Eriosema subacaule A.Chev.
Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae, also known as the legume, pea, or bean family. It is native to the southern part of Africa, where it can be found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Common Names
Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. is commonly referred to as Aasblom in Afrikaans, and by its English name, "woollypod".
Uses
The plant has various uses in traditional medicine. The roots are used to treat coughs and colds in African countries, while a root infusion is used as a purgative in Namibia. In Angola, the roots are said to have diuretic properties.
Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. also has potential use in reclamation and restoration of degraded lands, due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil and improve soil fertility.
General Appearance
Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. is a perennial herb that grows up to 0.6 meters tall. Its leaves grow in a basal rosette, and are simple, petiolate, and hairy. The flowers are pink-purple, and grow on long stalks. The fruit is a hairy, one-seeded pod that is about 2 cm long. The root system is a tap root that can reach up to 2 meters in length.
Growth Conditions for Eriosema subacaule A.Chev.
Light: Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade but will not grow well in low light conditions.
Temperature: Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. is adapted to warm tropical climates and requires high temperatures for optimal growth. It can tolerate a range of temperatures between 20°C and 40°C but grows best when the temperature is around 25-30°C. Extreme temperature fluctuations can be detrimental to the plant's growth and health.
Soil Requirements: Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. prefers well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged. It can grow in a variety of soil types including sandy or loamy soils. However, it prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients. The soil pH should be around 6.5-7.5. The plant is sensitive to salt and does not grow well in soils that have a high concentration of salts.
Cultivation Methods
Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. prefers to grow in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It grows best in areas with full sun exposure but can also thrive in partial shade. The plant can be propagated through either seeds or cuttings. The best time to plant the seeds is at the beginning of the rainy season.
Watering Needs
Watering is essential for the growth of Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. The plant requires moderate watering during the rainy season but should be watered sparingly during the dry season. Overwatering could cause the roots to rot and eventually kill the plant. It is advisable to water the plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid exposing the leaves to the scorching sun.
Fertilization
Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus are preferred for this plant as they enhance root development, flowering, and fruiting. However, excess nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided as they could lead to the development of lush foliage at the expense of flowering and fruiting.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential activity in maintaining the health and aesthetics of Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. The plant should be pruned in the early flowering season to encourage more blooms and prevent it from becoming too tall and leggy. Deadheading the spent flowers also stimulates the growth of new flowers. Pruning should be done using sterile tools to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
Propagation of Eriosema subacaule A.Chev.
Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. can be collected when the pods have turned brown and are slightly open. The seeds should be cleaned and dried in the shade, after which they can be stored till the planting season arrives.
Before sowing the seeds, soak them in water for about 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat. After that, sow the seeds in trays or pots filled with fertile soil, and cover them lightly with soil. The seeds should be kept moist and warm, with a temperature range of 25-30° Celsius. Germination should occur within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings from Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. can be taken from stem tips or lateral branches in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 10-15cm long and should have at least two nodes.
The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed and the remaining leaves should be cut back to reduce moisture loss. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil, surrounded by a humid environment to enhance rooting. For best results, the cuttings should be kept in a warm, shaded area until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriosema subacaule A.Chev.
Eriosema subacaule A.Chev., also known as velvet bean, is a leguminous plant that is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. This plant is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Therefore, proper disease and pest management must be implemented to ensure a successful harvest.
Common Diseases Affecting Eriosema subacaule A.Chev.
One of the most common diseases that affect Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. is root rot caused by soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium and Phytophthora. Symptoms of root rot include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. To manage this disease, it is essential to practice crop rotation, avoid planting in waterlogged soil, and use fungicides.
Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. is also susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. Symptoms of powdery mildew include white powdery spots on the leaves and stunted growth. To manage this disease, it is essential to prune infected leaves, improve air circulation around the plants, and use fungicides.
Common Pests Affecting Eriosema subacaule A.Chev.
Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. is susceptible to various insect pests such as aphids, thrips, and bean stem maggots. Aphids and thrips can cause extensive damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and transmitting plant viruses. Bean stem maggots, on the other hand, burrow into the stem of the plant, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage these pests, it is essential to practice crop rotation, remove and destroy infected plants, and use insecticides.
In conclusion, Eriosema subacaule A.Chev. is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Proper disease and pest management practices such as crop rotation, pruning infected leaves, and using insecticides and fungicides can help prevent and manage these issues, ensuring a successful harvest.
