Entada pursaetha DC. - Description, Origin, and Common Names
Entada pursaetha DC. is commonly known as the sword bean, sea heart, or monkey ladder. It is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae or legume family. The plant is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia, and it has become naturalized in several parts of Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. In some cultures, the pods of the plant are considered sacred and believed to bring good luck.
General Appearance of Entada pursaetha DC.
As a perennial woody vine, the Entada pursaetha DC. can grow up to 30 meters long, and the stem can reach a diameter of 20 centimeters. The plant has large, oval or heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 50 centimeters in length. The flowers of the plant are small and yellow or greenish-white in color, and they grow in clusters.
The fruit of Entada pursaetha DC. is a large and flat pod, which can grow up to 1.5 meters long, 10 centimeters wide and 2 centimeters thick. The pods are initially green but turn brown when mature. When dry, the pods split open to reveal large, flat seeds that are about 5 centimeters in length and 3 centimeters in width. The seeds are dark brown or black and have a hard, smooth surface.
Uses of Entada pursaetha DC.
Entada pursaetha DC. has several uses in traditional medicine and ritual practices. In Africa, some parts of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, and sore throats. In some cultures, the seeds are believed to have magical properties and are used as protective amulets. The large, flat pods of the plant are also sometimes used for decorations or as containers.
Additionally, the seeds of Entada pursaetha DC. have been used for various purposes, including making jewelry, musical instruments, and carved objects. The seeds are also used in some Caribbean and African cultures as a form of currency, and they are sometimes called sea beans or lucky beans.
Overall, Entada pursaetha DC. is a unique and versatile plant with several cultural and practical uses. Its large seeds and pods, as well as its attractive appearance, have made it a popular subject of curiosity and fascination among people worldwide.
Growth Conditions for Entada Pursaetha DC.
Entada pursaetha DC. is a tropical and subtropical plant species that is native to various continents, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. It is a climbing vine that grows on a wide range of substrates, including sandy beaches, rocky hillsides, and moist forests. The following are some crucial growth conditions that support the growth and development of Entada pursaetha DC:
Light Requirements
The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight or filtered light. It usually grows under partial shade canopies or near forest edges where it receives indirect light. The plant can tolerate full sunlight, but it needs to be gradually exposed to it over time. The leaves of Entada pursaetha DC. are susceptible to sunburn, which causes them to brown and fall off the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Entada pursaetha DC. is between 25°C and 35°C. The plant cannot tolerate cold temperatures below 15°C, which can cause damage to its leaves and stem. The plant is susceptible to frost and should not be grown in areas where temperatures drop below freezing. High humidity is essential for the proper growth and development of Entada pursaetha DC.
Soil Requirements
Entada pursaetha DC. grows well in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant prefers well-draining soils that do not hold water for an extended period. Adequate soil moisture is essential for the growth and development of Entada pursaetha DC. However, the plant is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soils.
Cultivation methods
Entada pursaetha DC. is a perennial plant that prefers warm climates. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If starting from seeds, soak them in water overnight before planting them in well-drained soil. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy plants. The plant should be grown in full sunlight and protected from strong winds. It may require staking to support its long, vine-like branches.
Watering needs
Entada pursaetha DC. prefers sandy soil that does not hold water. It needs to be watered regularly, but not excessively. The soil should be allowed to dry between watering to avoid root rot. During periods of drought, the plant may need more frequent watering.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, Entada pursaetha DC. should be fertilized regularly. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two to four weeks during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be used.
Pruning
Entada pursaetha DC. can grow quite large and may require regular pruning to maintain its shape. The plant can be pruned during the dormant season to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. It can also be pruned to control its size and shape. The pruning should be done using sharp and sterilized tools. It is recommended to remove no more than one-third of the plant at any given time.
Propagation of Entada pursaetha DC.
Entada pursaetha DC., also known as the Indian beech, is a woody climber commonly found in India and other southeast Asian countries. The plant is admired for its unique seed pods, which are used for decoration and have significant medicinal properties. To propagate the plant, there are two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most common way of propagating Entada pursaetha DC. is through seeds. The seeds are large and hard, making it easy to handle and store, hence its wide usage. The seeds can be collected from a matured pod and stored in dry conditions until the next planting season.
Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in warm water overnight to increase germination rates. The optimal time for sowing is during the spring and summer seasons, when the temperature is warm enough for germination and growth.
The planting site should be well-drained with moderate sunlight exposure, and the soil should be fertile, rich in nutrients, and have a pH level between 6 and 7.5. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm and spaced at least 15 cm apart. Mulching after planting can help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth.
It takes about 3-4 weeks for the seeds to germinate, and after 6-8 weeks, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or the field.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another way of propagating Entada pursaetha DC. This method involves taking cuttings from a healthy and mature plant and rooting them to form new plants. The process is mostly used for cultivars and commercial purposes, as it produces plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Take cuttings of about 10-15 cm with a few leaves and dip them in rooting hormone powder to enhance rooting success rates. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only two or three leaves at the top. The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium of coarse sand and peat moss and kept in a warm and humid environment until they develop roots, which takes about 2-3 weeks. The rooted cuttings can then be transplanted into individual pots or the field.
Vegetative propagation is a bit more challenging than seed propagation, but it is advantageous because it produces plants that maintain the desirable characteristics of their parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Entada pursaetha DC.
Entada pursaetha DC. is a tropical climbing plant that is used for various medicinal and economic purposes. Like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can reduce its productivity and cause damage. However, with proper management techniques, it is possible to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
Leaf spot, root rot, and stem canker are some of the most common diseases that affect Entada pursaetha DC. Leaf spot is a fungal infection that causes brown spots on the leaves. Root rot is caused by waterlogging and results in the rotting of roots. This can lead to plant death. Stem canker is a fungal disease that causes the wilting of stems and death of the plants.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Entada pursaetha DC. are stem borers and mealybugs. Stem borers damage the plant by tunneling into the stem, leading to wilting and death. Mealybugs cause damage by sucking the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
Disease Management
To control leaf spot, you can prune the affected parts of the plant and apply copper-based fungicides. Root rot can be prevented by facilitating good drainage and avoiding waterlogging. To manage stem canker, it is essential to remove the affected parts of the plant and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
To manage stem borers, it is recommended to apply insecticides that contain carbaryl or fipronil. For mealybugs, you can prune affected parts of the plant and spray with insecticidal soap.
Overall, Entada pursaetha DC. can be managed effectively with appropriate applications of chemicals and good agricultural practices.
