Description of Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum, also known as the Velvet bean or Legume, is a perennial plant native to southern Africa. The plant is a member of the family Fabaceae and is commonly found in Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Angola.
General Appearance
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum is a small to medium-sized shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters in height. The plant has a woody stem that branches out, and it bears leaves that are pinnate with an odd number of leaflets. The leaves are velvety on both sides, and the plant has showy flowers that are white or light blue in color.
The plant's fruit is a pod that is round or slightly curved, and it contains several seeds. The seeds are brown and hard, and they have a rough surface.
Common Names
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum goes by several common names, including Velvet bean, Legume, and Wild bean.
Uses
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum has a medicinal and nutritional value. The plant's roots and leaves are used for medicinal purposes by some indigenous groups. The Velvet bean has the potential to improve soil fertility due to its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil. The plant's seed is used as a food source in some parts of Africa and Asia, among others.
Overall, Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum is an important plant with great potential for improving soil quality and providing food and medicine to various communities in Africa and beyond.
Light Requirements
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum requires full sunlight exposure for optimum growth and development. In its natural habitat, the plant thrives under the full sun as it helps in the production of essential metabolites needed for plant growth. Therefore, it is recommended that the plant should be grown in an open field, clearings, or areas with little or no shade to ensure maximum yield.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum grows well under different temperature regimes. It is a hardy plant, thus can tolerate extremes of temperatures to some extent. However, the optimal temperature for its growth and development ranges from 20 to 30 °C. Temperatures above this range can cause heat stress, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and reduced harvest yield. On the other hand, temperatures below this range can cause cold stress, leading to reduced metabolic activity in the plant.
Soil Requirements
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, with good water retention capacity. The ideal soil type for the plant is sandy loam, loamy, or clay loam soils. The plant is susceptible to waterlogging, thus should be grown in soils with good drainage. Additionally, the soil should be free from weed growth as weeds compete for nutrients and resources, which can affect the growth and productivity of the plant.
Cultivation
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum (Welw. ex Baker f.) Hauman grows well in well-drained sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant requires a good amount of sunlight and can be grown in either full or partial sunlight.
The plant can be grown through seeding, which is done in early spring or by transplanting the seedlings in late spring. Seeds should be soaked in lukewarm water for about 24 hours before planting. The ideal temperature for germination is between 18-25 degrees Celsius.
During the initial stages of growth, the plant requires a lot of water. However, it is important to avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot. The plant is also susceptible to damage from frost, so it is important to protect it during the colder months.
Watering needs
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum (Welw. ex Baker f.) Hauman requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during the first few months. It is important to maintain the soil moisture level without overwatering. The plant should be watered at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can result in fungal diseases.
In the winter season, watering should be reduced to prevent the soil from becoming too wet, which can lead to root rot. It is important to check the soil moisture level regularly and adjust the watering frequency as needed.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to ensure good growth and development. Fertilizer can be applied during the growing season, every two to three weeks. A balanced fertilizer with a higher concentration of phosphorus and potassium is ideal for this plant.
Fertilizers should be applied at the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the foliage. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the application and dosage of the fertilizer.
Pruning
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum (Welw. ex Baker f.) Hauman requires minimal pruning. Pruning can be done to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. It is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Pruning can also be done to maintain the shape and size of the plant. It is recommended to prune in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. It is important to avoid over-pruning as it may affect the plant's growth and overall health.
Propagation of Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum (Welw. ex Baker f.) Hauman
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum (Welw. ex Baker f.) Hauman can be propagated by using both sexual and asexual methods. The plant can grow from seeds or through vegetative means.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum (Welw. ex Baker f.) Hauman are viable and can be used for propagation. The seeds should be collected from healthy and mature plants during the dry season when they are fully ripe and have turned brown. The seeds must be handled carefully to prevent damage and loss of viability.
The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared seedbed in a mixture of sand and loam or in a pot with a good potting mix. The sowing should be done at a depth of 1-2 cm, and the soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have developed a few true leaves.
Vegitative propagation
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum (Welw. ex Baker f.) Hauman can also be propagated through vegetative means. This method is preferred when there is a need to produce uniform plants or when the seeds are not available or viable.
The plant can be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings, root cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are preferred and should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should be taken from the middle of the stem. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance rooting.
The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium such as sand, perlite or vermiculite, and should be kept moist and in a warm environment. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks, and the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have developed roots and new growth.
Disease Management
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum is a relatively hardy plant with few reported diseases. However, certain pathogens like root rot and powdery mildew can still cause damage to the plant. Below is a brief description of these diseases and methods of managing them:
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of plants. It can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or the presence of fungal spores in the soil. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing of the leaves, and stunted growth. To avoid root rot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering. In case of an infection, remove infected plants and avoid planting new ones in the same area.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of plants. It is caused by a combination of factors such as high humidity, poor air circulation, and warm temperatures. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts and ensure that the plant is grown in well-ventilated areas. You can also use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Eriosema burkei Benth. var. leucanthum is also relatively resistant to pests. The most common pests that might attack the plant are mealybugs and spider mites. Below are descriptions of these pests and methods of managing them:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck on plant sap, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. They leave behind a white, powdery substance on the plant. To manage mealybugs, wipe the infested areas with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You can also use insecticidal soap to control the pests.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are microscopic pests that thrive in hot, dry conditions. They cause yellowing of the leaves and a stippled appearance on the surface of the leaves. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. You can also use insecticidal soap to control the pests.
