Overview of Dolichos lelyi Hutch.
Dolichos lelyi Hutch. is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to East Africa and is commonly found growing in rocky or bushy areas.
Common Names for Dolichos lelyi Hutch.
This plant is commonly known as the Lely's bean or Lely's dolichos. In Swahili, it is known as mnavu or msindano.
Appearance of Dolichos lelyi Hutch.
The Lely's bean is a perennial climbing shrub that can grow up to 3 meters long. The leaves are green and trifoliate, with leaflets that are broad and ovate. The flowers are small and white, growing in clusters. The fruits are curved and long, up to 15 cm, and have a reddish-brown color when mature.
Uses of Dolichos lelyi Hutch.
The Lely's bean is commonly used for its medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, the roots and leaves are used to treat various ailments, including stomachache, fever, and snake bites. The plant is also used as a source of food; the young pods are boiled or roasted and consumed as a vegetable, while the mature seeds are used to make a kind of porridge or consumed as a snack. Additionally, the plant is used for decoration and ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage.
Light Requirements
Dolichos lelyi Hutch. prefers moderate to bright light conditions. Therefore, it should be placed in a spot that receives ample sunlight, but not under direct sunlight as it can cause leaf scorching and plant stress.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures of between 20°C and 30°C. However, it can tolerate temperature drops of 15°C during the winter season.
Soil Requirements
The Dolichos lelyi Hutch. plant grows best in well-drained soils that are loamy, and have a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, with a balanced nutrient profile and can hold enough moisture.
Cultivation of Dolichos Lelyi Hutch.
Dolichos lelyi Hutch. is a beautiful leguminous vine that is native to Tanzania and commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. To cultivate this plant successfully, some important factors should be kept in mind.
Planting
The first step in cultivating Dolichos lelyi Hutch. is to choose the right location for planting. It requires a warm and sunny spot with well-drained soil. Sow the seeds directly in the soil after the last frost has passed, or use seedlings. Plant 3 to 4 seeds per hole, and thin them out once the seedlings have grown. The ideal distance between plants is about 30 to 60 cm apart.
Watering Needs
Dolichos lelyi Hutch. prefers moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water the plant deeply once a week, and adjust the frequency according to weather conditions. It is best to water the plants in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct sun exposure.
Fertilization
The plant does not require much fertilizer, but a balanced fertilizer applied every 2 to 3 weeks throughout the growing season will help to promote healthy growth and flowering. It is advisable to use a low nitrogen, high phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer for Dolichos lelyi Hutch.
Pruning
Dolichos lelyi Hutch. is a climbing vine that needs support for its growth. Prune out any weak or diseased stems to enhance the strength of the plant. Regular pruning will also encourage full and bushy growth. Pinch off any emerging buds to encourage branching, which results in a fuller and denser plant.
Propagation of Dolichos lelyi Hutch.
The plant Dolichos lelyi Hutch., commonly known as the Panda bean, is propagated through seeds and stem cuttings. It is a climber plant that flowers annually, making it suitable for gardeners and landscapers.
Propagation by seeds
Dolichos lelyi Hutch. is propagated by planting seeds. Gardeners should obtain mature seeds from the pods, which resemble broad, flat beans with shoestring edges. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place. Plant the seeds in a deep pot or container, 3-4 centimeters deep in well-draining soil. Water the seeds sparingly to avoid rotting. Place the pot in a bright location with filtered sunlight and keep the soil moist. The seeds will germinate in about 1-2 weeks and should be transplanted when they are about 10-15 centimeters tall.
Propagation by stem cuttings
The propagation of Dolichos lelyi Hutch. through stem cutting is a simple and effective way of propagating the plant. In early summer, take stem cuttings measuring about 15-20 centimeters long from mature plants. Remove the lower leaves, and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with soil, ensuring that at least 2-3 nodes are inserted into the soil. Keep the stem cuttings in a bright, warm location with filtered sunlight and keep the soil moist. The stem cuttings will take about 3-4 weeks to root.
Propagation of Dolichos lelyi Hutch. is a straightforward process, and both methods are convenient. Gardeners can choose the best propagation method depending on their needs and availability of resources.
Disease Management
Dolichos lelyi Hutch. can be affected by several diseases that may have a severe impact on the plant's growth and development. Some of the most common diseases that affect Dolichos lelyi Hutch. include:
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that causes the leaves and stems to develop dark spots, which may eventually lead to plant death. To manage this disease, it's essential to remove and destroy all the infected plant parts, enhancing proper air circulation and avoiding overhead irrigation.
- Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that causes yellow-orange rust spots to appear on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it's essential to remove all the infected plant parts, apply a fungicide, and maintain healthy growing conditions.
- Bacterial blight: This bacterial disease usually causes the plant to develop dark spots on its leaves, which may eventually spread to the stems. Preventing this disease involves destroying all the infected plant parts, practicing crop rotation and avoiding overhead irrigation.
Pest Management
Dolichos lelyi Hutch is also prone to several insect pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the most common pests that may affect Dolichos lelyi Hutch. include:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck out sap from the plant's leaves, causing stunting and yellowing of plant parts. To manage this pest, it's essential to apply neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: Thrips are another insect pest that can cause distortion and discoloration to the plant. The most effective way to manage this pest is by applying sticky traps or insecticides.
- Bean beetles: These insects usually lay their eggs on the leaves or stem of the plant. When hatched, the larvae will feed on the plant's leaves, thus, reducing its overall productivity. One way to manage this pest is by applying insecticides or manually removing them from the plant.
It's important to note that prevention is the best management strategy for diseases and pests. Regularly monitoring the plant for any signs of abnormalities can help prevent significant crop loss and promote healthy plant growth.
