Overview
Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby, commonly known as the "monkey ladder vine" or "sea bean," is a climbing plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is known for having the longest seed pod of any plant in the world.Origin
Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby is native to tropical regions of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean islands. The plant has since been introduced to parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific islands.Common Names
The plant is known by different names in different parts of the world. In addition to "monkey ladder vine" and "sea bean," common names for Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby include "giant black bean," "elephant creeper," and "jitong" in some Asian countries.Appearance
Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby typically grows as a woody vine that can climb up to 100 feet (30 meters) or more. The plant's leaves are pinnate, with each leaf consisting of several leaflets. The flowers are small, yellow or greenish-white, and grouped in cylindrical spikes. However, the most distinctive feature of the plant is its enormous seed pod. The pod can be as long as 6 feet (2 meters) and up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide. The pod is thick, hard, and covered in a woody shell. It contains 20 to 30 flat, circular seeds that are about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.Uses
The seeds of Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby have been used for various purposes across different cultures. In Africa and Asia, the seeds have been used as medicine to treat various ailments, including headaches, arthritis, and asthma. In South America and the Caribbean, the seeds have been used as amulets, good-luck charms, and musical instruments. The seeds are often strung together to create necklaces or bracelets, and are believed to bring good fortune and protection to the wearer. In addition, the seeds of Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby are sometimes used in jewelry making and as decorative items. The plant is also ecologically important as it provides shelter and food for a variety of animals, including monkeys and birds.Light Conditions
The plant Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby requires abundant sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in areas with full sun exposure, without much shade. The plant requires an average of six to eight hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby plant is native to the tropics and requires warm temperatures to grow successfully. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C and 30°C (68-86°F). However, the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 40°C (104°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby grows best in well-drained, acidic to neutral soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant prefers fertile soils with high organic matter and good drainage. It can tolerate moderately saline soils but not waterlogged or poorly drained soils.
Cultivation methods
Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby or Matchbox Bean is a tropical plant species that requires warm temperatures to grow. The plant can be grown in both pots and ground. If planting in a pot, use well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.0. The plant requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Add a layer of mulch around the plant to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.Watering needs
Proper watering is crucial for the growth and development of Entada polystachya. Water the plant deeply, but not too often - once a week is sufficient for most growing conditions. Always check the moisture level of the soil before watering. Water the plant more frequently during hot, dry conditions, and cut back on watering during cooler periods. Make sure the plant is not sitting in standing water to prevent root rot.Fertilization
Entada polystachya requires fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Use a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 ratio. Apply the fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this may lead to the plant becoming stressed and susceptible to disease.Pruning
Proper pruning of Entada polystachya is essential to ensure the plant maintains its shape and structure. Prune any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease. Trim the plant lightly during the growing season to encourage new growth. Avoid pruning the plant during the dormant season to prevent damage to the plant. Also, prune away any weak or damaged shoots during the growing season to promote strong, healthy growth.Propagation of Entada polystachya var. polyphylla
Entada polystachya var. polyphylla is a beautiful tropical plant that can grow up to 25 meters in height. It is commonly known as Monkey Ladder due to its large woody pods that can reach up to 4 meters in length. Propagating this plant can be a bit challenging, but the following methods have been successful.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method used for Entada polystachya var. polyphylla. The seeds are usually gathered from pods that have fallen off the plant naturally. After cleaning the seeds, they should be soaked overnight in warm water before planting in well-draining, rich soil. The seedlings need to be kept in a warm, moist environment with plenty of indirect light, and should be transplanted to larger containers as they grow.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also possible, but it is a less reliable method. The cuttings should be taken from young stems that are between 15 and 30cm long, and they should be planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment with plenty of indirect light, and they should be misted regularly. It may take a while for the cuttings to take root, but they can be transplanted to larger containers once they start showing new growth.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is a simple method that involves bending a flexible stem to the ground and burying it slightly, leaving the top part exposed. Roots will grow from the buried part of the stem, and a new plant will begin to grow. The new plant should be allowed to grow for a year or two before it is cut away from the parent plant.
Disease and pest management for Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby
Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby can experience problems with several pests and diseases, which can adversely affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common issues faced, along with potential pest and disease management measures:
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites can cause damage to Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby by sucking plant sap, which can cause yellowing of the leaves. It is advisable to use a miticide to reduce the number of mites. Other interventions include adequate irrigation, introducing predator insects such as predatory mites or ladybugs and removing infested leaves.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies suck on sap from the leaves of plants, leading to a decrease in plant vigour and flowering. To combat whiteflies, it is recommended to use insecticides, as well as practising good hygiene by removing any infestations and applying sticky traps to attract whiteflies. Also, it is advisable to plant companion plants with the Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby, such as garlic and onions, since some companion plants can repel whiteflies.
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby can experience fungal diseases such as leaf spot and blight, which are characterized by yellowing leaves and dark, wet spots on leaves. It is recommended to improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant to prevent the development of fungal diseases. Applying protective fungicides, crop rotation, and cleaning pruning tools with rubbing alcohol before and after use can also be effective ways to combat fungal diseases.
Bacterial wilt: Bacterial wilt is a disease that can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves in Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby plants. It is caused by soil-borne bacteria, which infect the vascular system of the plant. In the absence of a cure, infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the remaining plants treated with protective fungicides.
Implementing a robust pest and disease management plan is crucial for the optimal health and productivity of Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polyphylla (Benth.) Barneby. Observation and early detection are key in effectively addressing pests and diseases, ensuring that the plant is healthy and productive.
