Overview of Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon
Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to Africa and specifically found in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. It was formally introduced by Baker f. & Haydon in 1926.
Common Names
Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon is commonly known as "Tessman's Eriosema" or "N'Goye".
General Appearance
Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon is a perennial plant that slowly grows into a small shrub, with a woody base. The plant grows up to a height of 2-5 meters, and its branches are covered in stiff, golden-brown hairs. The leaves are alternate and compound, with three leaflets. Its flowers are an attractive shade of bright, flaming-orange, and arranged in racemes that emerge from the leaf axils. Each flower measures about 1 cm in length and has five petals and ten stamens. The fruits are flat, shiny and brown with a size ranging from 1.5 to 4 cm and contain around 3 to 10 seeds.
Uses of Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon
Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon is highly valued for its medicinal properties by traditional healers in Africa. The plant is used to treat various ailments such as abdominal pains, malaria fever, skin problems, and respiratory tract infections. The plant also has some nutritional value. Its seeds are an excellent source of protein and can be used to prepare soups and porridges. Additionally, the plant is a source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive flowers and foliage, and as a soil stabilizer due to its deep roots, which prevent soil erosion.
Light Requirements
Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and decreased flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in areas with temperatures between 20°C to 28°C, and can tolerate temperatures up to 35°C. It is not frost tolerant and cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant can grow in various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon thrives best in a well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant requires adequate sunlight to grow well, but it does not tolerate direct, scorching sunlight. Therefore, the best location to grow it is under partial shade or filtered light. The plant is propagated from seeds, and the best time to plant is in the early spring when the temperature is warm enough.
Watering needs
While Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon appreciates a well-draining soil, it does not tolerate drought. The plant's soil should be consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. In the dry season, the plant may require daily watering, while in the wet season, it may require reduced watering frequency.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular feeding to grow healthy. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied every three months is recommended. However, it is essential to avoid over-fertilization, which can cause fertilizer burn and other detrimental effects.
Pruning
Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon does not require significant pruning. However, it is advisable to perform light pruning to maintain the plant's shape and improve circulation. The best time to prune the plant is during the early spring to mid-summer when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon
Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon is a perennial shrub that can be propagated through multiple methods. The most common propagation method for this plant species is through seed propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon can be collected from mature seed pods when they turn brown and start to split open. Once collected, the seeds can be stored in a dry and cool place until planting. Before planting, the seed coat should be scarified or nicked to help break the seed dormancy. It can also be soaked in water for 24 hours.
After scarification or soaking, the seed can be planted in fertile soil mix in a seedling tray or pot. The soil should be kept moist and warm to aid in germination. The seedlings should be carefully monitored and transplanted to individual pots once they reach a height of 3-4 inches.
Vegetative Propagation
Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon can also be propagated through vegetative propagation. This can be done through stem cuttings or layering.
For stem cuttings, cut a stem section of about 4-6 inches from a healthy plant and remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and cover the cutting with a plastic bag to provide high humidity. The cutting should start rooting within four weeks.
For layering, choose a healthy stem and make a small cut in the bark. Apply rooting hormone and then bury the cut section in the soil, leaving only the tip above ground. Keep the soil moist and monitor for new shoots. Once new shoots appear, cut the rooted layer from the parent plant and transplant into a new container.
Propagation of Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon through these methods can be successful with proper care and attention to detail.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriosema Tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon
Eriosema tessmannii Baker f. & Haydon is a species of the legume family that is commonly found in tropical regions of Africa. Like many other plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can cause damage and reduce the plant's overall health and productivity. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that affect Eriosema tessmannii, along with some tips for their management.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Eriosema tessmannii is root rot, which is caused by a fungus. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage root rot, it is important to plant the Eriosema tessmannii in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. In addition, removing any infected plants can help prevent the spread of the fungus.
Another common disease that can affect Eriosema tessmannii is anthracnose, a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and can lead to defoliation. Managing anthracnose involves removing infected leaves, practicing good sanitation, and avoiding overhead watering.
Pests
Eriosema tessmannii can also be susceptible to certain pests, such as aphids and spider mites. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems, and can lead to the spread of diseases. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plants and remove any infested leaves. In addition, introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, can help control aphids.
Caterpillars are another pest that can affect Eriosema tessmannii. These insects can cause damage to the leaves and stems, and can lead to defoliation. To manage caterpillars, it is important to inspect the plants regularly and remove any caterpillars that are detected. In addition, introducing birds that feed on caterpillars, such as chickadees, can help control the pest population.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Eriosema tessmannii is important to maintain the plant's overall health and productivity. By practicing good plant care, regular inspection, and the use of natural pest control methods, it is possible to prevent and manage many of the common diseases and pests that affect this plant species.
