Overview:
Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc. is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the Kilimanjaro bean, Kilimanjaro climbing bean, or partridge pea. This plant is native to Africa, specifically to the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania.
Appearance:
The Kilimanjaro bean is a climbing, perennial sub-shrub that can grow up to 2 meters long. It has a woody base from which the stems emerge. The leaves are compound with three to five leaflets, each up to 6 cm long and 5 cm wide. The upper surface is glossy green, while the underside is paler. The flowers are small, white to pale pink or blue, and arranged in clusters at the base of the leaves. The fruit is a flat, smooth, oblong pod, up to 22 cm long and 1.5-2.5 cm wide. It contains many (up to 40) flat, brown seeds with a small, white hilum.
Uses:
The Kilimanjaro bean is commonly grown for its edible seeds, which can be consumed fresh or dried. This plant is an important food crop in the Kilimanjaro region, where it is grown as a subsistence crop by local farmers. The seeds are rich in protein and have a nutty, slightly sweet taste. In addition to food, this plant has a number of other uses. The leaves and stems are used as animal fodder, and the plant is also used to improve soil fertility and prevent soil erosion. Medicinally, the Kilimanjaro bean is used to treat a range of conditions, including diarrhea, dysentery, and hypertension.
Light Requirements
Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc. prefers partial to full sun exposure. It grows best when exposed to bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm environments, with temperatures ranging between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate frost and requires protection during the colder months.
Soil Requirements
Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc. can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers well-draining loamy soils. It does not grow well in soils that are waterlogged or have poor drainage. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its overall health and growth.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc. is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures. It thrives in well-draining soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. When planting, ensure that the seeds are sown at a depth of 1-2 cm at a spacing of about 30 cm.
Watering Needs
The plant requires adequate watering to grow and produce healthy beans. However, you must avoid overwatering since it can lead to root rot. The best watering frequency is two to three times a week, depending on the weather conditions. Water deeply and ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
It is essential to fertilize the plant using a balanced fertilizer since it helps promote proper growth. Apply fertilizer during the planting stage and every four to six weeks after planting. Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc. responds well to organic fertilizers. It is advisable to conduct soil tests to establish which nutrients the plant requires to promote growth.
Pruning
You can prune the plant to encourage bushy growth and enhance its light penetration. Pruning also helps prevent the plant from shading each other. It involves cutting the top of the stem at the intersection of the third or fourth node when the plants reach approximately 15-20 cm in height. Prune any side shoots that grow after the main pruning to ensure the plant grows bushier.
Propagation of Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc.
Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc. is commonly propagated by seed, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc. is by seed. The seeds must be cleaned, dried, and stored in a dry place. Once the conditions are favorable, the seeds must be sown in a seed tray or a pot with a well-drained potting mix, and covered lightly with soil. The pot should be kept in a bright, warm location, with moderate watering. Within a few weeks, the seedlings should emerge, and transplanting can take place once they are big enough.
Cutting Propagation
Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc. can also be propagated from cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer, using young, healthy stems. The stem should be cut cleanly, and the lower leaves must be removed. The cutting should be dipped into hormone rooting powder, and inserted into a pot with a well-drained potting mix. The pot should be kept in a warm location, with bright, indirect sunlight, and kept moist. Rooting should occur within four weeks, and transplanting can take place once they are rooted well.
Division Propagation
Another way to propagate Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc. is by division. This method should be done in the spring when new growth appears. The plant must be carefully dug up and divided into sections, ensuring that each section has roots and shoots. The divided sections should then be planted into pots or the ground.
Disease Management for Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc.
While Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc. is generally a resilient plant, it can still be affected by common plant diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that creates a white coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the plant well-watered and to thin out any overcrowded foliage to improve air circulation. Applying a fungicide can also help prevent the spread of powdery mildew.
Rust is another fungal disease that causes orange or brown spots on the leaves. It is important to remove any infected leaves and stems to prevent the spread of the disease. Applying a fungicide can also help manage rust on Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc.
Leaf spot is a bacterial disease that causes small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves and keeping the plant well-watered to prevent stress. Applying a copper-based fungicide can also help prevent the spread of leaf spot.
Pest Management for Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc.
Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc. can be affected by a range of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with a stream of water to dislodge them. Using insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control aphids on Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Keeping the plant well-hydrated and spraying it with a stream of water can help manage spider mite infestations. Using a miticide can also help control spider mites on Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc.
Whiteflies are a common pest that can cause yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. To manage whiteflies, it is important to use yellow sticky traps to catch and monitor infestations. Using insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control whiteflies on Dolichos kilimandscharicus Taub. subsp. parviflorus Verdc.
