Overview
Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is known for its appealing appearance and pharmacological value. It is mostly found in tropical Africa and can grow up to 2-3 meters tall. The plant's bark, leaves, and roots contain numerous medicinal properties that have been used for centuries in traditional African medicine.
Common Names
Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum is commonly known as African Eriosema, Three-flowered Eriosema, or Purple Bean. These common names are derived from the plant's physical appearance and the region of origin.
Appearance
The plant has slender, trailing stems that can climb as high as 2-3 meters. Its leaves are trifoliate, oval, with a pointed tip and form an alternate arrangement along the stem. The leaf margins are entire, and the leaves are hairless adaxially and slightly hairy abaxially. The plant roots are thick and woody, and the stems are narrow and straight. The flowers occur in clusters and have purple petals, and the fruit is a cylindrical pod about five centimeters in length.
Uses
Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum has several pharmacological properties, and its root, leaves, and bark extracts have medicinal applications. The root and bark have been used to treat fever, malaria, infections, pain, and inflammation. The leaves have been used to treat coughs, sore throat, and respiratory infections. Additionally, the plant has been used to induce lactation in postpartum mothers. Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum also has environmental value since its roots fix nitrogen in soil and improve soil fertility, which aids in the growth of other plants.
Light Requirements:
Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum prefers full to partial sunlight for optimal growth and development. Ensuring that the plant has access to adequate light is crucial in maintaining the plant's vibrant and healthy foliage.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant thrives in warm temperatures and is best suited for tropical and subtropical regions. The optimum temperature range for Eriosema terniflorum is between 20-30? Celsius. It is essential to note that the plant cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements:
Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant's roots are susceptible to root rot, and it is important to ensure that the soil drains well to prevent this condition. The soil pH range should be between 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation
Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum is a fast-growing perennial herb that is easy to cultivate. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH.
You can cultivate Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum either from seeds or by dividing mature plants. If you choose to grow the plant from seeds, start by soaking them in water for 24 hours before planting them in a well-prepared bed. You can also propagate the plant by dividing mature clumps and planting them in separate pots or beds.
This plant thrives in warm climates with plenty of sunshine, preferably in areas with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It is highly tolerant of drought and can survive without irrigation for a long time.
Watering Needs
Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive long periods without watering. However, it still requires adequate hydration to maintain its health and growth.
You should water the plant deeply once per week during the growing season, particularly in areas with extended periods of no rainfall. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
During the dry season, you should reduce the amount of water you give the plant to prevent waterlogging and rot. Also, avoid overhead watering as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
To maintain healthy growth, you should fertilize Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum regularly during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
You can apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant or add it to the water that you use for irrigation. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to determine the correct dosage for your plant.
During the dormant season, you should reduce the amount of fertilizer you give the plant or stop altogether. This gives the plant a rest period vital to its overall health and prevents the excess accumulation of fertilizer in the soil.
Pruning
Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum requires only minimal pruning. You should remove dead or diseased foliage to promote healthy growth and prevent the spread of any diseases.
To encourage the plant to produce more flowers, you can cut back the stems once the flowers have faded. This stimulates new growth and helps the plant to produce new flowers the following year.
When pruning your Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum, make sure you use clean, sharp tools to prevent any injuries or damage to the plant.
Propagation of Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum
Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum can be propagated by means of seeds or stem cuttings. Both methods require careful attention to achieve optimum results.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum should first be cleaned and then soaked in warm water for several hours to help soften the hard seed coat. After the seeds have soaked, they can be planted in a well-draining seedling mix and placed in a warm and well-lit area. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged as excessive moisture can lead to fungal growth. Germination usually occurs within one to two weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are taken from the woody parts of the plant during the growing season. Cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and taken from healthy plants. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. Place the cuttings in a warm and humid environment, as high humidity is critical for successful rooting. The stem cuttings can take several weeks to root, and it is important to keep the soil moist during this time.
Both seed propagation and stem cutting propagation are effective methods for propagating Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum. However, seed propagation is often preferred as it yields more plants and is less labor-intensive.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum
Eriosema terniflorum Hiern ex Baker f. var. terniflorum is generally considered a hardy plant with few major disease and pest issues. However, a few common problems can impact the plant's health and productivity.
Diseases
The most common disease affecting Eriosema terniflorum is root rot, caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and don't water the plant excessively. Fungicides can be applied if needed.
Another disease that may occur in Eriosema terniflorum is leaf spot caused by the fungus Cercospora eriosemae. Leaf spots appear as small, brownish to black spots on leaves. Prune and remove infected leaves and apply fungicides as needed.
Powdery mildew is also a common fungal disease that may affect Eriosema terniflorum. Keep the planting area clean and dry, avoid overcrowding, and apply fungicides as needed.
Pests
While Eriosema terniflorum is relatively pest-resistant, two common pests that may damage the plant are aphids and spider mites.
Aphids are easily identified by their small size and pear-shaped bodies. They suck the sap from Eriosema terniflorum and cause stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of leaves and cause small, yellow dots to appear on the foliage. Their webs are also visible. Introduce predator insects or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
Regularly inspect Eriosema terniflorum for any signs of disease or pest activity, and take appropriate measures to control and manage them to ensure the plant's health and longevity.
