Origin
Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. is a member of the Fabaceae family and is native to tropical regions of Africa, including Togo, Cameroon, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast.
Common Names
Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. is commonly referred to as Gray woolly eriosema, Chouangninsou, and Ntinkra-kunwunsu.
Uses
Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. has a variety of uses in traditional medicine in Africa. The roots of the plant are used to treat several conditions such as stomach disorders, diarrhea and dysentery. It is also used in the treatment of snake bites, and to reduce high blood pressure. Additionally, the seeds contain compounds that have shown to be toxic to parasites, and therefore have the potential to be used for veterinary purposes.
Appearance
Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. is a shrub with a woody base that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The plant has a grayish appearance due to the fine hairs that cover the stems, leaves and fruits. The leaves are compound with three leaflets and are typically 2-3 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide. The flowers are pinkish-mauve and grow in clusters at the top of the stems. The fruits are pods that are 5-6 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide.
Light Requirements
Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. is a species that requires full sun to thrive. Therefore, it is best to plant it in areas with direct exposure to sunlight and avoid shaded regions. Lack of sufficient light can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. grows well in warm to hot temperatures. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 25°C to 35°C. It is advisable to avoid planting in areas that experience extreme temperature fluctuations or frost.
Soil Requirements
The species prefers well-draining soils, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It thrives in soils that are rich in organic matter and moisture-retaining capacity. It is essential to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Adding compost or other organic amendments to the soil can help improve soil quality and provide essential nutrients to the plant.
Special Considerations
It is important to note that Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. is susceptible to pests and diseases such as root rot, aphids, and thrips, especially when grown in conditions that do not meet its growth requirements. Regular monitoring and timely intervention can help prevent damage to the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense requires a well-draining soil with ample sunlight to grow to the fullest potential. The plant prefers slightly acidic and slightly alkaline soil types, with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.4. The ideal soil type for cultivation is sandy or loamy.
The plant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, where the minimum temperature is around 30°F. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 60 and 90°F.
Propagation of Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense can be done through seeds or stem cuttings. Direct sowing of the seeds can be done in spring; however, stem cuttings are preferred because it allows for the propagation of the exact plant variety. The cuttings must be taken from a healthy parent plant during late spring or early summer and rooted in moist sand.
Watering Needs
Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense requires moderate watering during the growing season. Overwatering can lead to root rot and damage to the plant. The soil must be allowed to dry partially before watering again.
The plant requires less water during the winter, and the frequency of watering should be reduced during this period. The soil should not be allowed to dry entirely during winter, as this can lead to the dehydration of the plant.
Fertilization
The plant requires fertilization to ensure optimum growth and development. Fertilization can be done using organic or inorganic fertilizers. The fertilizers must be applied during the growing season, every two weeks, to ensure that the plant is getting all the nutrients it needs.
Organic fertilizers are generally preferred because they provide the necessary nutrients without any chemical additives. The application rate for organic fertilizers must be as per the instructions mentioned on the package.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the plant healthy and vibrant. It promotes new growth, removes dead or damaged plant parts, and shapes the plant to the desired form.
Pruning of Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense can be done during the growing season, and after flowering. The pruning must be done using sharp and sterile pruning tools to prevent any damage to the plant.
The plant must be pruned to remove any dead or diseased plant parts. The pruning must be done in a way that allows air and light to reach all parts of the plant. It is also necessary to remove any crossing branches that may cause rubbing or damage to the plant.
Propagation of Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél.
Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. is propagated through two major methods: seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. To obtain the seeds, one has to collect the pods when they are brown and dry. The next step is to remove the seeds manually from the pods and wash them with clean water to remove any debris or dust. Afterward, dry them in a cool, dry place for one or two weeks.
It is advisable to soak the seeds in warm water before planting to enhance the germination rate. Sow the seeds in a nursery bed or containers filled with loamy soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist by watering two or three times a week. Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. can also be done through stem cuttings. The ideal time for stem cutting is during the early rainy season when the stems are soft and tender. Select healthy stems from the mother plant, and cut them into segments of about 10-15 cm long.
Remove any leaves from the base of the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a prepared rooting medium, preferably a mixture of sand and peat moss, and place it in a shaded area. Water the cutting immediately and regularly to keep it healthy and moist. After about four to six weeks, the cutting should form roots and be ready for transplanting.
Disease Management
Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. is a robust and healthy plant, but it is still prone to some diseases. Some of the common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Fungal Leaf Spots: This disease is caused by various fungal pathogens and is characterized by the appearance of small, circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected leaves as soon as possible. Also, one should avoid overhead watering and keep the area around the plants clean and free of debris.
- Bacterial Wilt: This disease is caused by a bacterial pathogen that invades the plant's xylem tissue, causing wilt and eventual death. Unfortunately, there is no cure for bacterial wilt, and affected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by various fungal pathogens that attack the plant's roots, leading to wilting and plant death. To manage this disease, it is recommended to avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and remove and destroy infected plants and soil.
Pest Management
Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél. can also be attacked by some pests. Here are some of the common pests that may affect this plant:
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant's sap and can cause significant damage, including yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock off the pests, and apply insecticidal soap solution to control the remaining mites.
- Aphids: These insects suck sap from the plant's leaves and can cause curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong jet of water, apply insecticidal soap solution or neem oil to control the insects.
- Mealybugs: These pests secrete a wax-like substance that covers their bodies, making it challenging to control them. They also feed on the plant's sap and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to remove them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or apply insecticidal soap solution.
By taking proper care of Eriosema griseum Baker var. togoense (Taub.) Jacq.-Fél., including regular inspection of the plant for disease and pest outbreaks, and applying preventive measures, it is possible to maintain a healthy plant that will thrive and produce flowers and fruits in abundance.
