives best in spots that receive full sunlight, but it can also survive in partially shaded locations to some extent.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature requirements for the Dolichos baumannii Harms plant varies based on its growth stages. For instance, during germination, the plant prefers soil temperatures ranging from 25-30°C. At the seedling stage, the temperature requirement drops to 20-25°C, while in the vegetative stage, the plant requires temperatures between 20-25°C. During fruiting and flowering, the Dolichos baumannii Harms plant requires warm conditions with temperatures that range from 23-27°C
Soil Requirements
The Dolichos baumannii Harms plant prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients, with a high proportion of organic materials such as compost or manure. A soil with low fertility may lead to stunted growth and poor yields of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos baumannii Harms, commonly known as the Baumann's bean, is a tropical plant species that can be cultivated either in a pot or directly on the ground. Before planting, ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and well-drained. It requires plenty of sunlight and warmth to thrive, making it ideal for planting in areas with temperatures above 20°C.
Watering Needs
Like most plants, Dolichos baumannii Harms requires sufficient watering to grow and produce healthy foliage. During the growth phase, water your plant regularly (once or twice per week) to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure that the soil drains well and is not saturated. During the dormant phase, the plant requires minimal watering (once every two weeks).
Fertilization
To keep Dolichos baumannii Harms healthy and vibrant, you need to maintain a nutrient-rich soil. This can be achieved through regular fertilization using a balanced fertilizer, which helps to supply adequate nutrition to the plant. Apply the fertilizer once or twice a month, depending on the growth rate and soil quality. Alternatively, you can add compost to the soil to enhance nutrient content.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential maintenance practice that helps to promote growth, enhance plant health, and improve overall aesthetic appeal. Dolichos baumannii Harms requires regular pruning to remove dead, damaged, or diseased parts of the plant. It is advisable to prune just after the flowering season to enhance new growth and prevent overcrowding.
Propagation of Dolichos baumannii Harms
Dolichos baumannii Harms is a plant that is commonly propagated from seeds. However, stem cuttings and layering are also viable propagation methods.
Seed Propagation
The first step in seed propagation is to obtain seeds from a reliable source. Seeds should be collected when the pods are fully mature, but before they start to split open. Seed viability is typically high, and seeds can be stored for up to a year in a dry, cool location.
Before planting, seeds should be soaked in warm water for several hours to soften the seed coat. Seeds can then be planted directly into the soil or started indoors in pots. When planting directly into the soil, seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 inch and spaced about 3 inches apart. If starting in pots, plant one seed per pot at a depth of about 1 inch.
Seeds should be planted in a location that receives full sun exposure. Once seeds have germinated, thin seedlings to one plant every 3-4 inches.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings can be taken from the plant in spring or early summer. Choose a healthy stem and make a clean cut just below a node. Remove all leaves except the top two or three, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a moistened potting mix and cover with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location and mist regularly until new growth appears.
Layering Propagation
Layering is a propagation method where a portion of the stem is buried in the soil and encouraged to take root while still attached to the parent plant. To propagate Dolichos baumannii Harms through layering, select a healthy, flexible stem and gently wound the area where it will be buried. Bury the wound in moist soil and secure it with a stake or rock. Keep the soil moist and watch for new growth from the buried section. Once the new plant has established roots, it can be separated from the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos baumannii Harms
Dolichos baumannii Harms, commonly known as purple hyacinth bean vine, is a beautiful and versatile plant that produces showy purple flowers and vibrant green foliage. However, like all plants, it is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that may compromise its health and appearance. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Dolichos baumannii Harms, along with suggested ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease characterized by a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can be caused by many different fungi and thrives in warm, humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering, remove infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. It often occurs in wet weather and can be managed by improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and using a fungicide as needed.
3. Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that causes wilting, leaf spot, and stem cankers on the plant. It spreads through contaminated water, tools, or soil and can be managed by removing infected plant parts and using a copper fungicide.
Pests
1. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and stunting of the leaves. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can be managed by increasing the humidity around the plant, removing heavily infested leaves, and using a miticide as needed.
2. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant and cause distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by washing them off with a strong stream of water, introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or using an insecticidal soap or oil.
3. Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the flowers and pods of the plant, causing discoloration and deformation. They can be managed by removing heavily infested plant parts, applying a sticky trap or barrier, or using a systemic insecticide.
By being vigilant and taking appropriate action to manage diseases and pests, you can help keep your Dolichos baumannii Harms healthy and thriving for years to come.
