Origin
Dolichos decumbens Thunb. is a flowering plant species of the family Fabaceae, which is native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. It is commonly found in fields, wastelands, and along roadsides.
Common Names
Dolichos decumbens Thunb. is known by many common names depending on the region, such as trailing bean, poor-man's bean, creeping bean, wild bean, and weak-stemmed bean.
Uses
The plant is used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments such as urinary tract infections, inflammation, and fever. The roots of Dolichos decumbens Thunb. are used to treat cough, snake bites, and skin diseases. Additionally, the seeds of the plant are used to make syrup, which is used as a sweetener in traditional Chinese medicine. Apart from medicinal uses, Dolichos decumbens Thunb. is also used as a cover crop and green manure. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant that improves soil fertility and is used to restore degraded soils.
General Appearance
Dolichos decumbens Thunb. is a perennial herb with weak stems that trail along the ground, reaching up to 2 meters in length. The leaves of the plant are trifoliate, petioled, and ovate in shape. The flowers are small, pink to purple in color, and borne on axillary racemes. The fruit is an oblong or cylindrically shaped pod, up to 5 cm in length, which contains several small seeds.
Light Requirements
Dolichos decumbens Thunb. grows best in partial to full sunlight, receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight in a day. Too much shade can stunt its growth and prevent it from producing flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 20-30 °C (68-86 °F) and can tolerate temperatures as low as 5 °C (41 °F) and as high as 40 °C (104 °F). Prolonged exposure to extreme temperature outside this range can harm the plant and affect its yield.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Dolichos decumbens Thunb. is well-drained and fertile with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. It can grow in various soil types as long as they are not waterlogged. The plant prefers soils rich in organic matter, and regular application of organic fertilizer can significantly improve the growth and yield of the plant.
Cultivation Method for Dolichos decumbens Thunb.
Dolichos decumbens Thunb., commonly known as trailing velvet bean, is a warm-weather plant that thrives in hot and humid regions. It grows well in a variety of well-drained soils, including sandy and loamy soils. You should plant the seeds directly into the soil rather than transplanting seedlings.
The ideal planting season for this plant is in the spring, when temperatures have warmed up, and the last frost has passed. Dig a hole about two to three inches deep and place the seeds inside, covering them with soil. Space the holes about two feet apart, as the plant can grow up to three feet in length. Ensure that the soil is kept moist for the first few weeks after planting to boost germination.
Watering Needs for Dolichos decumbens Thunb.
Watering plays a crucial role in the growth and overall health of Dolichos decumbens Thunb. This plant requires moderate watering, and you should ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not soaking wet. During dry periods, you should water the plant regularly, preferably twice a week. On the other hand, overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
It is best to water trailing velvet bean early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Watering during these times reduces the risk of water evaporation and ensures that the plant absorbs water effectively. Consider using a drip irrigation system if you have a large garden or live in an arid region, as it will help regulate the moisture levels.
Fertilization of Dolichos decumbens Thunb.
Similar to most leguminous plants, Dolichos decumbens Thunb. requires nitrogen-rich soil to thrive. However, you should avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to the development of leggy growth and fewer flowers. You can use an all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season, ideally during the mid-summer months.
You can also use organic matter like compost, manure, or bone meal to provide necessary nutrients to the soil, promoting healthy plant growth. It's essential to follow the recommended dosage instructions provided on the packaging or by a qualified garden expert.
Pruning Dolichos decumbens Thunb.
Dolichos decumbens Thunb. requires minimal pruning, and you should only prune the plant when necessary. During the growing season, you can remove any dead or damaged stems to promote healthy and robust growth.
Additionally, you can use pruning to control the shape and size of the plant. The ideal time to do this is in the early spring before the start of the growing season. However, you should avoid pruning when the plant is flowering or setting fruit, as this can hinder the production of the fruit.
With proper cultivation and care, Dolichos decumbens Thunb. can produce bountiful fruits, adding a touch of beauty to your garden.Propagation of Dolichos decumbens Thunb.
Dolichos decumbens Thunb., commonly known as trailing velvet bean, can be propagated through several methods including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Dolichos decumbens Thunb. is through sowing of seeds. The seedlings develop quickly and easily when planted in well-draining soil. The seeds should be sown in the spring, about 1-2 cm deep in the soil. The soil should be kept moist and warm during the germination period. The seedlings can be transplanted once they have developed true leaves and have a height of about 5-7 cm.
Cuttings
Dolichos decumbens Thunb. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from young, healthy stems in the early spring before new growth appears. Cuttings should be about 10-12 cm long and have at least two sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist. The cutting should develop roots within a few weeks and can be transplanted once they have developed a strong root system.
Division
Dolichos decumbens Thunb. can also be propagated through division. This method involves digging up the entire plant and dividing the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have several stems and a healthy root system. Each section can then be planted in well-draining soil and watered until new growth appears. Division should be done in the spring before new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos Decumbens Thunb.
Dolichos decumbens Thunb., commonly known as trailing hyacinth bean, can be affected by various diseases and pests. Managing these issues is important to maintain the plant's health and growth. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them.
Common diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes yellowing and curling of leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced plant vigor. To manage it, ensure proper drainage and spacing between plants to promote good air circulation. Fungicides like copper-based sprays can also be used.
Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that results in white, powdery growth on leaves and stems. To manage it, remove infected plant parts and increase air circulation around the plant. Fungicides like sulfur can also be used.
Bacterial leaf spots: The infection of this bacterial disease can result in circular or angular spots on the plant's leaves, which can darken and cause leaf drop. To manage it, remove infected plant parts immediately and avoid overhead watering. Copper-based fungicides can also be used.
Common pests
Whiteflies: These small, winged insects suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage them, use yellow sticky traps and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects cluster on the plant, damaging young leaves and excreting a sticky substance called honeydew. To manage them, wash plants with a strong jet of water or spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips: These slender insects feed on the leaves, causing them to become distorted and silvered. To manage them, remove infested plant parts and use insecticides like spinosad or pyrethrum.
Regular monitoring, proper cultural practices, and the use of organic management techniques can help prevent and manage diseases and pests affecting Dolichos decumbens Thunb. Actively managing these issues can help ensure the health and growth of the plant.
