Origin
Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Angola, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as the Red bean tree, in reference to its colourful flower and seeds. It is also known locally in Angola as Imbondeiro, a name commonly given to plants in the Baobab family due to their large trunk.
Uses
The Red bean tree is used traditionally in African medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Parts of the plant such as the roots, bark, and seeds have been used to treat fever, coughs, diarrhea, and other illnesses. Additionally, the seeds are also used by local communities to make a red dye for textiles and clothing.
General Appearance
The Red bean tree is a small to medium sized tree that typically grows up to 6 metres tall. The trunk is thick and covered in a rough, cork-like bark. The leaves are pinnately compound, with each leaflet being oval in shape and up to 7cm long. The flowers are bright red and tubular in shape, growing in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a pod containing small red seeds, which are dispersed by animals and winds.
Light Requirements
Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc. plant typically requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Exposure to direct sunlight may lead to scorching of the leaves and stunted growth. For optimal growth, it is advisable to place the plant near a window that allows adequate sunlight exposure, but not in the path of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc. plant is between 20-25°C. The minimum temperature required for survival is 18°C, while temperatures above 30°C should be avoided. The plant should be shielded from extreme temperature changes, such as placing it near air conditioning or heating vents.
Soil Requirements
The Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc. plant thrives in well-draining soils rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5). For optimal growth, it is recommended to use a nutrient-rich soil mix combined with perlite and peat moss to improve drainage. Avoid overwatering the plant, as it may lead to root rot and eventual death.
Cultivation methods
The Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc. plant can be grown both outdoors and indoors. If grown outdoors, it should be planted in a well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun and can withstand long periods of drought and extreme heat.
If grown indoors, it should be potted in well-draining soil and placed near a window where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight. The plant can also be grown in a greenhouse or a conservatory provided the conditions are not too humid.
Watering needs
The Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc. plant does not require frequent watering. It should be watered deeply no more than once a week during the growing season. During the dormant season, the plant should be watered even less frequently. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil is completely dry before watering.
Fertilization
The plant does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. The amount of fertilizer should be reduced during the dormant season. Excessive fertilization can lead to leaf burn or stunted growth, so it is important to follow package instructions carefully.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc. plant. However, cutting back the plant after it has finished blooming may promote bushier growth and more flowers for the following year. If the plant becomes too large or unruly, it can be trimmed lightly to shape. Any broken or dead branches should also be removed as soon as possible.
Propagation of Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc.
Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc. can be propagated through two methods, namely, seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
The plant produces seeds, which can be collected from the ripe fruits. The collected seeds can be either sown directly into the soil or started indoors in seed trays. If sowing directly into the soil, ensure the soil is well-draining, weed-free, and has a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Plant the seeds at a depth of 2 cm and water thoroughly. While starting indoors, fill seed trays with a well-draining potting mix and plant a few seeds per cell and cover with a thin layer of soil. Place the seed tray in a bright area, and keep the soil consistently moist. Once the seedlings have reached a height of 4-6 inches, they can be transplanted to the field.
Vegetative propagation
Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc. can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings of about 10-15 cm from the parent plant. Remove the leaves from the lower 2/3 part of the stem and dip the cut end in root hormone. Plant the cutting into well-draining soil, and water it thoroughly. Maintain the humidity around the cutting by covering it with a clear plastic bag or a glass jar. Within a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted to the field.
Disease Management
Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc. is susceptible to a few diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: Caused by fungi, this disease shows up as circular or angular spots on the leaves. Infected leaves may yellow or turn brown and eventually drop off. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid wetting the foliage during watering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
- Root rot: Caused by various soil-borne fungi, this disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. Infected plants may eventually die. To manage this disease, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Some pests can also affect Eriosema ellipticum Welw. ex Baker subsp. claessensii (De Wild.) Verdc., including:
- Aphids: These tiny, pear-shaped insects can cluster on the undersides of leaves and suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Caterpillars: These larvae of moths or butterflies can chew on leaves and skeletonize them. To manage caterpillars, pick them off by hand, spray the plant with a natural insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis, or introduce natural predators such as birds.
