Origin
Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus, commonly known as the silky dolichos, is a plant species native to Southern Africa.
Common Names
The plant has several common names including silky dolichos, silk dolichos, silky bean, wild grape, and elephant creeper.
Uses
The silky dolichos has various uses. In some African countries, the plant's leaves are used to treat fever, while its seeds are used as a laxative. Additionally, the plant is used as a forage crop for livestock, and its roots are known for their medicinal properties.
General Appearance
The silky dolichos is a perennial climbing plant that can grow up to 15 meters in length. The plant produces twining stems with small, hairy, and heart-shaped leaves that are green in color. It also bears small, fragrant, and whitish to pinkish flowers that develop into flat and hairy pods. These pods turn brown when mature and contain four to eight red or brown seeds, which are round, flat, and slightly hairy.
Light Requirements
The Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus plant typically requires full sun to partial shade to grow and thrive. It can tolerate a little shade, but too much shade can limit its growth and productivity. Providing enough sunlight ensures that the plant develops strong and healthy roots, which is essential for overall plant health.
Soil Requirements
The Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus plant prefers well-draining soils that are moderately fertile and rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range should be between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. It is also essential to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Temperature Requirements
The Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus plant is native to tropical regions and prefers warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate some cold and frost, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can damage the plant and limit its growth. It is best to plant this species in areas that have a warm and humid climate.
Cultivation Methods
The Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus plant is a tropical plant that grows in warm and humid environments. It prefers well-draining soil and ample sunlight. The best time to plant the seeds is in the spring, and the plant will thrive in temperatures between 70-85°F.
The seeds can be directly sown into the soil or started indoors, transplanting them once the plant reaches 3-4 inches in height. When planting outdoors, space the seeds or seedlings about a foot apart to give them enough room to grow.
Watering Needs
The Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus plant requires consistent moisture to thrive, but you should avoid overwatering the plant. Water the plant deeply about once a week, depending on the weather conditions and the level of humidity in the air.
Make sure the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged. The plant will wilt if it is underwatered and show signs of root rot if it is overwatered.
Fertilization
Like most plants, Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus plants need nutrients to grow healthy and strong. Fertilize the plant once every four weeks during the growing season, which is typically spring and summer.
Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, or one that is formulated for flowering plants. Follow the instructions on the package carefully, and be sure not to over-fertilize the plant.
Pruning
Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus plants benefit from regular pruning to encourage growth and prevent disease. Prune back the stems once the plant has finished blooming, and deadhead the spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.
Inspect the plant periodically for any damaged or diseased growth, and remove it promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus
Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus is predominantly propagated vegetatively.
Vine cuttings
The propagation of Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus is commonly done through vine cuttings, which should be taken during the early spring season. The vine cuttings should be about 30 cm long and should consist of two to three nodes. The lower leaves on the cutting should be removed to reduce water loss.
The vine cuttings should then be planted in well-drained soil, with just one or two nodes buried. The planted cuttings should be watered until they establish roots, which will be in about three weeks. After, they can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Seed propagation
Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus can also be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be sown in the early spring in a mixture of soil and sand, with some covering of the seeds. When the seedlings reach 7 cm in height, they can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Overall, vegetative propagation and seed propagation are both viable methods of propagating Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus. Vine cuttings offer a quicker means of propagation, while seed propagation yields a greater number of plants and is useful in mass production.
Disease Management
There are a few common diseases that can affect Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus and can be identified by a blackening and rotting of the roots. Root rot can be avoided by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.
- Mildew: Mildew is a fungal disease that can cause white powdery patches on the leaves. It is important to remove any infected leaves and to maintain good air circulation around the plant to prevent mildew from spreading.
- Leaf spots: Leaf spots are caused by a bacterial or fungal infection and are identified by small circular spots on the leaves. Removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent leaf spot.
Pest Management
There are a few pests that can be particularly problematic for Dolichos sericeus E.Mey. subsp. sericeus:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. They can be managed through regular monitoring and a strong water spray to knock them off the plant.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellow and bronzed leaves. They can be managed through regular monitoring and a strong water spray to knock them off the plant, followed by neem oil or insecticidal soap applications.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat through leaves and cause significant damage. Manual removal of the caterpillars or the use of organic sprays such as Bacillus thuringiensis can manage infestations.
