Overview
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker is a plant species that is native to Africa. It is well known for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional African and Indian medicine.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as the Snake Bean or the Tick Bean in English. In Africa, it is known as Osu in Nigeria, Ntoyo in Cameroon, and Endyulu in Zimbabwe.
Appearance
The Snake Bean plant is a vigorous, climbing plant that can grow up to 6 meters in height. The leaves are trifoliate, and the leaflets are oval or oblong, up to 15 cm long and 7.5 cm wide. The flowers grow in clusters, and they are white or pale pink, and about 2.5 cm long. The fruit of the plant is a pod that can be up to 60 cm long and 3 cm wide. The pod contains several seeds that are shiny, black, and kidney-shaped.
Uses
The Snake Bean plant has a wide range of medicinal uses. In Africa, the leaves and roots are used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, stomachache, and respiratory infections. The plant is also used to treat snake bites and scorpion stings. In India, the seeds of the plant are used to treat diabetes and to lower cholesterol levels.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the Snake Bean plant is also used as food. The young pods are cooked and eaten as a vegetable in many parts of Africa. The seeds are also edible, and they are used to make soups, stews, and porridges.
Overall, Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker is a versatile plant that has both medicinal and nutritional value.
Light Requirements
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker requires full sun exposure in order to grow optimally. It cannot tolerate shade or partial shade as it may result in poor growth and development of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate extreme temperatures particularly during the winter season. Frost and snow can damage the plant resulting in stunted growth or death.
Soil Requirements
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker prefers well-drained sandy loam soils that are moderately fertile. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to ensure the proper nourishment of the plant. The plant cannot tolerate heavy clay soils that do not drain well.
Cultivation Methods for Dolichos Stipulosus Welw. ex Baker
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker, also known as monkey bean, is a climbing plant that requires a support structure for growth. It prefers warm temperatures and thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.1 and 7.8. The ideal planting season for this plant is during the rainy season as it requires ample moisture for successful growth. It is usually cultivated through seed propagation.
Watering Needs
The monkey bean plant requires regular watering to maintain moist soil. Ensure that the plant remains evenly moist, but not waterlogged. In hot and dry conditions, daily watering is required, but in colder weather, watering frequency should be reduced. Avoid overhead watering as it may lead to the growth of unwanted fungal infections or leaf burn on the plant.
Fertilization
To enhance the growth and productivity of the monkey bean plant, it requires regular fertilization with nitrogen-rich fertilizers. A balance of phosphorous and potassium is also important for the plant's overall health. Fertilizers should be applied at the start of the growing season and every four weeks throughout the season. Do not over-fertilize, as this may cause the plant to produce less fruit and instead focus on leafy growth.
Pruning
Pruning is significant for monkey bean plants as it promotes new growth and prevents overcrowding of leaves that can lead to fungal infections and poor airflow in the plant. Pruning should be done in the early stage of the plant's life and should continue periodically throughout the growing season. Use a sharp, sterilized pruning tool to remove old and unproductive stems and leaves. Also, cut back any shoots that extend beyond the support structure or obstruct light penetration.
Propagation of Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker is a leguminous plant commonly found in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Ethiopia. It is often grown as a fodder crop for livestock, but it also has ornamental qualities due to its attractive flowers. Propagation of D. stipulosus can be done in several ways, including:
Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Dolichos stipulosus is through seeds. The seeds should be collected when the pods have fully matured and have dried out on the plant. They can be directly sown into well-draining soil in the field or in pots, placing the seeds at a depth of 2-3 cm. Germination usually occurs within 7-10 days, and seedlings can be transplanted after they have reached a height of 10-15 cm.
Cuttings
Dolichos stipulosus can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the plant during the growing season, choosing healthy stems and removing the leaves from the lower part. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and should be planted in a well-draining soil mix. Dusting the cuttings with rooting hormones can improve the chance of successful rooting. The cuttings should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, and they should be kept under shade to avoid direct sunlight until they have fully rooted, which can take up to four weeks.
Division
Another method of propagating Dolichos stipulosus is through division of established plants. This method is best done during the dormant season before the plant begins to sprout new growth. The plant should be dug out carefully, and the root system should be divided into several sections, ensuring that each section has a good root system and a healthy stem. Each section can then be transplanted into its own pot or into the field.
These methods can be used to propagate Dolichos stipulosus, allowing for the expansion of its cultivation and conservation of its genetic diversity.
Diseases and Pest Management for Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker
Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker, commonly known as monkey bean or mucuna, is a leguminous plant that is used as a cover crop, green manure, and forage. It is also known for its medicinal properties. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
1. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. The leaves develop white powdery spots, which eventually turn yellow and die. To manage powdery mildew, you can use fungicides or organic remedies like neem oil, baking soda, or garlic spray.
2. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the fruit and leaves of the plant. It causes circular brown spots on the leaves and causes the fruit to rot. To manage anthracnose, you can remove the infected parts of the plant and apply fungicides.
3. Bacterial wilt: Bacterial wilt is a bacterial disease that causes the wilting of the plant. The leaves turn yellow, wilt, and eventually die. To manage bacterial wilt, you can remove the infected parts of the plant, use disease-resistant seedlings, and use crop rotation techniques.
Common Pests
1. Bean beetle: Bean beetle is a beetle that feeds on the leaves of the plant. It causes irregular holes and notches on the leaves. To manage bean beetle, you can manually remove the beetles or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and discoloration of the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with water or use insecticidal soap.
3. Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stems of the plant, causing wilting and eventually death. To manage cutworms, you can use biological control methods like Bacillus thuringiensis or handpicking and destroying the caterpillars.
By practicing good cultural practices such as proper irrigation, crop rotation, and using disease-resistant seedlings, you can prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests in your Dolichos stipulosus Welw. ex Baker plants.
