Entada gigas (L.) Fawc. & Rendle
Entada gigas (L.) Fawc. & Rendle, commonly known as sea heart, monkey ladder, or matchbox bean, is a large woody vine that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the tropical regions of the Caribbean, Central and South America, and West Africa.
Appearance
The sea heart plant is a robust perennial vine that can grow up to 100 feet long and 4 feet in diameter at its base. It has twining stems that can climb up trees and other supports, and it produces large leaves that are alternately arranged on the stem. The leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and can grow up to 9 inches in length.
One of the most distinctive features of the Entada gigas plant is its large, heavy seed pods, which can reach up to 6 feet in length and 2 feet in width. The seed pods are dark brown and have a woody texture. Inside each seed pod are several large, flat, heart-shaped seeds that can be as large as 4 inches in diameter and can weigh up to 1 pound each.
Uses
Entada gigas has a variety of uses and has been traditionally used by indigenous people for medicinal, cultural, and practical purposes. The seeds were often used for making jewelry, buttons, and other decorative items. In some cultures, the seeds are considered lucky and are used as a talisman or amulet to ward off evil spirits.
Some also believed that the plant had medicinal properties and that the seeds could be used to treat a variety of ailments such as headaches, toothaches, and digestive issues. The seeds were also used as a spice and flavoring in traditional dishes in some parts of the world.
In modern times, the seeds of the Entada gigas are highly sought after by collectors and used in the production of decorative crafts such as necklaces, bracelets, and rattles. The wood of the plant is also used for making furniture, tool handles, and other objects that require a durable and strong material.
Overall, the Entada gigas is a fascinating plant that has been used for centuries by various cultures for its many uses. Its unique appearance and large seeds make it a popular choice for collectors and craft enthusiasts alike.
Light Requirements
Entada gigas, commonly known as the Sea Heart, is a tropical plant that requires abundant sunlight for healthy growth. It prefers full sun exposure, with a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown indoors, the plant should be placed in a location that receives ample natural light or under artificial grow lights.
Temperature Requirements
The Sea Heart is a warm climate plant that thrives in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). It cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold conditions. Therefore, the plant should be grown in areas with consistently warm temperatures, or as an indoor plant in cool climates.
Soil Requirements
The Sea Heart requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 6.5. The soil should also be fertile soil with a good balance of nutrients. The plant does well in sandy or loamy soil types. Heavy clay soils should be avoided as they retain too much water and do not allow for adequate drainage. Good soil drainage is essential to prevent root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Entada gigas, also known as the sea-heart, is a tropical vine that grows along beaches and estuaries. Its seeds are large and heart-shaped. To cultivate Entada gigas, select a well-drained soil in a sunny location. It grows best in temperatures of 25-30°C and high humidity. You can start the plant by sowing the seeds directly into the soil. The best time to plant is at the beginning of the rainy season when the seeds can easily germinate.
Watering Needs
Entada gigas requires consistent watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Too much water can cause root rot, and too little water can cause stunted growth. Young plants require more water than mature ones. In the dry season, water it frequently. You can use mulch to help retain the moisture in the soil.
Fertilization
Entada gigas requires fertilization with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You should fertilize the plants once a month during the growing season, which is typically from spring to early fall. Fertilize the plant with a water-soluble fertilizer that is high in nitrogen content.
Pruning
Pruning Entada gigas is essential to keep the plant healthy and promote growth. You should prune the vine back to promote branching and remove any damaged or diseased limbs. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before the plant starts to grow. After pruning, you should apply a balanced fertilizer to stimulate new growth.
Propagation of Entada gigas
Propagation of Entada gigas can be achieved through various methods. These include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common way to propagate Entada gigas. To ensure a higher success rate, it is advisable to use fresh seeds that have been recently collected from a mature plant.
The seeds can be soaked in water for 24 hours to help with germination. Afterward, they can be planted in well-draining soil in a warm and humid environment.
The optimal germination temperature is around 25 to 30°C, and germination may take up to three weeks. After germination, the seedlings can be transferred to individual containers with fertile soil and placed in partial shade.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagating Entada gigas through cuttings is possible but may prove challenging. Cuttings can be taken from mature plants and planted in soil mixtures with high perlite content that encourages root growth.
The cuttings will need to be kept moist with high humidity levels. This can be achieved by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag and providing adequate shade to prevent water loss through transpiration.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Entada gigas. With this method, a section of the plant is wounded and covered with a moist growing medium and kept moist to encourage root growth.
When roots have grown from the wounded section, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted in fertile soil.
Regardless of the propagation method, it is important to provide Entada gigas with the appropriate growing conditions, including adequate moisture, warm temperature, and partial shade until the plant is mature enough to handle full sun.
Disease Management
Entada gigas is a highly resistant plant with no known serious diseases. However, like any vegetation, it is susceptible to various disease attacks such as leaf spot and root rot. The following control measures can be applied to prevent the occurrence of diseases:
- Ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil with good aeration as excessive moisture may lead to the growth of fungi that can cause root rot.
- Prune dead or diseased branches regularly.
- Practice crop rotation to avoid the accumulation of disease in the soil after several plantings.
- Plant early varieties that mature faster and are less susceptible to disease attacks.
Pest Management
Entada gigas is not prone to pest attacks. However, it can be attacked by various pests such as insects and rodents. The following control measure can help avoid infestation by pests:
- Handpick the insects from the plant before they multiply and become uncontrollable.
- Use synthetic insecticides only when necessary.
- Implement a pest prevention program to prevent the entry of pests into the growing area. This can involve regular inspections of equipment, packaging, or people who come into contact with the plant.
- Practice crop rotation and use of resistant varieties as this discourages insects that feed on a specific plant.
