Overview
Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene, also known as the Yellow-golden Eriosema, is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the region of Katanga.
Description
The Yellow-golden Eriosema is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 2 meters tall. This plant has a woody base and numerous stems that have leaves clustered at the apex. The leaves are trifoliate, where each leaflet is approximately 2-6 cm long and 1-4 cm wide. The flowers are yellow and clustered into racemes, measuring around 2-4 cm long. The fruit is a legume, approximately 3-6 cm long and 1-2 cm wide, and each fruit contains 3-10 seeds.
Common Names
The Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene is commonly known as the Yellow-golden Eriosema in English. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the plant is known as "Kanyemba" in the Bemba language and "Lubowa" in the Luba-Katanga language.
Uses
The Yellow-golden Eriosema is used in traditional medicine for various purposes. The root is used to treat stomach problems, diarrhea, and respiratory infections, while the leaves are used to treat snakebites. In addition, the plant is used for soil stabilization and as a green manure crop to improve the soil fertility of the areas where it grows.
Growth Conditions of Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene
Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene is a species of the Fabaceae family which grows in the savanna and forest regions of Africa. This plant species prefers a tropical to subtropical climate and can tolerate extreme temperatures. Given below are the growth conditions of Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene:
Light
The plant requires partial to full sunlight to grow well. Therefore, it should be grown in an area that receives sunlight for at least 3-4 hours a day, preferably in the morning or late afternoon with shade during the hottest part of the day. Lack of sunlight can lead to weak growth, elongated stems, and pale leaves.
Temperature
Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene prefers warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 12°C but not for an extended period. Freezing temperatures can cause permanent damage and even death. Therefore, it is prudent to protect the plant from cold temperatures and frost.
Soil and Water
The plant grows best in well-drained, fertile, and loamy soil with a balanced pH of 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plant requires frequent watering during the dry season to prevent drought stress. The plant should be watered when the upper 5cm of soil dries out. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.
Therefore, to ensure optimal growth and flowering of Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene, grow the plant under partial to full sunlight, warm temperatures, and in well-drained, fertile, and loamy soil with adequate organic matter. Water the plant frequently, but avoid overwatering.
Cultivation Methods:
Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. The plant needs well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate a pH range from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The ideal temperature for growth is 18°C to 25°C.
Watering Needs:
The plant requires a moderate amount of water, and the soil needs to dry out slightly between watering. The watering frequency can be reduced in winter, when the plant goes into a state of dormancy. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage the plant, so it is essential to maintain the right balance.
Fertilization:
The plant needs regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. A slow-release fertilizer can be added to the soil during the growing season, followed by monthly applications of liquid fertilizer. The fertilizer should be rich in potassium and phosphorus, which are essential for blooming.
Pruning:
Pruning helps to promote bushy growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. The plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Prune the plant to maintain the desired shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pinch the tips of young shoots to encourage branching.
Propagation of Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene
Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene is commonly propagated through seeds or cuttings. Both methods require proper handling and care to ensure successful propagation.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds should be collected from healthy and mature plants during their active growth period. The collection should be done early in the morning when the dew has dried off. The collected seeds should be processed by removing all the debris and non-seed materials. The seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready for planting.
Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water for up to 24 hours. This helps to soften the seed coat, which promotes faster germination. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2 to 3 cm in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination should occur between 4 to 6 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from healthy and mature plants during their active growth period. The cuttings should be taken from the stem tips measuring about 7 to 10 cm long. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. They should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a warm and humid environment.
It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should root within 4 to 6 weeks. Once they have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene is susceptible to a few diseases that can affect its growth and reduce its yield if left uncontrolled.
One of the common diseases that affect Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. is powdery mildew. This fungal disease is characterized by a white powdery substance that appears on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is advisable to use fungicides, especially during the early stages of the disease. The use of resistant seeds is also an effective way to avoid this disease.
Another disease that can affect this plant is root rot. This disease is caused by waterlogging or poor drainage. To manage this disease, it is recommended to plant the seedlings in well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, and remove and destroy affected plants to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Some pests can also attack Eriosema chrysadenium Taub. var. emarginatum Staner & De Craene. The pests can sometimes cause irreversible damage to the plant in a short time if left unmanaged.
Caterpillars are among the common pests that can attack this plant. They feed on the leaves, reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize. To manage this pest, the use of organic insecticides such as neem oil and pyrethrin can be effective. Handpicking the caterpillars can also be an option for small-scale growers.
Another pest that can affect this plant is the Aphids. They suck the sap from the leaves, which can distort the plant's growth. The use of insecticidal soaps or neem oil can help control aphids. Also, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs can be effective in controlling their population.
It is important to note that the best way to control pests and diseases is by keeping the plant healthy through proper irrigation, fertilization, and monitoring for any signs of pest and disease infestation.
