Overview
Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to East Africa and is found in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. The plant has various common names, including Samburu eriosema, Samburu bean, and velvet bean.
Description
Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. is a perennial climbing herb that can grow up to 3 meters in length. The leaves of the plant are trifoliate, and the leaflets are elliptic. The flowers are bright orange with a dark brown or black velvety center. The plant produces leguminous fruits that contain seeds used for propagation.
Uses
Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. has various medicinal uses in East Africa. The roots are used to treat stomach ailments, while the leaves are used to treat fevers. The plant is also used to treat cattle diseases such as tick-borne fever and black quarter. In addition, the seeds of the plant are consumed as food, and they can be roasted and ground to make a nutritious flour.
Moreover, the plant has ornamental uses due to its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage. It is commonly used in landscaping and gardening to enhance the beauty of outdoor spaces.
Appearance
Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. has a distinct appearance due to its bright orange flowers and velvety center. Its leaves are green and trifoliate, and the leaflets are elliptic with pointed tips. The plant has a climbing habit and can reach up to 3 meters in length. Its leguminous fruits are long and narrow, containing small, round seeds.
Light Requirements
Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. requires a lot of sunlight to grow healthily. In their natural habitat, they thrive in areas that receive direct sunlight for six or more hours daily. Therefore, if you are planting this plant in your garden, ensure that it is situated in a location where it can receive adequate light. North-facing areas or places with a lot of shade are not suitable for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. is between 20°C to 30°C. These plants are sensitive to extreme temperature conditions, and frost can damage or kill the plant entirely. Therefore, it is essential to protect them from these harsh climatic conditions by either providing frost protection covers or growing them indoors where the temperature is moderate.
Soil Requirements
Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. does not require any specific soil type to grow but grows better in well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The plant can still do well in clay soils, provided the soil is well-draining. This plant can tolerate drought, but it is advisable to water it regularly when growing it in a garden. You can also add fertilizer with essential nutrients to enhance the growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. thrives well in sunny or partially shaded locations. Plant your seedlings in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. You can propagate it from seeds or cuttings. If you want to propagate from cuttings, cut off 10 to 15 cm of stem and place the cutting in moist sand. Keep the cutting in bright, indirect sunlight and water regularly. It takes 10 to 12 days for the cutting to develop roots.
Watering Needs
Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. prefers moderate watering. Water the plants once or twice a week, depending on the prevailing climate conditions. Watering should be done in the morning or evening to avoid loss of moisture due to evaporation. Sufficient watering ensures the plants remain healthy and produce bright and attractive flowers for a long time.
Fertilization
The plant will benefit from some feeding. You can use either organic or inorganic fertilizers. A well-balanced fertilizer applied in the early stages of growth will boost the establishment of the plant. Ensure that you have a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of about 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer after every two to three weeks to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.
Pruning
Pruning helps to keep the plant looking neat and well kept. Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. requires little pruning, and you only need to remove any dead and withered parts. Be cautious while removing the branches and leaves to avoid damaging any healthy parts. If you want to shape the plant, conduct slight trimming of the tips of the stem allowing for bushy and upright growth.
Propagation of Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc.
Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. is a rare plant species endemic to the East African region. The propagation of this plant is essential for its conservation and sustainable use. The following propagation methods are commonly used for Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc.:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. Seeds are collected from the mature pods of the plant and sown in the nursery beds. The seeds should be treated before sowing to break dormancy and improve germination rates. The seeds germinate within two to three weeks and can be transplanted to individual containers after four to six weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to the field after six months.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another method for propagating Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. Softwood cuttings of the plant can be taken during the growing season, treated with rooting hormone, and planted in rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment until they establish roots. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted to individual containers and grown in the nursery before being planted in the field.
Division propagation
Division propagation involves dividing the roots of a mature Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. plant into several sections and planting them into individual containers or directly into the field. This method should be done during the dormant season, and the divided sections should have healthy roots and shoots.
Overall, the propagation of Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. requires careful attention to detail to ensure successful establishment and growth of the plant.
Disease Management for Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc.
Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. is generally resistant to many diseases. However, certain factors such as poor air circulation, high humidity, and dampness can lead to diseases in the plant. Two of the most common diseases that might affect the plant are root rot and leaf spots.
Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots of the plant to rot, eventually leading to the death of the plant. This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage root rot, it's essential to avoid overwatering by allowing the soil to dry out and to ensure proper drainage by planting the plant in well-drained soil. Additionally, the use of fungicides can help control the spread of the disease.
Leaf spots are another disease that can affect Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. This disease causes dark brown spots or lesions on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. Leaf spots are caused by a fungal infection. To manage leaf spots, remove infected leaves and treat the plant with fungicides. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and water the plant at the base to minimize the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc.
Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc. is generally resistant to pests. However, certain pests might attack the plant, such as mealybugs and spider mites.
Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of foliage. To manage mealybugs, physically remove them from the plant with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Additionally, the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control the infestation.
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that cause yellowing of foliage and the formation of webs on the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. Additionally, the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control the infestation.
Overall, proper plant care such as ensuring proper air circulation, watering, and fertilization can prevent disease and pest infestations in Eriosema scioanum Avetta var. samburuense Verdc.
