Origin
Dolichos rupestris Welw. ex Baker var. gossweileri (Baker f.) Torre, also known as climbing bean, is a perennial leguminous vine that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Africa, particularly in Angola and Namibia, and can also be found in other parts of the continent.
Common Names
This plant has a variety of common names including kanya (in Botswana), ingwa (in Namibia), and abu-amu (in Nigeria). In addition, it is sometimes referred to as rock bean or cliff bean due to its ability to grow in rocky areas.
Uses
The climbing bean has several uses, including as a source of food and medicine. The seeds of the plant are edible and are a good source of protein and dietary fiber. They can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable or used as a substitute for kidney beans in recipes. The plant's medicinal properties include being used to treat malaria, skin infections, and as a diuretic.
General Appearance
Dolichos rupestris Welw. ex Baker var. gossweileri is a climbing vine that can grow up to 6 meters in length. It has a woody stem and twines around other plants or structures for support. The leaves are compound, with 3 leaflets, and are alternately arranged on the stem. The flowers are small and purple, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a long pod, up to 20 cm in length, and contains several seeds.
Growth Conditions for Dolichos rupestris var. gossweileri
Light: Dolichos rupestris var. gossweileri prefers full sunlight to partial shade. In its natural habitat, it grows in savannahs and woodland areas with plenty of light. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: This plant is native to regions of southern Africa with a hot and dry climate. Therefore, it thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It may not survive in areas with frost or temperatures below 10°C.
Soil: Dolichos rupestris var. gossweileri grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It has a deep root system, so the soil should be at least 30 cm deep. Ideally, the pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. It can tolerate some rockiness in the soil, as it is a rocky outcrop specialist.
Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall. However, for optimal growth, it is recommended to water it regularly during the growing season. It is best to wait until the soil is dry before watering again, as the plant is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil.
Fertilizer: Dolichos rupestris var. gossweileri does not require heavy fertilization. However, adding some compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown directly into the soil in early spring. For stem cuttings, choose healthy stems and remove the bottom leaves before planting in well-draining soil.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos rupestris Welw. ex Baker var. gossweileri (Baker f.) Torre grows well in warm temperatures and requires ample sunlight for its growth. Its cultivation is best suited for subtropical and tropical regions.
Plant seeds in soil that is well-draining and has a sandy texture. The soil pH should be between 6 to 8. The plant requires a soil temperature of at least 20°C for proper germination. Plant the seeds at a depth of 2-3 inches and maintain a distance of 3-4 inches between them.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering for its growth. It flourishes well in well-drained soil that has adequate moisture. Reduce the watering during the winter months. Over-watering can make the soil soggy and may result in root rot.
Fertilization
When planting, mix in a layer of compost to enrich the soil and provide the necessary nutrients. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Choose a fertilizer that has a small amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).
Pruning
Prune Dolichos rupestris Welw. ex Baker var. gossweileri (Baker f.) Torre in the late winter or early spring. Cut back the stems that have died or dried up. Pinch off the tips of the branches to encourage bushy growth and better flowering. Removing the dead branches also improves air circulation and reduces the chance of attracting pests and diseases. Always use a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears when pruning the plant.
Propagation of Dolichos rupestris Welw. ex Baker var. gossweileri (Baker f.) Torre
Dolichos rupestris Welw. ex Baker var. gossweileri (Baker f.) Torre can be propagated using seeds or cuttings.
Propagation from Seeds
The seeds of Dolichos rupestris Welw. ex Baker var. gossweileri (Baker f.) Torre should be sown in well-drained soil during the spring or summer months. The soil can be a mix of sand and loam in a ratio of 1:1. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1-2 cm, and they should be watered regularly. The seeds will usually germinate within 2-3 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have grown to a height of about 10 cm.
Propagation from Cuttings
To propagate Dolichos rupestris Welw. ex Baker var. gossweileri (Baker f.) Torre using cuttings, choose a healthy, mature plant and take 10-15 cm long cuttings from the new growth. Remove the lower pairs of leaves from the cutting, leaving only two or three pairs at the top. Dip the cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone and then plant it in a well-drained soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm and humid location until roots develop, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease Management
The Dolichos rupestris Welw. ex Baker var. gossweileri plant is relatively hardy and disease-resistant. However, it can still fall prey to few fungal and bacterial diseases under certain conditions. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes the leaves to develop dark spots, which eventually enlarge and merge, leading to defoliation. It can also cause stem lesions and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to the development of root rot, a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and ultimately kill the plant. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Bacterial wilt: This bacterial disease can cause sudden wilting and death of the plant. There is no cure for bacterial wilt, so it is essential to remove the infected plant to avoid spreading the disease to other plants.
Pest Management
The Dolichos rupestris Welw. ex Baker var. gossweileri plant can also fall prey to some pests. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause leaf distortion, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can munch on the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation and stunted growth. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or spray the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling on the leaves and create webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring and early detection of any disease or pest infestation can help manage them efficiently and prevent the spread of disease to other plants. Additionally, it's always a good idea to practice good hygiene and sanitation around the plant, clean up any fallen leaves or plant debris, and avoid overcrowding the plant to prevent any stress or vulnerability to disease and pests.
