Overview
Dolichos schliebenii Harms, also known as Schlieben's horse-eye bean, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a critically endangered species that is native to Cameroon in Central Africa.
Appearance
The Schlieben's horse-eye bean is a twining climber that can grow up to three meters tall. The plant has a woody stem and dark green leaves that are trifoliate and ovate in shape. The individual leaflets are about 6-9 cm long and 4-6 cm wide. The flowers are pale purple to white in color with a length of about 2.5 cm and appear in racemes. The fruit is a long pod or legume that is up to 25 cm long and contains several seeds.
Common Names
The Schlieben's horse-eye bean is known by several common names such as
- Horse eye bean
- Cameroon purple bean
- Kuda
- Fei
Uses
The Dolichos schliebenii Harms is an important plant with a variety of uses. The seeds of the plant are edible and are used as food in Cameroon. The seeds have a slightly bitter taste and are usually boiled or roasted before being consumed. The plant is also used for medicinal purposes. The root of the plant is used to treat dysentery, while the leaves are used to treat wounds, fever, and headaches. Additionally, the plant is used for soil improvement and as a source of firewood and timber.
Light Requirements
Dolichos schliebenii Harms generally requires bright light to grow properly. It can grow well in partial shade but prefers direct sunlight for several hours each day. The plant can adapt to a variety of light conditions, but prolonged exposure to shade may cause it to grow slowly.
Temperature Requirements
Optimum temperatures for Dolichos schliebenii Harms range from 20°C to 28°C. These plants do not tolerate temperatures below 10°C, so they should be kept indoors if temperatures may drop this low. Extreme heat may cause stress, and the plant may need to be moved to a cooler location or provided with shade.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A good potting mix with organic matter and coarse sand may suit its requirements. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Adding mulch can help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature stable.
Cultivation Methods for Dolichos schliebenii Harms
The plant Dolichos schliebenii Harms thrives well in warm weather and requires well-drained soil with a PH of between 6.5 and 7.5. It's best to plant the seeds in good quality soil. You can either choose to start the seeds indoors in pots or directly sow the seeds in the garden. If starting indoors, plant the seeds 3-4 weeks before the last frost date.
The optimum temperature for growing Dolichos schliebenii Harms is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant requires full exposure to sunlight for at least six hours daily, and therefore, it grows well in a garden where it can access natural sunlight.
Watering Needs for Dolichos schliebenii Harms
Dolichos schliebenii Harms requires regular watering, especially during the dry months. However, over-watering should be avoided as it can cause root rot. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week until the top layer of soil is wet. Reduce watering during the winter or rainy seasons, and only water the plant when the soil becomes dry.
Fertilization for Dolichos schliebenii Harms
The plant requires regular fertilization to aid its growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. You can either use organic or inorganic fertilizers, such as 10-10-10, which contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or blood meal or bone meal.
Pruning for Dolichos schliebenii Harms
Dolichos schliebenii Harms requires regular pruning to promote bushy growth and control its size. Prune the plant back by a third in the early spring before new growth occurs. This will help the plant develop new stems and leaves. Trim any damaged or diseased branches as soon as you notice them and remove dead flowers regularly to promote the growth of new ones.
Propagation of Dolichos schliebenii Harms
Dolichos schliebenii Harms, also known as Schlieben’s long pod, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical Africa and is commonly grown for its edible pods and seeds, which are used as a vegetable in many African countries.
Propagation Methods
Dolichos schliebenii Harms can be propagated through various methods, including:
- Seed propagation: This is the most common method of propagation for Dolichos schliebenii Harms. The seeds can be directly sown in the field or in seedling trays. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. Germination usually takes 7-14 days.
- Cuttings: Dolichos schliebenii Harms can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants and planted in a rooting medium. Humidity should be maintained around the cuttings until they develop roots.
- Division: Large clumps of Dolichos schliebenii Harms can be divided into smaller sections and transplanted. This method is best done during the plant’s dormant phase.
Overall, Dolichos schliebenii Harms is an easy plant to propagate and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Proper propagation techniques can ensure successful growth and harvest of this useful plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos schliebenii Harms
Dolichos schliebenii Harms, also known as Schlieben's long-podded bean, is a legume plant that may be affected by various diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common ones and how to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose - This fungal disease affects the leaves, pods, and stems of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicides, such as copper-based sprays, regularly.
Mosaic virus - This virus causes yellowing and mottling of the leaves, stunting of the plant, and a decrease in yield. The virus is spread by aphids. There is no cure for this virus, so prevention is key. Use virus-free seeds and avoid planting near other infected legumes.
Southern blight - This fungal disease attacks the base of the plant, causing the stem to rot and the plant to wilt and die. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides, such as thiophanate-methyl.
Pests
Aphids - These small insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing the plant to wilt and become stunted. To manage these pests, remove them from the plant with a strong jet of water or by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cutworms - These larvae chew through the stems of the plant at the soil surface, causing the plant to die. To manage these pests, apply insecticides, such as carbaryl, around the base of the plant and remove any nearby weeds that may be hosting the cutworms.
Soybean stem borer - This pest bores into the stems of the plant, causing wilting and death. To manage this pest, remove and destroy infected plant parts, use insecticides, such as cypermethrin, when necessary, and avoid planting near other infected legumes.
By implementing these disease and pest management practices, you can help ensure healthy and productive Dolichos schliebenii Harms plants.
