Origin
Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz, also known as Eriosema kraussianum, belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to southern Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Common Names
Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz is commonly referred to as the Krauss’ wild kidney bean or the narrow-leaved eriosema.
Uses
The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The roots are boiled to make a tea that has been used to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma. The crushed leaves have been applied topically to treat skin conditions and sores. Additionally, the plant is used to improve soil quality due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
General Appearance
Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has narrow leaves that are oblong in shape and grow to a length of about 2-7 cm. The flowers are usually red, pink, or purple and are arranged in clusters on the stems. The fruits of the plant are long and narrow, containing up to 8 seeds.
Light requirements
Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz requires full to partial sunlight to grow into a healthy plant. It thrives under bright light conditions and can tolerate some shade.
Temperature requirements
The plant grows well in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 18°C to 35°C. It is not frost-tolerant and requires a frost-free environment. During the winter season, protecting the plant from cold winds and sudden temperature drops is essential.
Soil requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH between 6.0 – 7.5). It grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter and can hold moisture well. The ideal soil texture for this plant is sandy loam. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. If the soil becomes too dry, it can cause stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of the leaves.
Cultivation Methods
Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz is a plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is best grown in an area that provides ample shade and protection from direct sunlight. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. It is recommended to plant Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz during the rainy season, which helps it establish faster.
Propagation of Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz can be achieved by seeds or cuttings; however, seeds are known to have a higher germination rate. The seeds should be sown in a small pot that is filled with a mixture of soil and perlite. Water the soil immediately after planting, and maintain the soil moisture until the seedlings emerge.
Watering Needs
Keeping Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz well-hydrated is crucial to maintain its growth and lushness. The plant requires consistent watering during the growing season, with a weekly watering schedule being ideal.
The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can cause root rot. It is essential to allow the top layer of the soil to dry before watering again, which prevents overwatering.
Fertilization
Applying a balanced fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season can help promote the growth of Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz. The fertilizer should be evenly distributed around the plant, avoiding contact with the stems and leaves. It is advisable to apply the fertilizer during a period when there is plenty of moisture in the soil.
In addition to the balanced fertilizer, the plant responds well to organic fertilizers. It is advised to use compost, as it enriches the soil with nutrients and increases beneficial microbial activity.
Pruning
Pruning of Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz should be carried out to remove dead, diseased, or damaged parts of the plant. It is also a good practice to remove any overcrowded or crossing branches that can cause rubbing and damage to the plant. The best time for pruning is during the dormant period, which is typically during the dry season.
To avoid over-pruning, it is best to limit pruning to a maximum of one-third of the plant in a single season. This helps to prevent the plant from becoming too stressed and allows it to recover quickly.
Propagation Methods for Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz
Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz, commonly known as the Natal Slim-leaved Eriosema, is a beautiful and rare plant species native to South Africa. As demand for this plant increases, growers are more interested in propagating it to meet the market's needs. Fortunately, there are various methods that growers can use to propagate Natal Slim-leaved Eriosema.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest method of growing Natal Slim-leaved Eriosema. It involves sowing the seeds directly on the substrate, preferably sandy soil mixed with compost, and placing the container in a warm, well-lit area. The seeds will germinate within two weeks, and the plant will mature within a year. With this method, growers can produce numerous plants in a short period.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Another way to propagate Natal Slim-leaved Eriosema is through stem cuttings. This method involves cutting a healthy stem from the parent plant and planting it directly on the substrate. The cutting should have at least two nodes and no less than four leaves. After planting, cover the cutting with a plastic bag to maintain moisture and place it in a cool, shaded area. Within a month, the stem cutting will grow roots, and, in three months, it will develop into a mature plant.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation is an advanced method that requires technical skill. To do air layering propagation, first look for a healthy stem, remove the bark from the middle section, and pack moist sphagnum moss around the exposed area. Then, wrap plastic around the moss to keep it in place, and secure the ends with tape. Wait until roots start forming in the moss, and, once they are visible, cut below the area and plant the air layering plant in a planter. It usually takes around twelve months to create a mature plant using this method.
Growers can use any of the above-described methods to propagate Natal Slim-leaved Eriosema, depending on their preferences and technical abilities. However, it is essential to maintain environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and proper nutrition as they play a critical role in the successful development of the plant.
Disease management
Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz is generally considered to be a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, there are some diseases that can affect the plant.
One of the most common diseases that can affect E. angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz is root rot. This disease is caused by various fungi and can cause the roots of the plant to rot, leading to wilting and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is important to plant the seedlings in well-drained soils and avoid overwatering the plants. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Leaf spot is another disease that can affect E. angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz. This disease is caused by various fungi and can cause the leaves of the plant to become spotted and eventually die. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove any infected leaves from the plant and improve air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity levels. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Another disease that can affect E. angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by various fungi and can cause a powdery white coating to appear on the surface of the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to avoid overcrowding the plants and improve air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity levels. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pest management
Although Eriosema angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz is generally considered to be a hardy and pest-resistant plant, there are some pests that may attack the plant.
One of the most common pests that can affect E. angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz is aphids. These small insects can suck the sap from the plant causing it to wilt and also transmit viruses. To manage aphids, it is important to wash the plant with water to remove the insects or use insecticidal soap to control their population.
Another pest that can affect E. angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz is spider mites. These pests can cause the leaves to appear stippled or bronze. To manage spider mites, the plants can be washed with water or sprayed with insecticidal soap. Horticultural oil can also be used to suffocate the insects.
Caterpillars are another pest that might damage E. angustifolium Burtt Davy x E. ellipticifolium Schinz. These pests can cause damage to the leaves by eating them. To manage caterpillars, it is important to remove them by handpicking or using insecticides.
