Overview of Dolichos venulosus Hiern
Dolichos venulosus Hiern is a species of flowering plant native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa. It is a perennial climbing vine that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is commonly known as the African yam bean, Azama bean, and Sese plant.
Appearance
The African yam bean is a vigorous growing vine that can reach up to 3 meters in length. It has a dense bushy foliage with dark green leaves that are trifoliate, meaning each leaf consists of three leaflets. The plant produces purple or white flowers that are about 10cm long and bloom in clusters. The flowers are followed by edible legume pods that are elongated, cylindrical, and about 15cm in length. The pods contain 5-10 seeds that are kidney-shaped and up to 2cm long.
Uses of Dolichos venulosus Hiern
The African yam bean is an important food crop in West Africa, especially in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. The beans are highly nutritious and rich in protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and minerals. They are commonly eaten boiled or roasted, and can be used to make soups, stews, and porridges. The leaves and young shoots of the plant are also edible and are used as a vegetable in some parts of West Africa. In addition to its food value, the African yam bean has medicinal properties. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as infections, diabetes, and hypertension. The plant is also used as forage for livestock, and its seeds can be used as fertilizer due to their high nitrogen content.
Light Requirements
The plant Dolichos venulosus Hiern requires full or partial sunlight to grow normally. The growth of this plant may get stunted if it is grown in a shady area or low light regions. The plant needs light for photosynthesis, which is essential for growth and reproduction. It can survive in low light, but the flowering and fruiting processes may get affected.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives best in warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C, but it can survive in temperatures up to 35°C. Growth may be delayed in colder temperatures below 15°C. Extreme heat or frost can damage the plant, and it may die. It is essential to protect the plant from harsh climatic conditions.
Soil Requirements
Dolichos venulosus Hiern grows well in well-drained soils, which are rich in organic matter and nutrients. The pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. This plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. It cannot thrive in waterlogged or poorly-drained soils as it can cause root rot and damage to the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Dolichos venulosus Hiern
Dolichos venulosus Hiern is versatile and can grow both in full sun and shade, although it prefers partial shade to full sun. It thrives in a wide range of soils, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, but it grows best in well-draining soil with a pH level of 5.5 to 7.5. The planting season for this plant is during the rainy season when there is enough moisture to support seed germination.
Watering Needs for Dolichos venulosus Hiern
Dolichos venulosus Hiern requires moderate watering, and it can survive in periods of drought since it has a deep-rooting habit. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent water evaporation.
Fertilization of Dolichos venulosus Hiern
Feeding the plant with the right nutrients ensures healthy growth. Dolichos venulosus Hiern requires an all-purpose fertilizer with a balanced NPK formulation of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Add the fertilizer once every two months during the active growth season to replenish soil nutrients. However, avoid overdoing it since over-fertilization may cause damage to the plant.
Pruning Dolichos venulosus Hiern
Prune Dolichos venulosus Hiern to control its size or shape. Pruning should be done during the dormant period by removing the dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Thin out the overcrowded branches and remove the trailing stems to promote bushy growth. Disinfect your pruning tools before and after each cut to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Dolichos venulosus Hiern
Dolichos venulosus Hiern, commonly known as the wild bean, can be propagated via seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Dolichos venulosus Hiern is through seeds. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. It's advisable to sow the seeds in spring or early summer when the temperature is warm. Germination typically takes around 14-21 days.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Dolichos venulosus Hiern can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a stem cutting of around 5-7 cm and remove the leaves from the lower portion. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant them in well-draining soil mix. Water the soil and keep it moist until roots develop.
It's important to note that Dolichos venulosus Hiern prefers well-draining soil and a warm climate. It's advisable to place the pot or container in a warm, sunny place with indirect light.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolichos venulosus Hiern
Dolichos venulosus Hiern, also known as the velvet leaf bush bean, is an ornamental plant that is grown for its attractive foliage and flowers. However, like many other plants, it is not immune to diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
The velvet leaf bush bean is susceptible to several diseases that can significantly affect its growth and production. One of the most common diseases is root rot, which is caused by fungi that thrive in damp soil. Symptoms of root rot include wilting and yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage by avoiding overwatering and planting the velvet leaf bush bean in well-draining soil. Also, avoid overcrowding the plants as this can lead to increased moisture levels and fungal growth.
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust can also affect the velvet leaf bush bean. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and can lead to leaf distortion and early leaf drop. Rust on the other hand appears as rust-colored spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation if left untreated. To manage these fungal diseases, remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Also, ensure proper air circulation around the plants by spacing them out and providing sufficient sunlight.
Common Pests
Several pests can also pose a significant threat to the velvet leaf bush bean. One of the most common pests is aphids, which suck sap from the plants and can lead to significant damage. These pests are usually found on the undersides of leaves and can be controlled through physical removal or by using insecticidal soap.
The velvet leaf bush bean can also be attacked by spider mites, which can cause yellowing of leaves and webbing on the plants. To manage spider mites, ensure proper watering and humidity levels, as dry conditions can encourage their growth. Also, consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
Overall, proper plant care and timely management of diseases and pests are crucial for the healthy growth and production of the velvet leaf bush bean.
