Overview of Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan
Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan, also known as the African dream herb, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is a perennial climbing vine that can grow up to 15 meters long and is often found in tropical forests and savannahs.
General Appearance of Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan
The African dream herb has slender, hairy stems, and branches with elongated and narrow leaves that come in pairs and can grow up to 30 cm long. Its flowers are small and greenish-white, and its fruits are large, woody, and flat pods that can grow up to 1 meter long and 15 cm wide. The pods contain seeds that can float for long periods of time, allowing them to be dispersed widely by water.
Uses of Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan
The African dream herb is traditionally used by the African tribes for various purposes such as food, medicine, and spiritual purposes. Its seeds are often used as food, and its roots, bark, and leaves are used for medicinal purposes such as treating inflammation, wounds, malaria, stomach problems, and even snake bites. The plant is also believed to have spiritual properties and is used in rituals to invoke spiritual guidance and to promote vivid dreams.
Today, Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan is also used in some cultures for various medicinal purposes. Some believe that it can aid in lucid dreaming and promote vivid, memorable dreams, which is why it is often referred to as the African dream herb.
Common Names of Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan
Aside from the African dream herb, Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan is also known by other common names such as sea heart, monkey ladder, elephant creeper, and jumbie bead.
Light Requirements
Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan grows in areas with high light availability. It prefers areas with partial to full sunlight exposure. Thus, it is suitable for open areas such as savannahs, grasslands, and forests with open canopies.
Temperature Requirements
The plant primarily occurs in the moist areas of tropical Africa. It grows in regions with a temperature range of 20°C to 27°C. The range is suitable for the growth and development of the plant. However, it can tolerate temperatures above 27°C if the soil is moist and shady.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives well in well-drained soils. Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan requires soils rich in organic matter. Its roots can reach up to 6m long; therefore, the soil must provide adequate support to the plant. The plant’s tolerance for dry soils is low. Its soil pH tolerance range is 6.0 to 7.5. Soil salinity should also be kept low because the plant's tolerance for high salinity is limited. The plant requires soils with high porosity to enhance root aeration and improve nutrient uptake.
Cultivation Methods
Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan is a twining vine plant that grows well in loamy soil with good drainage. The plant requires a trellis or a supportive structure to climb on. It flourishes best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant prefers a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 20 to 28°C, and it is susceptible to frost damage, which may hinder its growth.
Watering Needs
As the plant grows, it requires regular watering. The soil must always be moist but not waterlogged. You must maintain a balanced watering schedule in which you do not allow the soil to dry out. Additionally, the plant can withstand periods of drought but will not increase its size. The plant requires consistent watering up to several weeks to encourage its growth.
Fertilization
The Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan plant requires occasional fertilization to improve its growth rate. It would help if you used a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 4-4-4. Fertilization should be done every two months during the growing season. Excessive fertilization can lead to scorching of the foliage, so it is advised to follow the manufacturer's instructions on agronomic management.
Pruning
The Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan plant requires pruning to encourage bushy growth and remove unwanted foliage. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to prevent severe damage to the plant. Remove dead and withered branches close to the stem, which can encourage the spread of disease. Additionally, pruning can encourage the development of new stems and leaves that will enhance the growth rate and productivity of the plant.
Propagation of Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan
There are several methods of propagating Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan is through seed propagation. Collect matured pods containing seeds from the parent plant. The seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24 to 48 hours or until they start to swell. After that, you can plant the seeds in good potting soil and keep them moist as they develop in about 2 to 4 weeks.
Cuttings
Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan can also be propagated through stem cuttings although it is not the common method of propagation of the plant. Select a healthy stem from the parent plant and make a clean cut below the node. Let the cuttings dry in a shaded area for a few days. Once a callous forms, stick the cuttings in well-draining soil, and keep them moist. Rooting will typically occur in about a month.
Division of Rootstock
Division is another method of propagating Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan, although it is not always successful. The process involves taking a section of the parent plant's root ball and transplanting it to a new location. It should be noted that this process is typically best done during the dormant season and the divided plant may have reduced vigor during the first growing season.
Disease and Pest Management for Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan
Entada bacillaris F.White var. plurijuga Brenan, commonly known as the sea heart, is a plant species that is usually found in swamps, wetlands, and along the riverbanks of tropical regions. Keeping the plant healthy and free of pests and diseases requires proper management techniques.
Common Diseases
There are various diseases that Entada bacillaris is susceptible to, such as root rot, leaf spot, and stem cankers. Root rot is one of the most common diseases that affect this plant. It is caused by fungi that thrive in poorly drained soil. To prevent root rot, you need to ensure that the soil is well-drained, and avoid overwatering.
Leaf spot is another common disease, which is caused by fungal pathogens that develop in wet conditions. It usually begins as small yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually turn brown and fall off. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and apply fungicides.
Stem cankers are caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens that infect the cambium layer of the stem, leading to the formation of sunken areas. This disease may cause the death of the plant. To manage stem cankers, you need to inspect the plant regularly, prune the affected areas, and apply suitable fungicides.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Entada bacillaris are aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. You can manage these pests by using pesticides or by introducing predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.
Spider mites are also tiny insects that are usually found on the undersides of the leaves. They cause yellowing, leaf curling, and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, you need to use insecticides, improve air circulation, and maintain high humidity.
Caterpillars feed on the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation, reduced growth, and poor yield. You can manage caterpillars by manually removing them or by using insecticides.
Preventive Measures
To prevent pests and diseases from affecting your Entada bacillaris, you need to take preventive measures. Firstly, you should maintain good soil hygiene by removing dead leaves and plant debris. Secondly, ensure that you plant your sea heart in well-drained soil. Thirdly, maintain proper air circulation and avoid overcrowding the plants. Lastly, monitor the plant regularly for any signs of pests or diseases, and take appropriate measures immediately.
Following these disease and pest management techniques will help you keep your Entada bacillaris healthy, vigorous, and productive.
