Physostigma Coriaceum Merxm.
Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. is a species of flowering plant from the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the calabar bean, ordeal bean, chop nut, or Ghana pea. This plant is native to West Africa, specifically Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
General Appearance
The calabar bean plant is a perennial climber known for its beautiful, showy flowers which are purplish-pink or white with a combination of yellow. The leaves of the plant are large, pinnately compound and have 8 to 14 leaflets. The bean pod itself is smooth and varies in color from pale yellow to reddish-brown. It also has a woody texture, a pointed end, a hinge-like constriction, and varies in length from 7 to 15 cm.
Uses
The calabar bean plant is famous for its medicinal properties, as the seeds and leaves of the plant contain several active compounds, including physostigmine and eserine. These compounds are powerful alkaloids that have been used to treat various medical conditions for centuries. They are especially effective in treating glaucoma, which is a disease that affects the eyes and can cause blindness. The compounds in the plant work by lowering intraocular pressure, which helps to prevent damage to the optic nerve. Other uses of the calabar bean include treating snake bites, as well as for ritual and spiritual purposes by some indigenous tribes in Africa.
Despite its medicinal properties, the calabar bean can also be dangerous to humans and animals if ingested in high doses. Therefore, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
Light Requirements
Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. is a shade-loving plant that grows well under diffused sunlight or moderate shade. Direct exposure to intense sunlight for prolonged periods should be avoided as it can cause leaf damage and slow down growth. It is recommended to place the plant in an area that receives dappled sunlight for a few hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. growth is between 18 °C and 25 °C. Temperatures below 13 °C or above 30 °C can be harmful to the plant's growth and development. The plant grows best in areas with moderate to high relative humidity and good air circulation. It is important to protect the plant from sudden temperature changes or extreme weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. thrives in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant does not tolerate poorly-draining, clayey or waterlogged soils as these can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. A soil pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal for the growth and development of this plant. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve soil structure and nutrient availability.
Cultivation methods for Physostigma Coriaceum Merxm.
Physostigma Coriaceum Merxm. is a tropical plant that can be cultivated either through seedlings or by transplanting mature plants. When using seedlings, it is essential to begin by preparing high-quality soil that can facilitate growth. The seedlings should be planted in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Additionally, planting should occur in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. The optimum germinating temperature is around 25°C and takes roughly 2 to 3 weeks.
Watering Needs for Physostigma Coriaceum Merxm.
The plant requires consistent watering to maintain its moisture levels, especially during dry spells. However, care should be taken to avoid overwatering, as this could lead to poorly drained soil and root rot. The best method for watering is to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the hot and dry season, the plant can be watered twice a week, while in the cold and rainy season, once a week is okay.
Fertilization for Physostigma Coriaceum Merxm.
Appropriate fertilization is essential to keep the plant healthy and maintain good growth. It is advisable to use a slow-release fertilizer every six to eight weeks, focusing on the rainy season. It is best to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to an increase in vegetative growth at the expense of ripening fruits. Any necessary adjustments in pH should be done to match the plant's requirements, which is around 5.0-6.5.
Pruning for Physostigma Coriaceum Merxm.
Pruning is necessary to keep the plant healthy and maintain good growth. It is recommended that pruning be done during the rainy season to minimize damage and facilitate faster healing. Pruning should focus on removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and foliage. Additionally, pruning will promote the growth of healthy new plants by removing any weak foliage and dead wood.
Propagation of Physostigma coriaceum Merxm.
Propagation of Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. can be done through three methods:
Seed propagation
Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. can be propagated through seeds. The seeds are first soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat. The soaked seeds are then planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, moist, and bright location. Germination can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown two sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is also possible with Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. Cuttings collected from the plant's new growth should be at least 15 cm long and free from any diseases or pests. The cutting's bottom end should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil, moistened and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. They should be kept out of direct sunlight and transplanted to individual pots when they've grown roots.
Division propagation
Propagation through division refers to separating an established plant into smaller sections for planting. Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. should be divided in spring before new growth begins. The plant should be carefully removed from the soil, and the roots should be gently teased apart. Divided sections should be planted into individual pots using a well-draining potting mix, watered thoroughly, and kept in a bright, warm location.
Disease and Pest Management for Physostigma Coriaceum Merxm.
Physostigma coriaceum Merxm., commonly referred to as Calabar bean, is a tropical plant that is native to West Africa. It is primarily cultivated for its medicinal properties. Although the plant is known for its resilience, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can reduce its yield and quality.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. is anthracnose. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Infected leaves usually develop small, circular spots that eventually expand and turn brown. To manage this disease, it is recommended that you remove and destroy all infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
Another common disease that affects Calabar bean is root rot. Root rot is caused by a soil-borne pathogen that attacks the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To avoid root rot, avoid excessive watering and ensure proper drainage by using well-draining soil.
Common Pests
Calabar bean is also susceptible to pest infestations. One of the most common pests is the mealybug, which feeds on the sap of the plant and causes yellowing of the leaves. To manage mealybug infestations, it is recommended that you physically remove the insects or apply insecticides.
Another common pest that affects Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. is the spider mite. Spider mites feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage spider mite infestations, it is recommended that you regularly spray the plants with water and apply insecticides.
Prevention
The best way to manage diseases and pests that affect Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. is through prevention. You can prevent the spread of diseases by ensuring the plants are well-spaced to allow proper air circulation, avoiding excessive watering, and using high-quality seeds. To prevent pest infestations, you can regularly inspect the plants and remove any pests that you find. It is also recommended that you practice crop rotation to prevent the buildup of pests and pathogens in the soil.
Overall, proper disease and pest management are essential to ensure the optimal yield and quality of Calabar bean. By paying attention to the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and implementing the appropriate management strategies, you can optimize the health and productivity of your Physostigma coriaceum Merxm. crops.
