Overview of Entada chrysostachys (Benth.) Drake.
Entada chrysostachys (Benth.) Drake is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Central and South America, and it is also found in parts of the Caribbean. The plant is commonly known as the Golden Pod or Golden Bead.
Description of Entada chrysostachys (Benth.) Drake.
The tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and has a stout, woody trunk. The leaves are compound, with five to seven leaflets that are elliptical in shape. The flowers are small and cream-colored, arranged in racemes up to 14 cm long. The fruits are massive pods measuring up to 50 cm in length and 10 cm in diameter. The pods are thick, woody, and light brown, with a curved shape and a shiny appearance. They are weighty, weighing up to 2.5 kg. The seeds are globular and measure up to 5 cm in diameter. The seeds are black and shiny, with a hard coat covered with a thin layer of brownish skin.
Uses of Entada chrysostachys (Benth.) Drake.
The plant has various uses. In traditional medicine, the bark, roots, and leaves are used to treat various illnesses like snake bites, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The seeds are used in jewelry making, predominantly in the creation of necklaces and bracelets. In some areas, the pods are hollowed out, polished, and used as decorative pieces. Additionally, the plant is a source of food for livestock and wildlife. The tree's wood is hard and dense, making it suitable for use in construction and furniture making.
Growth Conditions of Entada chrysostachys (Benth.) Drake
Light: Entada chrysostachys is a tropical plant that requires a lot of sunlight to grow. It thrives in bright, direct sunlight and can withstand partial shade conditions. Therefore, it is ideal to place the plant in an area where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature: This plant can tolerate high temperatures and is often found growing in hot, humid conditions. It requires a warm climate with a temperature range of 20-30°C. At night, the temperature should not fall below 15°C as it can cause severe damage to the plant.
Soil: Entada chrysostachys grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. A pH level between 6.0-7.5 is optimal for this plant, and it can adapt to growing conditions on either acidic or alkaline soil.
Fertilizer: This is a fast-growing plant that requires a lot of nutrients to thrive. Therefore, it is essential to add a balanced fertilizer once every three months during the growing season to ensure it has enough nutrients to sustain its growth.
Water: This plant requires moderate to high levels of water to grow. Water the plant frequently, but ensure the soil is not waterlogged. In hot, dry environments, you may need to water the plant daily to keep the soil moist.
Propagation: The best time to propagate Entada chrysostachys is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. This plant can be propagated using seeds or cuttings. For seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours before planting them in a seed tray or small pot. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and planted in well-draining soil after dipping the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant propagation should be done in a warm, humid environment.
Cultivation methods
Entada chrysostachys (Benth.) Drake, commonly known as the twine vine or elephant creeper, is a perennial woody climber. It is native to tropical regions of Africa and prefers well-drained sandy to loamy soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. The plant requires full sun to partial shade and grows best in areas with high humidity and rainfall.
Cultivation of the plant can be done through cuttings or seeds. Propagating through cuttings is easier and faster, with roots formed after six to eight weeks. Care should be taken when planting, ensuring that it is done at the right depth and in a hole large enough to accommodate the roots. The plant also requires support structures for climbing, such as fences or trellises.
Watering needs
Entada chrysostachys requires moderate to regular watering, with the soil kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. In hot and dry conditions, watering frequency should increase to prevent the soil from drying out. Adequate watering will promote healthy growth and prevent wilting of leaves.
Fertilization
Fertilization is critical for optimal growth and development of Entada chrysostachys. Regular application of a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is recommended, especially during the growing season. It is also advisable to supplement with organic fertilizers to promote soil quality and maintain adequate nutrient levels.
Pruning
Entada chrysostachys requires pruning to control its size and shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done after flowering and during the dormant season. It involves removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, shaping the plant, and removing any suckers or lateral shoots that may arise. The plant's climbing habit requires special attention to ensure that it is appropriately trained on support structures and does not grow out of control.
Propagation of Entada chrysostachys
Entada chrysostachys (Benth.) Drake is a giant tropical liana known for its large pods which are often used in traditional medicine and crafts. Propagation can be done by seed or cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Seeds should be collected when the pods ripen and the seeds have turned brown. The pods should be allowed to dry and split open on their own, or they can be opened manually. The seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to increase germination rates. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in seed trays filled with well-draining soil. The trays should be kept moist and the seeds should germinate in 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings should be taken from the softwood tips of mature stems. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have at least two leaf nodes. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting and a rooting hormone should be applied to the cut end. The cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. The cutting should root in 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted once it has established roots.
Disease Management for Entada chrysostachys (Benth.) Drake
Although Entada chrysostachys is generally a healthy plant, it is still susceptible to some diseases. The most common diseases affecting this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves and stem. To manage it, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soils.
- Phytophthora root rot: This is a root rot disease caused by a fungus. Infected plants often show signs of wilting and yellowing leaves. To manage it, avoid overwatering and ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soils. You can also apply fungicides to the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that results in a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage it, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Ensure that the plant is grown in an area with adequate air circulation.
Pest Management for Entada chrysostachys (Benth.) Drake
Some pests can also cause damage to Entada chrysostachys. The most common pests affecting this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck sap from the leaves and other parts of the plant. To manage them, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to the plant.
- Mites: These are tiny insects that cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage them, trim off heavily infected plant parts and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant.
- Caterpillars: These are larvae of moths or butterflies that often feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage them, handpick and dispose of the caterpillars or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to the plant.
