Origin and Common Names
Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii is a plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa, specifically found in Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Cameroon. The plant is commonly known as "bobolo" in Nigeria and "n'thia" in Togo.
Appearance
The plant is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall and has a woody stem. Its leaves are alternate with 3 leaflets each, and the leaflets are elliptical to oblong in shape, measuring 1.5-3.5 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are yellow and papilionaceous, measuring 1-1.5 cm long and are borne on racemes.
The fruits are pods that are 7-10 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide. The pods contain 2-5 seeds that are cuboid and 6-8 mm long. The seeds have a smooth surface and are brown in color.
Uses
Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii has several traditional uses. In Togo, the plant is used as a food flavoring, while in Nigeria, it is used as an important ingredient in traditional dishes like "okpa" and "ukwa." The seeds of the plant are rich in protein and fat. The plant's bark is used in traditional medicine to treat stomach pain, fever, and diarrhea.
E. verdickii var. verdickii is an important species in traditional agroforestry systems. The plant's leaves and stems serve as mulch, adding organic matter to the soil. The plant also fixes nitrogen, improving soil fertility. Additionally, the plant provides shade to other crops, reducing soil moisture loss, and suppressing weed growth.
Light Requirements
Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii thrives best under full sunlight exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and development. However, it can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is adapted to tropical and subtropical environments, indicating that it prefers warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii falls between 20°C and 30°C. Nonetheless, it can withstand occasional temperature drops to as low as 12°C and rises to as high as 35°C.
Soil Requirements
The soil type for Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii is very crucial in promoting healthy growth. It prefers well-drained soils with high fertility levels enriched with organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5 and 7.5. This species is intolerant to waterlogged soils, so it's crucial to ensure adequate soil drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii is an easy to grow plant and can thrive indoors and outdoors when growing conditions are maintained. It prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter and can handle partially shady conditions.
It is best to propagate this plant from seeds, which are obtained after flowering. The seeds should be soaked in water for a day or two to enhance germination before planting them in pots.
Watering Needs
This plant requires moderate watering. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done once a week, especially during the growing season.
Fertilization
The use of organic fertilizers is recommended for Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii. Use inorganic fertilizers sparingly to avoid overfeeding, but supplement them with organic fertilizers to promote healthy growth.
It is advisable to apply fertilizers when the plant is actively growing in spring and early summer.
Pruning
Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii does not require heavy pruning, but it's best to prune it during the growing season to promote bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged stems.
When pruning, use sharp, sterile pruning shears to cut just above a leaf node. This practice will encourage the plant to produce new growth from the buds located just below where the cut was made.
Propagation of Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii
Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii can be propagated via two primary methods: seeds and cuttings.
Propagation via Seeds
Seeds are the primary method of propagation for Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii. The seeds of this plant are small and can be sown directly into the soil or started in seed trays. The best time to sow this plant’s seeds is during the rainy season, just before the onset of the rains. Before sowing, the soil should be prepared by removing weeds and debris, and loosening the soil.
It is recommended to sow the seeds in straight lines or in stations, with a spacing of about 20-30 cm between plants. This will help in weeding and tending to the plants easily. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1-2cm, covered with soil, and pressed lightly. The soil should be watered immediately after sowing and then regularly watered twice a week, depending on the moisture level in the soil.
Germination of Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii seeds usually takes between 10-20 days. It is important to protect seedlings from direct sunlight and strong winds.
Propagation via Cuttings
Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii can also be propagated via cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the rainy season, when the plant is actively growing and producing new shoots. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should have at least two nodes per cutting.
The cuttings should be taken in the morning and should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted. The soil should be prepared by removing weeds and debris, and loosening the soil. The cuttings should be planted in rows or stations with a spacing of about 20-30 cm between plants. The cuttings should be planted at a depth of about 2-3cm, covered with soil, and pressed lightly.
The cuttings should be watered immediately after planting and then regularly watered twice a week, depending on the moisture level in the soil. The cuttings will start producing new shoots in about 3-4 weeks.
Disease Management
Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its overall growth and productivity. The following are some common diseases:
- Fungal leaf spot: This is a common disease that causes circular lesions on the leaves. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and improving air circulation to reduce humidity.
- Root rot: This disease affects the roots and is usually caused by overwatering. It can be managed by minimizing watering and creating proper drainage in the soil.
- Powdery mildew: This disease causes a white powdery substance on the leaves. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and improving air circulation to reduce humidity.
To prevent these diseases from infecting Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii, it is essential to keep the plant healthy by providing adequate water, nutrients, and sunlight. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, such as sanitizing the tools used on the plant, can help prevent diseases from spreading.
Pest Management
Like any other plant, Eriosema verdickii De Wild. var. verdickii is prone to pest attacks. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves. It can be managed by washing the leaves with soapy water or spraying insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These are small arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing discoloration and stunted growth. It can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can eat through the leaves. It can be managed by picking them off by hand or using insecticides.
To prevent pest attacks on the plant, it is essential to practice good hygiene, such as maintaining a clean growing environment and removing any debris that might attract pests. Regularly inspecting the plant for any signs of infestation can also help manage pests before they become a problem.
