Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild.
Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. is a member of the family Fabaceae, which is native to various parts of tropical Africa, including Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria. It is commonly known as African dream herb, sea bean, mubuyu, ucuuba, or monkey ladder due to its unique seed pods that resemble large strings of beads or ladders.
The plant is a large woody climber that can grow up to 30 meters in height, with slender branches that are covered in brown bark and small, lighter-colored lenticels. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 4-6 pairs of leaflets that are ovate-lanceolate in shape and have an acuminate apex. The inflorescence is terminal and consists of numerous small, white to yellowish flowers that are arranged in axillary or terminal racemes. The fruit is a large, flat, woody pod that is up to 2 meters in length and contains numerous large seeds that are circular in shape and have a diameter of up to 10 centimeters.
Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. has traditionally been used for a variety of purposes across Africa. The seeds are considered to have spiritual significance in many African cultures and are used in various rituals. The dried seeds have also been used as a percussion instrument in traditional African music. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including asthma, leprosy, and fever, and the bark is used for tanning leather.
Light Requirements
Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. prefers bright indirect or filtered light. The plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burn and limit growth. It is recommended to place the plant near a north- or east-facing window to achieve optimal lighting conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. is between 18-26°C (64-79°F). The plant cannot tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature and should be kept away from cold drafts or hot temperatures. Additionally, the plant prefers a humid environment to prevent leaf drying and curling.
Soil Requirements
Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. thrives in moist and well-draining soil. The plant's soil should be a combination of peat moss, perlite, and sand. It is also recommended to add organic fertilizers to the soil to provide necessary nutrients. The pH level of the soil should range from slightly acidic to neutral.
Cultivation Methods
Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to thrive. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground if you live in a tropical or subtropical region. When planting, use well-draining soil with organic matter to allow for proper drainage. The plant requires full sun exposure and regular pruning to promote healthy and robust growth.
Watering Needs
Watering Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. should be done consistently but not excessively. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but do not let it become waterlogged. The plant is tolerant to drought and can survive without water for a short period, but long periods without water can lead to damage or stunt its growth.
Fertilization
Feeding Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. with the right fertilizers can help it grow healthy and strong. Fertilizers that are high in nitrogen are particularly beneficial to the plant. Since this plant is fast-growing, it should be fertilized every three months or so with a balanced blend of nutrients. Organic mulches, such as compost or manure, can also be added to improve soil quality and provide essential nutrients.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to keep Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. in shape and healthy. The plant should be pruned during the growing season to remove damaged or dead leaves, branches, and stems. This will promote healthier new growth and help maintain the plant's shape. Additionally, pruning can be done to control the size of the plant, as it can become quite large if left untrimmed.
Propagation of Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild.
Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild., commonly known as "giant African bean," is a woody vine that belongs to the legume family. It is native to tropical Africa and grows up to 30 meters tall.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation for Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. is through seeds. The seeds are large, flat, and have a hard outer coating that can be scarified to enhance germination. To scarify the seeds, they can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours or nicked with a sharp blade, being careful not to damage the embryo.
After scarification, the seeds can be planted directly into well-drained soil, or in containers filled with a mixture of compost and sand. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, watered, and kept in a warm and humid place with indirect sunlight. Germination can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem, preferably one that has not yet flowered, and cut a 15-20 centimeter section with a sharp knife. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
Insert the cutting into a pot filled with well-drained soil and water thoroughly. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and place it in a shaded area. Roots should start to develop in 3 to 4 weeks, and once they are well-established, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. is typically resistant to most common diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from bacterial and fungal infections. These infections often manifest as leaf spots, stem rot, and fruit rot. Prevention is the key to managing these diseases, and this can be achieved through proper sanitation and hygiene measures. Gardeners should keep the garden and surroundings clean and avoid overcrowding the plants. Additionally, infected plants should be removed and destroyed promptly to prevent the spread of the disease.
If bacterial or fungal infections are suspected or detected early, they can be treated with fungicides and bactericides. However, it's essential to ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the plant or causing harm to the environment.
Pest Management
Similarly, Entada scandens (L.) Benth. subsp. umbonata De Wild. is also resistant to most common pests. However, it may sometimes face problems with worms and caterpillars, which feed on the leaves and damage the plant. These can be treated using organic pesticides that are safe for the plant and the environment. Additionally, gardeners can manually remove the pests by handpicking them off the plant or using a strong stream of water to knock them off.
Another common pest that may affect Entada scandens is mealybugs and spider mites. These pests cause visible damage to the plant by forming colonies on the leaves and sucking out the sap. They can be treated using insecticides and acaricides specifically designed to control these pests. However, it's advisable to consult a professional or follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these chemicals to avoid damaging the plant and environment.
Prevention is always better than cure, and gardeners can prevent pest infestations by maintaining good garden practices such as removing dead and diseased plant parts and providing adequate nutrition to the plants.
