Origin
Entada planoseminata (De Wild.) G.C.C.Gilbert & Boutique is a plant species native to various countries in Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Tanzania.
Common Names
Entada planoseminata is commonly known as the African dream herb, African dream root, Entada rheedii, and snuff box sea bean.
General Appearance
Entada planoseminata is a large perennial climber plant that can grow up to 30 meters in length. It has a woody stem and is equipped with tendrils that allow it to climb and spread around other vegetation. The leaves are simple, alternate, and usually oblong-shaped. The plant bears small greenish-white flowers that later develop into long, slender, ribbed, and black seed pods, which contain several seeds.
Uses
Among the indigenous people in Africa, Entada planoseminata holds a significant place in traditional medicine, spirituality, and cultural practices. The plant's roots and seeds have been used to induce vivid dreams, enhance psychic abilities, and communicate with the spiritual realm. It has also been used to create a purifying snuff that is believed to cleanse the nasal passages and enhance the senses. In addition, the plant's wood is durable and can be utilized for construction, making tool handles, and crafting small furniture pieces.
Light Requirements
Entada planoseminata is a plant species that requires full sunlight exposure to grow and develop optimally. It is recommended to place the plant in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Lack of sunlight can lead to stunted growth and decrease in the plant's overall health.
Temperature Requirements
Entada planoseminata is a tropical plant species that thrives in warm and humid environments. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The plant can tolerate slightly lower temperatures but cannot withstand frost or extremely cold temperatures, leading to the plant's death
Soil Requirements
The plant Entada planoseminata requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soils to thrive. It prefers sandy, loam, or clay soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil must be moist but not waterlogged, as excessive water can cause root rot, damaging the plant's growth and development. The plant also prefers soils with high organic matter content and can benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced nutrient solution.
Cultivation of Entada planoseminata
Entada planoseminata is a flowering plant that can be grown both indoor and outdoor. It requires a warm and humid climate with a temperature range of 20-30 degrees Celsius.
Watering Needs
Watering requirements for Entada planoseminata vary depending on the season. During the hot and dry season, this plant requires frequent watering to keep the soil moist. In contrast, during the rainy season, watering can be reduced to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for healthy growth and development of Entada planoseminata. It is recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every month during the growing season. Diluted organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion or worm castings are great options for feeding this plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of Entada planoseminata. It is recommended to prune the plant during the early spring season before the new growth appears. Focus on removing dead, damaged, and diseased branches. Additionally, prune the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Entada planoseminata
Entada planoseminata is a flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is a popular plant in traditional medicine and is also used in various industries like rope-making, dyeing, and food.
Seed propagation
The most common method used to propagate Entada planoseminata is through seeds. The plant produces large woody pods that contain several seeds. To propagate the plant using seeds, the pods are collected when they are mature and allowed to dry. Mature dried pods split open, revealing the seeds.
After collecting the seeds, they should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat. Soaking helps to increase the germination rate of the seeds. The seeds are then planted directly into the soil.
It is important to note that Entada planoseminata has a taproot, and, as such, it is advisable to plant the seedlings in their final location, as transplanting may cause damage to the roots.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation can also be used to propagate Entada planoseminata. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant's stem and rooting them to form new plants.
Before cuttings are taken, the parent plant should be pruned, leaving at least three to four nodes on the stem. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining rooting medium such as a mixture of sand and peat moss.
It's necessary to maintain high humidity levels around the cuttings by covering them with a plastic bag until the roots have formed. Once the roots are well established, the young plants can be transplanted to a growing location.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is an alternative vegetative propagation method that can be used for Entada planoseminata. This technique involves making a cut on one of the plant's branches, applying rooting hormone to the wound, and wrapping moist sphagnum moss around the area.
The moss is then covered with plastic to maintain high humidity levels, which encourages root formation. Once the roots have developed, the branch is cut, and the new plant is transplanted into a growing location.
Propagation of Entada planoseminata can be a bit challenging, but with the right techniques, one can successfully grow new plants from seeds or vegetative parts.
Disease and Pest Management for Entada planoseminata
Entada planoseminata is a plant species that grows in tropical and subtropical regions in Africa. It is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still face some problems. Here are the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
The following are some of the common diseases that may affect Entada planoseminata:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects leaves, shoots, and flowers. Infected parts of the plant start developing brown or black spots, which can rot and cause leaves to fall off prematurely. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts, and dispose of them properly. Apply a fungicide to the remaining healthy parts of the plant and improve air circulation to reduce humidity.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Entada planoseminata, causing brown or black spots that spread and cause the leaves to drop. To manage leaf spot, remove and dispose of infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Use a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions and improve air circulation.
Common Pests
Entada planoseminata is relatively pest-resistant, but it can still attract some pests. Here are some of the common pests and how to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant and cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, use a miticide or insecticidal soap according to the instructions on the label. Increase humidity around the plant and wash the leaves with water frequently to discourage spider mites.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of Entada planoseminata, causing them to become discolored and deformed. To manage thrips, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the label instructions. Keep the area around the plant free of debris and weeds, as these can harbor thrips.
By being proactive and implementing effective pest and disease management strategies, you can ensure that your Entada planoseminata stays healthy and free from pests and diseases.
