Origin:
Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. is a plant hybrid that results from the cross-pollination of E. cordatum and E. squarrosum. E. cordatum is native to southern Africa, while E. squarrosum is native to tropical East Africa. Therefore, the hybrid species can be found in both regions.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly referred to as Hartebesshoorn and in African countries such as Kenya, it is known as Mutoha or Muratina.
Uses:
Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. has various uses, both medicinal and non-medicinal. The root of the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, flu, chest pains, and snakebites. The plant is also believed to possess aphrodisiac properties. Additionally, the plant can be used for soil conservation as it contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria that enhance soil fertility and prevent soil erosion.
General Appearance:
Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height. The plant has a multiple stem that forms a dense clump as it grows. The leaves are ovate, with a heart shape and can grow up to 7 cm long and 5 cm wide. The flowers are small and pink to purple in color. The fruit of the plant is a cylindrical legume that has a length of up to 5 cm.
Light Requirements
Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. thrives in areas with a lot of sunshine. This plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow strong and healthy. As a result, it is suitable to be planted in an open area where it can receive enough sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. is between 21-30 degrees Celsius. This plant is sensitive to extremely cold temperatures and cannot withstand frost. Therefore, it is best to cultivate it in regions with a tropical climate with stable temperatures. In colder regions, it can be grown in a greenhouse to provide the necessary warmth.
Soil Requirements
Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. prefers well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. This plant can grow in a variety of soils, including loamy, sandy or clay soils. However, the soil must be rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support its growth. Adding organic matter to the soil is also beneficial as it improves soil drainage and nutrient retention.
Cultivation methods for Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp.
Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. is a perennial plant that grows in warm climates. The plant prefers well-draining soil and a location that receives full sunlight.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. For seeds, they should be sowed in the springtime. Cuttings can be propagated at any time of the year.
Planting should be done with care to prevent damage to the roots. Once planted, the root ball should be moistened, and the plant should be regularly watered until it is established.
Watering needs for Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp.
Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. needs regular watering, but care should be taken to avoid overwatering. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
The frequency of watering should be adjusted according to the season. During the summer months, more frequent watering may be required, while in the winter, the plant can be watered less often.
Fertilization for Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp.
Fertilization should be done during the growing season to support healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer is recommended, and it should be applied according to the instructions on the package.
Overfertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive growth and a decrease in flowering. Care should also be taken not to apply fertilizer directly to the leaves or stem of the plant as it can burn or damage them.
Pruning for Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp.
Pruning is essential for maintaining the health of Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. The plant should be pruned in the springtime before new growth begins.
Pruning should be done to remove dead or damaged branches, as well as to shape the plant and promote healthy growth. Care should be taken not to remove too much of the plant as it can affect flowering.
If the plant becomes too large and overgrown, it may require more drastic pruning. In this case, it is recommended to seek the advice of a professional gardener or horticulturist.
Propagation of Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp.
Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. can be propagated through several methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds:
The easiest and most common way to propagate Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. is through seeds. The seeds can be sown in trays or pots and kept in a warm and moist place until they germinate. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted to their final position in the garden.
Propagation through Cuttings:
Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the early spring. Cut about 10cm to 15cm long pieces of stem from the parent plant, remove the lower leaves, and plant them in a pot with good quality soil and keep them moist. Cuttings should root within 3 to 4 weeks provided that they are kept warm and moist.
Propagation through Division:
Propagation of Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. can also be achieved through division. Mature plants can be divided into smaller sections, each containing a healthy shoot and root system. Ensure that each section has an adequate root system and replant them in a well-drained soil, water well and keep them moist until they establish.
Disease Management
Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, like all plants, it can be affected by certain diseases under specific conditions. Here are some common diseases that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
This disease is caused by a fungus and is characterized by the appearance of small, brown, water-soaked spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. The spots grow in size and eventually form large necrotic lesions. The best way to manage this disease is to remove all infected plant parts and destroy them. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation around the plant to prevent future infections.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by fungal organisms that thrive in poorly drained soils. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage this disease, remove infected plants immediately, and avoid excessive watering. Improve drainage by adding organic matter to the soil and avoid planting in areas with poor drainage.
Pest Management
Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. x E. squarrosum (Thunb.) Walp. is relatively pest-resistant, but there are a few common pests that can affect the plant. Here are some ways to manage these pests:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and wilt. To manage aphids, remove them from the plant with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. You can also encourage natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs, to control their populations.
Thrips
Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage thrips, remove infected plant parts and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control their populations. Improve air circulation around the plant to prevent future infestations.
