Origin
Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman is a plant native to South America, specifically in the countries of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil.
Common Names
Commonly referred to as "Chala", "Eriosema", and "Ariosa", Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman is known by many different names depending on the region.
Uses
Historically, Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman was used by traditional medicine practitioners in South America as a treatment for various ailments such as inflammation, pain, and fever. Today, it is mostly used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive and unique flowers. It is also used in erosion control because of its ability to establish itself in degraded areas.
General Appearance
Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman is a shrub that can grow up to 1.2 meters in height, with a diameter of up to 1.5 meters. Its leaves are made up of 3 leaflets, which are oval in shape, and can be up to 4 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide. Its flowers are pink or purple and have a unique shape, with one petal being much larger than the others. The fruits are cylindrical pods that are covered in short hairs and contain 4 to 6 seeds.
Light Requirements
Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman thrives best in full sunlight when grown outdoors. Therefore, it is advisable to place it in an area where it can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours. However, if it is grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window or under grow lights that provide similar lighting conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman is between 20°C- 30°C (68°F- 86°F). This plant cannot withstand temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F) and higher than 35°C (95°F). Thus, it is advisable to grow it in areas with a stable temperature range, with minimal temperature fluctuations, and is not prone to frost.
Soil Requirements
Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman prefers well-draining soils that are relatively fertile. The ideal pH range for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, falling between 6.0-7.5. It is essential to ensure that the soil has good drainage, as this plant cannot withstand waterlogging, which can cause root rot and other diseases to develop. A potting mix that consists of a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can be used for indoor cultivation. Outdoor cultivation can be done in well-draining loamy soils mixed with organic compost.
Cultivation of Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman
Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman is a hardy plant species that grows well in well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.5-7.5. To obtain the best outcome, it is essential to provide the plant with sufficient sunlight and water. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Cuttings must be taken from young and mature plants in early spring or late winter.
Watering Needs
The plant requires consistent moisture for optimal growth. Young plants should be evenly watered every two weeks during the growing season. Mature plants can withstand short periods of drought, but it is essential to maintain a regular watering schedule to produce large and healthy flowers. Water should be supplied to the base of the plants and not on the leaves, as excess humidity may lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman is not a heavy feeder, but occasional application of balanced fertilizer during growing helps produce larger flowers. Fertilization should be done after the plants have established and started producing new growth. The application of 5-10-5 (NPK) balanced liquid fertilizer or granules around the base of the plant will suffice.
Pruning
Pruning of Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman is not necessary except to remove dead and damaged branches. Deadheading can help encourage more flowers. The plant generally grows to a bushy shape, and with time it may outgrow its location. In such a case, pruning back can be done to control its size and encourage more branching.
Propagation of Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman
Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman. The seeds are collected from the mature pods of the plant and sown in well-drained soil in seed trays. The trays are kept in a shaded area and watered regularly. The seeds will germinate in approximately 3-4 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman can be carried out through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings are taken from the mother plant and are planted in well-drained soil, which is kept moist. The cuttings will develop roots and new shoots in approximately eight weeks. Another vegetative propagation method that can be used is through division of the plant's roots. This method is more suitable for mature plants.
Whichever propagation method is chosen, it is important to ensure that the newly propagated plants are planted in well-drained soil and are kept moist until they are fully established.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman
Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman is known to be a hardy plant. However, diseases and pests may still affect it. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that could affect Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman is leaf spot. Leaf spot is caused by bacteria or fungi and is characterized by small, circular or irregularly shaped spots on the leaves. The spots are often surrounded by a yellow halo.
Another common disease is powdery mildew, which is a fungal infection that causes a powdery white coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. This disease tends to appear in warm, humid weather conditions.
Rust is also a frequent problem for this plant. It is a fungal disease that shows up as orange or brown spots on the underside of the leaves.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that might affect Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman is aphids. Aphids suck the sap from the plant, and their feeding can cause the leaves to curl. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other insects and cause fungal growth.
Caterpillars are another pest that can be a problem for this plant. They feed on the leaves, causing holes and damage to the foliage.
The best way to manage diseases and pests on Eriosema tephrosioides Harms var. angustifoliolatum Hauman is to practice good hygiene and monitor the plant regularly. Remove any diseased or infested plant parts and dispose of them properly. Avoid overhead watering as it can promote the growth of fungal diseases. Consider using insecticidal sprays or natural predators to manage pest populations.
If the diseases or pests become too severe, seek the advice of a professional horticulturist or plant pathologist.
