Origin
Glycine schliebenii Harms, commonly known as Schlieben's glycine, is an understory herbaceous perennial plant species that is native to tropical sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, it is found in Zambia and Zimbabwe, where it grows in forests and woodlands at an altitude of 1000-1400 meters above sea level.
Common Names
Apart from Schlieben's glycine, this species is also known by several other common names, including Schlieben's wild bean, Schlieben's soybean, and Kafulafuta soybean.
Uses
Glycine schliebenii is used for various purposes, especially in traditional medicine, where the plant parts are known to have medicinal properties. Roots, leaves, and seeds are all used for different treatments, including treating coughs, relieving pain, and as a natural aphrodisiac. In addition, this plant is used for cooking, with the young leaves and pods added to soups and stews. The seeds are also edible, and roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute.
General Appearance
Schlieben's glycine is a perennial herb that grows up to a meter in height, with a woody base and a branching stem. It has a deep taproot system that allows it to withstand drought conditions. The leaves are compound and trifoliate, with alternate leaflets that are elliptical, lanceolate, and up to 12 cm long. Its flowers are purple-pink and arise on terminal spikes. The fruits are flattened, brownish pods that are covered with hairs and contain one to four seeds.
Growth Conditions of Glycine schliebenii Harms
Glycine schliebenii Harms is a leguminous plant native to Africa. In the wild, it can be found growing in rocky outcrops, in savannah, and in woodland areas. To cultivate this plant in a garden, it is essential to understand its growth conditions.
Light Requirements
Glycine schliebenii Harms requires full sunlight to grow. Therefore, it should be planted in an area where it receives direct sunlight for at least six hours daily. In shaded areas, the plant will grow poorly and may eventually die.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is capable of adapting to a wide temperature range, but it grows best in areas with a daytime temperature of between 20-30°C (68-86°F). However, it can tolerate high temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) and low temperatures of -5°C (23°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is optimal for its growth. Glycine schliebenii Harms can tolerate sandy, loamy or clay soils, but it is essential to ensure the soil is not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
Water Requirements
Glycine schliebenii Harms requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered regularly but should not be soaked, which may lead to root rot. It is essential to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizer Requirements
Glycine schliebenii Harms requires a low to moderate amount of fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive leaf growth and poor flower development. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every two to three months.
In conclusion, Glycine schliebenii Harms is a relatively easy-to-grow plant that requires full sunlight, moderate watering, and well-draining soils rich in organic matter. The plant can adapt to a wide temperature range but grows best in areas with warm temperatures. With proper care and maintenance, this plant can thrive for many years.
Cultivation and Care Guidelines for Glycine schliebenii Harms
Glycine schliebenii Harms is a tropical plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family, and it originates from tropical Africa, particularly from Cameroon. When cultivating this farming species, the following guidelines are essential to ensure successful growth and development:
Soil Preparation
Glycine schliebenii Harms does well in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It would help if you prepared the soil by breaking up clumps and removing any large debris. You can also add compost or well-decomposed manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting
You can plant Glycine schliebenii Harms either by sowing seeds or using cuttings. When planting from seeds, sow them in pots or seed trays, cover them lightly with soil, and keep the soil moist until they germinate. As for cuttings, ensure that you place them in a well-draining mix and keep them moist. The plant can then be transplanted into its permanent soil location once it develops strong roots.
Watering Needs
Glycine schliebenii Harms is a water-loving plant, and regular watering is necessary during the vegetative stage. Once flowers start to bloom, it would be helpful to reduce watering to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Watering should resume once the soil feels dry to the touch, but the water should not be allowed to accumulate around the plant's base.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for the optimal growth and development of Glycine schliebenii Harms. You can use a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It would help if you fertilized the plant every two weeks during the growing season but avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning Glycine schliebenii Harms is essential to maintain its growth, shape, and healthy form. Prune the plant after flowering to remove any dead or diseased branches. You can also cut back the plant's stems if they become too long or if the plant starts to become overgrown.
With these cultivation and care guidelines, you can ensure successful growth and development of Glycine schliebenii Harms, resulting in a healthy and beautiful plant.
Propagation of Glycine schliebenii Harms
Glycine schliebenii Harms can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Glycine schliebenii Harms can be collected from mature pods during the autumn season. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting to facilitate germination. The seeds can be planted in a well-drained soil mixture and kept in a warm and moist environment. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the stems of Glycine schliebenii Harms during the spring season before new growth begins. The cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long and should have at least two leaf nodes. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and moist environment. The cuttings will generally root within 3-4 weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings should be transplanted into individual pots and kept in a bright, filtered light until they are ready to be planted in the ground.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to provide appropriate care and maintenance to ensure the establishment and growth of Glycine schliebenii Harms.
Disease Management
Glycine schliebenii Harms is susceptible to various diseases that can significantly reduce yield and quality. Therefore, preventive measures and early management of these diseases are essential to ensure optimal plant growth and development. Here are some common diseases that affect Glycine schliebenii Harms and how to manage them:
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN)
SCN is a significant parasite that affects Glycine schliebenii Harms. The nematode feeds on the roots, causing systemic damage and reducing plant vigor. The symptoms of SCN are usually observed in patches of stunted plants with yellowing leaves. To manage SCN, crop rotation with non-host crops is recommended. Additionally, resistant cultivars can be planted to minimize damage from SCN.
Sudden death syndrome (SDS)
SDS is a fungal disease that attacks Glycine schliebenii Harms, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. The disease is characterized by tan patches on the roots and stems. SDS management involves planting SDS-resistant cultivars. Additionally, planting in well-drained soils and avoiding soil compaction can help reduce the occurrence of SDS.
Pest Management
Glycine schliebenii Harms is also vulnerable to various pests. The pests can cause damage to leaves, stems, and roots, resulting in a reduction in yield. Here are some common pests that affect Glycine schliebenii Harms and how to manage them:
Soybean aphid
Soybean aphids infest Glycine schliebenii Harms by sucking sap from the plant, leading to distorted leaves and poor growth. The best way to manage soybean aphids is by monitoring their population levels and applying insecticides at the recommended thresholds to prevent significant crop damage.
Bean leaf beetle
Bean leaf beetles cause aesthetic damage to Glycine schliebenii Harms by feeding on leaves, flowers, and pods. Severe infestations can lead to reduced yield. To control bean leaf beetles, insecticides can be applied during the early growth stages of Glycine schliebenii Harms. Additionally, planting late season maturing varieties can reduce the damage caused by bean leaf beetles.
