Overview
Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms, also known as the Forest Bean or Forest Lablab, is a leafy climber that belongs to the family of Fabaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 10 meters long, and it has soft stems covered with short hairs. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring 5-10 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. It produces beautiful pink or purple flowers that bloom from June to September. The mature fruits are up to 13 cm long pod, covered in fine hairs and contain small, brown or black seeds.
Uses
The plant is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. In Africa, it is used for various traditional remedies such as treating snakebite, fever, and throat infections. The seeds and leaves contain flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which are known for their antifungal and antibacterial properties. In some rural areas, the bean pods are commonly consumed as vegetables in soups or stews, or as a nutritious snack.
The Forest Bean is also a valuable crop for sustainable agriculture. The plant has been used in agroforestry systems for erosion control, natural shading, and improving soil fertility. It is an ideal plant for intercropping with other food crops, and it provides an alternative source of protein for small-scale farmers.
Light Requirements
Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms prefers full to partial sun. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as profusely as those grown in full sun conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 18°C and 30°C (65°F to 86°F). It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) but growth will be stunted. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can be fatal to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained, fertile, and loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It is important to ensure good drainage as the plant is sensitive to waterlogged soil. Enriching the soil with compost or manure will provide the nutrients the plant needs to thrive.
Cultivation Method for Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms
Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms can be cultivated in the ground or in planting containers. When planting in the ground, choose a location with well-draining soil, and ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter. For planting in containers, use potting soil mixed with some perlite or sand, which will improve drainage.
When planting, dig a hole in the soil or potting mix that is larger than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil or potting mix. Water the plant immediately.
Watering Needs for Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms
Water is critical for the growth of Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms. Water the plant frequently, especially during the dry season, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. When watering, make sure the water reaches the roots. You can also use mulch to help retain moisture in the soil and reduce water evaporation.
Fertilization for Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms
To ensure that Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms receives sufficient nutrients for healthy growth, add fertilizer to the soil or potting mix when planting. After planting, you can apply slow-release fertilizer periodically to supplement the soil nutrients.
Alternatively, you can use compost or organic matter to improve the soil's quality, which will not only provide nutrients but also improve soil moisture retention and drainage.
Pruning of Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms
Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms doesn't need pruning, but it's recommended to trim the dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems from time to time. Pruning will help to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. Use sharp and clean pruning shears to avoid injuring the plant.
Propagation of Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms
Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms is commonly propagated by seed and vegetative means. Each propagation method has its unique properties and requirements.
Seed propagation
Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms seeds can be obtained from mature pods that have already dried on the plant. The pods should be harvested, and the seeds should be extracted and dried for storage or immediate sowing.
Before sowing, the seeds can be soaked in warm water for a few hours to hasten germination. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in pots or seedbeds that are filled with well-draining soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept in semi-shade. Germination should occur within 10-14 days.
After germination, the seedlings should be thinned out to prevent overcrowding. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent sites when they are about 10-15 cm tall.
Vegetative propagation
Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or layering. Stem cuttings involve taking stem sections with at least one node that can develop roots and shoot. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until rooting occurs. Rooting of cuttings can take between 4-6 weeks.
Layering, on the other hand, involves bending a lower branch of the parent plant and burying it in shallow soil while still attached to the parent. The buried section will develop roots and can be separated from the parent plant after a few months and transplanted to its permanent site. Layering is a more reliable method of vegetative propagation because the propagated plant will maintain its genetic characteristics.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms
Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms, commonly known as wild velvet bean, is a climbing plant that is commonly grown for ornamental purposes. Just like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that affect its growth and overall health. Therefore, it is essential to identify these diseases and pests and take appropriate measures to manage them effectively. Below are some common diseases and pests that can affect Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms and how to manage them.
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms plant. The disease presents as powdery white spots on the leaves or stems, and it causes the leaves and flowers to wither and fall off. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide after pruning. Ensure that the plant has adequate airflow, sunlight, and a well-draining soil to prevent the disease from recurring.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms. The disease is characterized by brown and mushy roots that eventually rot away. To prevent root rot, plant Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms in well-draining soils, avoid watering the plant excessively, and ensure that the plant is not sitting in water. If the disease occurs, prune the affected roots, remove the infected soil and plant in new soil.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small green or black insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms. The damage caused by aphids includes yellowing and curling of the leaves and stunted growth of the plant. To manage aphids, spray the plant with an insecticide or blast them off with a strong jet of water.
Caterpillars: The caterpillar of the moth Uresiphita ornithoptera feeds on the leaves of Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms, leaving them chewed up and unsightly. To manage caterpillars, pick them off by hand or apply a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt.) solution to the plant. Bt. is a naturally occurring bacteria that targets the digestive system of caterpillars, causing them to starve to death.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms, causing them to turn yellow or brown. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or a neem oil-based insecticide. Thoroughly rinse the plant after applying the insecticide to prevent any damage to the plant.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests that affect plants is crucial to achieving healthy and robust growth. By identifying the different diseases and pests that can affect Dolichos schweinfurthii Harms, and taking appropriate measures to manage them, you can maintain a healthy and vibrant plant that will attract attention in any garden.
