Origin and Common Names
Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc. is a plant species that is native to southern and eastern Africa, including countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It is commonly known as the silky jack bean, wild jack bean, or just jack bean.
Appearance
The silky jack bean is a perennial climbing vine that can grow up to 3 meters or more in length. It has twining stems and trifoliate leaves that are green in color and have a velvety texture. The flowers are white or cream-colored and are borne in clusters at the end of long, slender peduncles. The plant produces long pods that are also covered in silky hairs.
Uses
Various parts of the silky jack bean plant are used for medicinal purposes by various indigenous communities in Africa. The roots, for example, are used to treat snake bites, while the leaves are used to relieve headaches and to induce sleep. The seeds are used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as gonorrhea and syphilis.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the silky jack bean plant is also used as a forage crop for livestock and as a cover crop to control soil erosion and improve soil fertility. The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and unique appearance.
Growth conditions for Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc.
Light Requirements: Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc. typically requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. Partial shade may also be tolerated, but growth and flowering may be reduced.
Temperature Requirements: This plant species grows optimally in warm climates, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F) and nighttime temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F). Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc. may not survive in areas with prolonged freezing temperatures or extreme heat.
Soil Requirements: A well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 is the optimal soil for Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc. to grow. The plant prefers sandy or loamy soils, but it can also endure clayey soils. The soil must be fertile, rich in organic matter, and should have good water holding capacity. It can tolerate drought to some extent, but it grows best in soils that are moderately moist.
Cultivation Methods
Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc. is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers well-drained soil. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade. The plant requires warm temperatures to grow, ideally between 20°C and 25°C, and can tolerate high temperatures up to 40°C.
The plant can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Cuttings should be taken in the spring, ideally with a length of 10 cm. Cuttings should be inserted into a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots develop.
Watering Needs
Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc. is a drought-tolerant plant, and therefore, should be watered sparingly. The soil should be allowed to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it's crucial to ensure the potting mix is well-draining.
If the plant is grown in a pot, ensure there is proper drainage. If grown in the ground, it's best to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture in the soil. During the growing season, it is necessary to water once a week to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
The Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc. plant requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Fertilizer can be applied every month during the growing season, using a general-purpose fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it to damp soil.
Do not fertilize the plant during the dormant season, which occurs during the winter months. This period is characterized by reduced growth and should be used as a time for the plant to rest.
Pruning
Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc. requires minimal pruning. However, pruning is necessary to promote bushy and dense growth. Prune the plant after the growing season to remove any damaged or diseased branches.
The plant can be pinched back to encourage lateral branching and bushy growth. If necessary, prune for shape and size, but avoid excessive pruning, which can make the plant vulnerable to disease and pests.
Propagation of Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc.
Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc. can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The plant's seeds can be collected from the mature pods once they have turned dry and brown. The seeds should be sown in sandy soil in a container, and the container should be placed in a warm, bright location. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate in about 10-20 days. Once the seedlings have reached a height of 3-4 inches, they can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
The plant can also be propagated by taking cuttings from the mature plants. Cuttings of about 6-8 inches in length should be taken from the plant's stem and should be treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in sandy soil and placed in a warm, bright location. The soil should be kept moist, and in about 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should begin to develop roots. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings should be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc.
Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc. is an ornamental plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is relatively resistant to the attack of pests and diseases. However, the following pests and diseases can affect its growth and productivity:
Pests
Aphids: These soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant. The infestation of aphids can cause the curling of leaves, yellowing of the plant, and stunted growth. To control the aphid population, you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs. You can also spray insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant.
Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the underside of the leaves. Infestation of spider mites can cause discoloration and stippling of leaves. To control the population of spider mites, you can spray the plant with a jet of water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases
Root rot: The soil-borne fungus can cause the roots of the plant to rot. Overwatering and poorly-drained soil can lead to the development of root rot. To prevent root rot, make sure that the plant's soil is well-drained. Avoid overwatering the plant and remove any dead plant material from the soil. Apply a fungicide to the plant regularly.
Fungal leaf spot: This disease is caused by a fungal infection. Leaf spots appear as dark brown or black circular patches on the plant's leaves. To control the spread of fungal leaf spot, remove the affected plant material immediately. Avoid overhead watering, and use a fungicide on the plant.
Disease and pest management is necessary to maintain the health and productivity of Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. formosus (A.Rich.) Verdc.. Regular monitoring of the plant's growth and appearance, along with preventive measures, is key to keeping this ornamental plant healthy and flourishing.
