Description of Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc.
Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a small sub-shrub that grows up to one meter in height and has a spread of about one meter. The plant is native to East Africa, specifically in Kenya and Tanzania, and is commonly found in grasslands and bushy areas with well-drained soils.
Common names for Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc.
Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. is commonly known as dwarf Eriosema, small-flowered Eriosema, or margin-leaved Eriosema due to its small flowers and the leaves that have a margin.
Uses of Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc.
Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. is used for various purposes. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as fever, abdominal pains, and respiratory infections. The roots are boiled and used as a decoction while the leaves and stems are used in infusion or poultice form to treat various illnesses. The plant is also used as a forage for livestock, providing a valuable source of protein.
General appearance of Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc.
The plant has small, bright purple flowers that grow in clusters on long, slender stems. The leaves are compound and have an oval shape with a margin. They are dark green in color and grow alternately on thin, hairy stems. The stem of the plant is woody and becomes brownish with age. The fruit of the plant is a legume that is elongated and flattened, containing a few seeds.
Light Requirements
Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. requires a moderate amount of sunlight to grow well. The plant prefers partial shade and can tolerate full sun. However, it is advisable to protect the plant from extreme heat, which may damage it and cause it to wilt. The plant can also grow well under artificial light, making it an ideal houseplant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. is between 20 – 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C, but temperatures below this range may damage the plant. To ensure optimal growth, it is advisable to protect the plant from frost and extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil's pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 – 6.5. Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. can grow well in a variety of soils such as sandy, loamy, and clay. However, the soil should be fertile and contain organic matter. It is advisable to add compost, peat moss, or manure to the soil before planting to add nutrients and improve drainage abilities.
Cultivation Methods
Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. is a hardy plant that grows best in well-drained soil and warm, humid conditions. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. To plant from seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours before sowing them in well-draining soil. For cuttings, take stem cuttings from a healthy plant and plant them in a mixture of sand and compost.
This plant prefers full sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It is important to ensure that the plant is not exposed to strong winds as it can cause damage to the foliage.
Watering Needs
Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as it can cause root rot. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch but ensure that the water drains well from the pot or soil.
During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering to avoid waterlogging the plant. It is advisable to use room temperature or lukewarm water for watering the plant, as cold water can shock the roots and damage the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the healthy growth of Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. The plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend, every four weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost or cow manure.
During the winter months, reduce the frequency of fertilization or stop it altogether as the plant enters a dormant stage. Over-fertilization can lead to the accumulation of salts and damage or kill the plant.
Pruning
Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. requires minimal pruning. Prune any dead or diseased branches as soon as they are noticed. Regular pruning will promote bushier growth and ensure that the plant does not become too leggy.
Prune the plant during the dormant season by cutting back one-third of the plant's height. This will encourage fresh growth in the spring and promote a healthy plant.
Propagation of Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc.
Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. is an herbaceous perennial plant that can be propagated through seeds or vegetative cuttings. The propagation method depends on the availability of the resources and the aim of the propagation.
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation by seeds is the most common method of propagating Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. Seeds can be collected from the parent plant once they are mature, and they can be sown directly in the field or in seed trays. Whether sowing directly or using seed trays, it is essential that the soil is well-drained and rich in nutrients. The seeds should be planted at a depth that is three times their size and watered twice a day until germination. It takes about three weeks for germination to occur, and the new seedlings should be pricked out after four weeks.
Propagation by Vegetative Cuttings
Propagation by vegetative cuttings is another method of propagating Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in appropriate environmental conditions. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long, and the leaves should be removed from the lower part of the stem. Once the cuttings are obtained, they should be planted in a rooting medium such as peat, vermiculite, or a mixture of soil and sand. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. After two weeks, the cuttings should start rooting, and they can be transferred to pots after six weeks.
Propagation of Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. can be challenging, and it requires proper management of the environmental conditions. The propagation method used depends on the availability of resources, the aim of propagation, and the expertise of the propagator.
Disease Management
Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. is susceptible to several diseases that can lead to reduced plant growth and yield. The common diseases that might affect the plant include fungal leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
To manage fungal leaf spot, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation. The application of copper-based fungicides can also help control the disease. Powdery mildew can be managed through proper plant spacing, providing adequate air circulation, and using fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. Root rot can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and using well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Eriosema macrostipulum Baker f. var. minus Verdc. can also be affected by several pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
To manage aphids and whiteflies, it is recommended to spray the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Removing and destroying heavily infested plant parts can also help control the pests. Spider mites can be managed by increasing humidity levels and using insecticidal soap or neem oil. It is also essential to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as excessive nitrogen can attract spider mites.
Regular monitoring of the plants is crucial to detect and manage diseases and pests promptly. It is also recommended to use disease-resistant varieties and practice proper plant care to prevent and manage diseases and pests effectively.
