Overview
Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii, also known as the Buchanan's Eriosema, is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a flowering perennial that is native to southern and eastern Africa, including countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.
General Appearance
The Buchanan's Eriosema is a bushy plant that can grow up to 1.2 meters tall. It has compound leaves with a length of 5-10 cm and a width of 2-5 cm. The leaves are dark green in color and have a smooth texture. The plant has slender stems that are covered in fine hairs. The flowers are typically red, orange, or yellow and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The pod-like fruits are green in color and split open when mature to release the seeds.
Common Names
The Buchanan's Eriosema is commonly known by several names, including:
- Buchanan's Eriosema
- Wild Bean
- Red-hot pokers
- Ikimari
Uses
The Buchanan's Eriosema has several traditional uses. In some cultures, the roots of the plant are used to treat fever, chest pains, and stomach problems. The leaves are believed to have wound-healing properties and are applied topically to treat burns, cuts, and sores. The plant is also used to make a yellow dye for textiles.
Light Conditions
Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii requires full sunlight exposure for its growth and development.
Temperature
This plant species grows best in temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C. The minimum temperature required for this plant’s growth is around 16°C, and it cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C. In colder regions, it is recommended to grow this plant in a greenhouse to maintain optimal temperature conditions.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii should be well-draining, acidic, and rich in organic matter. The ideal pH of the soil should be between 4.5 and 6.0. It can grow well in sandy loam soils with a fair amount of fertility.
The plant prefers to grow in areas with high rainfall and does not tolerate drought well. It grows well in wetlands and other areas with consistent moisture levels.
Cultivation methods
Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii grows well in well-drained soils with good organic matter. The plant also requires full sunlight to thrive. It is best to prepare the planting hole by adding compost or manure and then mixing with the soil. Sow the seeds of the plant directly in the garden or in containers after the last frost of the year. Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii has a germination rate of 60-80%, and the seeds germinate within 10-20 days.
Watering needs
Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during the dry season. Avoid watering the plant during the rainy season as the high levels of moisture may cause root rot. Ensure that the planting site has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii requires regular fertilization to enhance its growth and productivity. Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and then once every two months during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer that will release nutrients over a prolonged period.
Pruning
Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii does not require extensive pruning. However, it is advisable to prune the plant regularly to stimulate growth and to remove dead or diseased parts. Prune the plant during the dormant season to avoid damaging the newly sprouting leaves and flowers. To prune, use clean, sharp shears and cut back where necessary.
Propagation of Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii
Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated from seeds but it is not always reliable, as the germination rate can be quite low. However, if collecting seeds from the plant, it is best to collect them when they are mature and dry, as the plant can be prone to insect and fungal attacks.
The collected seeds should then be sown in a mixture of compost and sand in equal proportions, placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight, and watered regularly. The seeds should start to germinate in about three weeks. Once the plants reach a height of about 7-10 cm, they should be transplanted to individual pots or containers.
Cuttings Propagation
Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii can also be propagated using cuttings. Most experts recommend that the cuttings should be taken in the early spring before the plant starts to produce any new growth.
The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long, and they should be obtained from the new shoots that have not matured yet. Dip the cuttings into hormone rooting powder, and plant them in a mixture of compost and sand in equal proportions. Water the cuttings regularly and keep them in a warm and moist place, but not in direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the cuttings should have formed roots and the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or containers.
With proper care and attention, both seed and cutting propagation can result in healthy and productive plants with beautiful blooming flowers.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii
Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause damage to the plant and reduce its productivity. Managing these diseases and pests is important to ensure optimum growth and yield of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. The affected parts have circular spots that later turn brown and may dry up. To manage anthracnose, remove the affected parts and destroy them. Use fungicides as necessary to prevent further infection.
2. Root rot: Eriosema buchananii is prone to root rot, which is a fungal disease that affects the roots and causes them to rot. Symptoms of root rot include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained, avoid overwatering the plant, and use fungicides as necessary.
3. Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. Symptoms include the presence of a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and use fungicides as necessary.
Pests
1. Leafhoppers: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. To manage leafhoppers, use insecticides or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
2. Spider mites: These are tiny pests that spin webs on the leaves and suck sap from the plant, causing it to wilt. To manage spider mites, remove the affected parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and use insecticides as necessary. Alternatively, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
3. Stem borers: These are insects that feed on the stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and die. To manage stem borers, remove and destroy affected stem parts, use insecticides, and monitor the plants regularly for signs of infestation.
Managing diseases and pests in Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. buchananii is important for the plant's health and productivity. Using a combination of preventive measures and appropriate treatments, growers can prevent significant damage to the plant and ensure good yields.
