Overview of Dolichos nervosus
Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn., also known as the Twining Horsegram, is a flowering plant native to sub-Saharan Africa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is commonly found in wooded grasslands, bushy savannas, and forest margins.
General Appearance
The Dolichos nervosus plant is a twining vine that climbs up trees or trellises to a height of about 2-3 meters. The stems are slender and pubescent, with dark-green leaves. The leaves are compound, measuring about 5-10 cm in length, and are composed of 3-5 leaflets that are oblong and pointed at the tip. The plant produces clusters of pink or lavender flowers that are about 1 cm in length. The fruits of Dolichos nervosus are thin pods that are about 7-10 cm long and contain rounded seeds.
Common Names
In addition to Twining Horsegram, Dolichos nervosus is also known by various other names depending on the region. Some of the common names include:
- Boncherry (En)
- Aian Shekaru (Ha)
- Nkmaryee (Nupe)
- Kulokom (Tiv)
- Mibar (Kanuri)
- Pwono (Idoma)
Uses of Dolichos nervosus
The Dolichos nervosus plant is used for a variety of purposes:
- The leaves and stems are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as cough, fever, and malaria.
- The seeds are consumed as a food source in some cultures and are used to make a nutritious soup. The soup is a good source of protein, iron, and other micronutrients.
- The pods of the plant are used as animal fodder and are also used for green manure in farming practices.
- The plant is used for erosion control due to its deep-rooted nature that helps prevent soil erosion.
In conclusion, Dolichos nervosus is a versatile plant that has many uses and benefits in African societies. Its unique appearance and characteristics make it a valuable addition to various ecosystems.
Growth Conditions of Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn.
Light: Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn. thrives well in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight exposure to grow properly. In low light conditions, the growth may be stunted, and the flowering may be reduced.
Temperature: The optimal temperature range for the growth of Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn. is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can also tolerate slightly higher temperatures up to 35°C. However, temperatures below 10°C may cause severe damage to the plant, leading to stunted growth or even death.
Soil: Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogging or poorly drained soil that causes root rot. Adding compost or fertilizers to the soil can improve the soil quality and provide essential nutrients to the plant.
Water: The plant requires moderate watering during the growth season. Overwatering the plant may lead to root rot, while under-watering may affect the growth and reduce the flowering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Mulching can help maintain soil moisture levels and keep weeds under control.
Humidity: Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn. prefers moderate humidity levels. High humidity levels can promote fungal diseases that can harm the plant. However, the plant can still grow in low-humidity conditions and can even tolerate dry periods.
Cultivation methods
Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn. is a drought-tolerant plant that does best when cultivated in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. It is extremely adaptive and can grow in soils with low fertility. However, it is recommended to provide fertile soils that are rich in organic matter for the best growth performance. The plant prefers full sunlight but can withstand partial shade. It is susceptible to high winds and should be planted in sheltered areas.
Watering needs
The plant needs moderate watering during the growing season, preferably once a week, and only occasionally during the dormant period. Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn. is drought-resistant and can tolerate long periods of water scarcity. However, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant to prevent the development of root rot, which can significantly harm the plant.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season, preferably with organic fertilizers, which provide slow-release nutrients to the plant. It is advisable to fertilize the plant every four weeks with a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to promote growth and improve resistance to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn. requires minimal pruning other than the removal of dead and damaged parts of the plant. It is advisable to prune the plant during the dormant period to encourage new growth in the spring. Pruning the plant should be avoided during the growing season to prevent the plant from losing its natural shape and to avoid injuring the stems.
Propagation of Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn.
Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as the African wonder bean, can be propagated through several methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Dolichos nervosus is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature and healthy plants. After collecting, the seeds should be treated with a fungicide to prevent seed-borne diseases. The seeds can then be sown directly into the ground or in a seedbed. The ideal time for sowing seeds is during the rainy season when there is a high chance of germination.
Cuttings Propagation
Dolichos nervosus can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature and healthy plants. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower node, and the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings should then be planted in a rooting medium such as sand and kept moist. Rooting can take up to six weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division Propagation
Division propagation involves dividing the mother plant into smaller pieces and planting them in different locations. This method is suitable for plants that have a clumping growth habit. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the roots separated into small pieces. The pieces should be replanted in their permanent location, where they will continue to grow and thrive.
Disease Management:
Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn. is susceptible to various diseases. The common diseases that might affect the plant include root rot, powdery mildew, and bacterial blight. To manage the diseases, it is essential to practice proper sanitation and maintain a healthy growing environment. Remove the infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease. It is also crucial to provide adequate air circulation, reduce the humidity and moisture level, and avoid over-crowding of the plants.
Pest Management:
The plant is also vulnerable to insect and pest attacks, which can affect the growth and development of the plant. The common pests that might affect Dolichos nervosus Schumach. & Thonn. include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To manage the pests, ensure that you practice proper sanitation and maintain a healthy growing environment. Use insecticidal sprays that have pyrethrin or neem oil as the active ingredient to control the pests effectively. You can also introduce natural predators that feed on the pests, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
