Eriosema Stolzii Auct.

Description of Eriosema stolzii

Eriosema stolizii, also known as the Harari pea, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Africa, more particularly to Ethiopia's Harar mountain region. The plant is a herbaceous, perennial, and legume that can grow up to 30-50 cm tall.

General Appearance

The Harari pea's stem is covered densely with stiff and curly hairs while the leaves are pinnately compound and covered with hairs on both sides. Its flowers are yellow to orange in color and are pea-like in shape, blooming on long, slender, erect stems.

Common Names

Eriosema stolzii is commonly referred to as the Harari pea, occasionally as Mitmita (named after a popular Ethiopian seasoning), and Gesher Tesfa.

Uses

Over the years, Harari pea has been used in traditional medicine practices. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat and manage various ailments, including digestive and respiratory issues. It is also sometimes used as a natural antibiotic and a remedy for parasitic infections. Apart from medicinal purposes, the Harari pea is grown as an ornamental plant due to its striking appearance.

Light requirements

Eriosema stolzii auct. prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves and hinder growth. It is recommended to place the plant near a window that receives morning sunlight or use artificial grow lights if needed.

Temperature requirements

This plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (15-24°C). It is crucial to avoid sudden temperature changes, such as drafts from open windows or air conditioning units. Low temperatures can cause the plant to wilt, while high temperatures can lead to leaf discoloration and slower growth.

Soil requirements

Eriosema stolzii auct. prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0). A mix of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand works well. The soil should be kept moist, but not overly wet. It is recommended to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Fertilize the plant every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Cultivation

Eriosema stolzii is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to grow. It can be grown outdoors in zones 10 and 11 or indoors in colder regions. The plant prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. It is important to protect it from strong winds and direct sunlight.

Watering needs

The plant should be watered regularly, but not excessively. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. It is best to allow the soil to dry partially between waterings.

Fertilization

Eriosema stolzii benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer can be applied every two weeks. It is important not to over-fertilize, which can lead to excess vegetative growth and reduced flower production.

Pruning

Pruning is not necessary for Eriosema stolzii, but it can help the plant maintain its shape and improve air circulation around the foliage. Dead or damaged leaves should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. If the plant becomes too large, it can be pruned back in the spring to control its height and shape.

Propagation of Eriosema stolzii auct.

Eriosema stolzii auct. is propagated both by seeds and vegetatively.

Propagation by seeds

Seeds are the primary propagation method for Eriosema stolzii auct. Here are the steps to propagate the plant using seeds:

1. Harvest the seeds when the pods dry out and begin to split open.
2. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing.
3. Prepare a nursery bed with well-drained soil, loosened to a depth of at least 20 cm and remove any weeds and stones.
4. Sow the soaked seeds by scattering them thinly over the prepared bed and cover lightly with soil.
5. Water the bed regularly to maintain moisture level, but avoid overwatering, to prevent seedlings' death due to damping off.
6. Transplant the seedlings when they are about 10-15 cm tall and transfer them to permanent pots or the field.
7. Maintain the soil moisture and provide appropriate shelter from harsh sunlights or rains as the seedlings get established.
8. After a few weeks, the young Eriosema stolzii auct. will begin growing vigorously.

Vegetative propagation

Eriosema stolzii auct. can be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings or bud grafting. Here are the steps to propagate the plant using stem cuttings:

1. Take a cutting from a healthy mature plant during the growing season, ensuring it has several nodes and a healthy leaf growth.
2. Removing the leaves from the lower third of the cutting, leaving two or three at the top.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
4. Store the stem cutting in a shaded area with high humidity until it establishes roots, usually within a month.
5. After roots are established, transplant the cutting to a pot or field.
6. Provide appropriate shelter from harsh sunlights or rains as the plant gets established.
7. In a few weeks, the young plant will begin growing vigorously.

Alternatively, bud grafting using a closely related plant as a rootstock also works, but is more complicated procedure requiring professionals' skill.

Disease and Pest Management for Eriosema stolzii auct.

Eriosema stolzii auct. is a plant native to Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Proper disease and pest management are necessary to ensure the plant remains healthy and productive.

Common Diseases

Eriosema stolzii auct. is susceptible to various diseases, including:

• Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the plant's roots, causing them to decay and rot. Root rot can be prevented by avoiding waterlogging and ensuring proper drainage.
• Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease appears as circular or irregular brown or black spots on the plant's leaves. It is caused by a fungal infection and can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying fungicides.
• Powdery Mildew: This disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It is caused by a fungal infection and can be treated with fungicides.

Common Pests

Eriosema stolzii auct. is also susceptible to pest infestations, including:

• Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. Aphids can be managed by physically removing them from the plant or using insecticidal soaps or oils.
• Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. Spider mites can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or oils.
• Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing visible damage. Caterpillars can be managed by physically removing them from the plant or using biological control methods like Bacillus thuringiensis.

Management

Proper management practices can help prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests in Eriosema stolzii auct. These practices include:

• Ensuring proper soil drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
• Practicing good sanitation, including removing dead and infected plant material to prevent the spread of disease.
• Ensuring a healthy plant by providing proper nutrition and watering.
• Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of disease or pest infestations.
• Using natural and organic methods to manage pests, where possible, to avoid harming beneficial insects and pollinators.
• Using chemical pesticides and fungicides only as a last resort and following the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help ensure that your Eriosema stolzii auct. plant remains healthy and productive, providing beauty and enjoyment for years to come.