Origin
Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton, also known as E. collinum, is a member of the Fabaceae family and is endemic to Africa. The plant is commonly found in the highlands of East Africa, in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania.
Common Names
Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum is commonly referred to as Chala in Swahili and Maasai bean in English, due to its frequent use in traditional Maasai cuisine.
Uses
The plant is widely utilized for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Traditionally, the Maasai people used the plant to treat various ailments such as skin infections, stomachaches, and respiratory problems. In more recent times, the plant is often used as an herbal remedy for managing diabetes and high blood pressure.
The plant is also an important source of food for the Maasai people, who often use the beans in stews and soups. The plant is known for its high protein content, making it a valuable dietary supplement.
General Appearance
Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum is a perennial herb that grows to a height of about 30 centimeters. The plant has an upright stem, with pinnately compound leaves that have 3-5 leaflets. The flowers are yellow or orange and are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. The fruit of the plant is a flattened, elliptical pod containing 7-15 seeds.
Typical Growth Conditions for Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton
Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton is a woody perennial plant found in the mountainous regions of South Africa. It is an endemic species and can be found in areas with high rainfall and relatively cool temperatures.
Light
Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton requires full sun to grow and develop properly. It is sensitive to shade and will not thrive if planted in an area with less than six hours of sunshine per day.
Temperature
Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton requires a cool climate to grow and develop properly. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -6°C (21°F) and as high as 30°C (86°F). It is important to note that it does not grow well in areas that experience extreme heat or prolonged periods of drought.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton include a well-drained sandy loam with a pH range of 5 to 7. The plant does not do well in waterlogged soils or those with poor drainage. Organic matter is important for the development of the plant, and the soil should be fertile. Additionally, the plant requires moderate to high rainfall, typically between 700-1500mm annually.
Cultivation of Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton
Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton is a beautiful plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It is native to Africa and grows in arid and semi-arid regions. If you want to grow this plant, then you should follow the following guidelines.
Planting
The best time to plant Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. You should plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. Make sure that the soil is loose and friable to allow the roots to spread quickly.
Watering
Water is crucial for the growth of Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton. This plant requires regular watering during the dry season, but you should avoid overwatering it, which can cause root rot. You can use a mulch layer to help retain moisture in the soil while also preventing weed growth.
Fertilization
Although Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton does not require heavy feeding, you can fertilize it twice a year with a balanced fertilizer. Always apply the fertilizer around the drip line of the plant and make sure you water it in thoroughly.
Pruning
Pruning Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton is not necessary, but you can trim it to maintain its shape. You can cut back the plant lightly after the flowering period to encourage a bushier growth habit. You can also remove any damaged or diseased branches during this time to improve the plant's health.
Propagation of Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton
Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds should be collected when they are mature and dry in the pod. The seeds can be air-dried for a few days before being sown. Before sowing, the seed coat should be nicked or scarified with sandpaper or a file to ensure better germination. The seeds can be sown directly in pots or seed trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds can be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist throughout the germination process.
It is important to note that the germination of Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton seeds can be erratic, with some seeds taking several months to germinate. However, once the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have established, they tend to be hardy and can withstand some drought conditions.
Vegetative propagation
Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as division and stem cuttings.
Division involves separating the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has healthy roots and shoots. The clumps can be replanted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they are established.
Stem cuttings can be taken from the plant when it is actively growing. The cutting should be around 10 cm in length and should be taken from a healthy, non-flowering part of the plant. The cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, bright position until it has developed roots and can be transplanted into a larger pot or the ground.
Disease Management
Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton is susceptible to several diseases that can significantly impact its growth and productivity. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Root rot: Caused by soil-borne fungi, this disease can cause wilting, stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and eventually death. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, ensure proper drainage, and use fungicides.
- Leaf spot: Caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, this disease causes small brown spots on leaves. Severe infections can cause defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, ensure adequate spacing between plants for proper air circulation, and use fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease, this causes a white or grayish powdery coating on leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth and eventually death. To manage powdery mildew, ensure adequate spacing, avoid high humidity, and use fungicides.
Pest Management
Eriosema spicatum Hook.f. subsp. collinum (Hepper) J.K.Morton is also susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. The common pests include:
- Thrips: These tiny insects feed on leaves and cause leaf distortion, discoloration, and wilting. To manage thrips, remove affected leaves, spray insecticidal soap or neem oil, and ensure proper plant nutrition and water.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on leaves and suck out the plant's sap, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage spider mites, remove infested leaves, blast the plant with water to dislodge the mites, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on leaves and can defoliate the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or insecticidal soap, and encourage natural predators such as birds and beneficial insects.
