Origin
Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. This sub-species is native to Southern Africa, specifically found in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as "Kankolo" in Zambia and Botswana. In Zimbabwe, it is known as "Mutere" or "Muvhe." The plant also has several other local names in different regions.
General Appearance
Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 70 cm tall. The plant has a deep-rooted system. The stem is straight, slender, and brownish-green in color. The leaves are trifoliolate, alternate, and have a long petiole. The leaflets are elliptic, with a pointed apex and a base broadly-rounded. The plant has purple or pinkish pea-like flowers that are produced in clusters. The fruit is a hairy, cylindrical, and slightly pointed pod that contains several seeds.
Uses
Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo has several medicinal uses. In traditional African medicine, the plant is used as a remedy for several ailments such as coughs, colds, stomach pains, and fever. The root is used as a laxative, while the leaves are used to treat skin diseases and snake bites. The seeds are roasted and consumed as food by some communities. The roots and leaves are also used in spiritual rituals to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. In addition, the plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant.
Growth Conditions of Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo
Light: Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct morning or evening light, but prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can burn its leaves.
Temperature: This plant species thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). It cannot tolerate frost and prefers to be kept in a warm, humid environment.
Soil: Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo requires well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. Avoid soils with too much sand or clay. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal. If planting in a garden, amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content.
Water: This plant needs to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can be detrimental to the plant's growth. Watering every 7-10 days is typically sufficient, but can differ based on geographic location and humidity levels.
Fertilizer: Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo benefits from monthly fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during growing seasons. Fertilizer should be applied according to the instructions on its packaging.
Propagation: The propagation of this plant species can be done through seed germination or stem cuttings. Germinating seeds should be done in a warm, humid environment. Cuttings should be taken during the growing season and placed in a rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil.
Cultivation Methods
Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo is a tropical plant, it thrives in warm, humid climates. It grows best in areas with plenty of sunshine and good drainage. The plant prefers loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. It can be cultivated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown during the rainy season. It is recommended to space each plant at least 30 cm apart to prevent crowding.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is important to prevent the soil from drying out completely as this can harm the plant. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This will ensure the plant has enough moisture throughout the day without risking excess moisture loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the optimum growth and development of Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo. Generally, the plant requires fertilization every three months. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20:20:20 is ideal. Fertilizer should be applied in a ring around the plant at least 10 cm from the stem and mixed into the soil.
Pruning
Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo does not require regular pruning. However, it is advisable to trim off any dead, diseased or damaged branches or stems for the overall health of the plant. Additionally, pruning can be done to control the plant's size or shape.
Propagation of Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo
Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by seeds
The plant's seeds should be harvested when the seed pods are mature, and the seeds are black or dark brown. The seeds should then be cleaned thoroughly to remove any adhering pulp and stored in a cool and dry place until sowing. Prior to sowing, the seeds should be soaked overnight in warm water to enhance germination rates.
The seeds should be sown in pre-moistened seedling trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seedlings should be watered regularly, and once they have developed two true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the field.
Propagation by vegetative methods
Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings or through division of established clumps.
Stem cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be at least 10 cm in length. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid location and should be watered regularly until they have developed roots and new growth.
Division of established clumps should be done during the early spring or fall. The clump should be carefully dug up, and the shoot and root system should be gently separated into smaller sections. Each section should have several healthy shoots and a well-developed root system. The divided sections should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they have established themselves.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo
Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo, commonly known as Kankolo, is a legume that is native to tropical and subtropical Africa. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests. However, if you can identify the symptoms of these problems early, you can manage them effectively before they cause significant damage. Here is some detailed information about disease and pest management for Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo:
Common Diseases
Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo is prone to various fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. Some of the most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, stem blights, and other symptoms that can lead to leaf drop or plant death.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal problem that can cause a white or grey film on the leaves, stems, and flowers.
- Rust: Rust appears as orange to brown powdery spots on the leaves and affects the plant's growth and productivity.
- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease causes wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant's leaves and stems.
Pests
Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo is also vulnerable to insect pests, particularly during the seedling stage. The most common pests that attack this plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny sap-sucking insects that can cause wilting and stunting of plants.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are moth larvae that feed on young plants, cutting through the stem at soil level.
- Root-knot nematodes: These microscopic worms can infest the roots, causing stunting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant.
- Weevils: Weevils are beetles that feed on young leaves and buds, causing severe damage.
Management Strategies
The following are some of the strategies you can use to manage the diseases and pests that affect Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo:
- Sanitation: Regularly remove and destroy infected or infested plant parts to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
- Biological control: Use natural enemies such as parasitic wasps, predatory mites, or insect-killing fungi to control pests.
- Chemical control: Use chemical pesticides as a last resort, and follow the instructions carefully to avoid harm to the plant and the environment.
- Growing resistant varieties: Choose disease-resistant cultivars of Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo to minimize the risk of infection.
- Proper irrigation and fertilization: Maintain optimal soil moisture and fertility levels to promote plant health and vigor.
By adopting these management strategies, you can keep Eriosema kankolo Hauman subsp. kankolo healthy and productive, and minimize losses due to diseases and pests.
