Overview
Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. is a species of a flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is commonly found in different parts of Africa and is known by several other names such as the sticky snout-bean, purple-leaved snout-bean, and striped butterfly. The plant is known for its varied uses that include medicinal, nutritional, and agricultural purposes.Appearance
The Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. plant is a woody vine that is capable of growing up to about 15 meters in length. The leaves are alternately arranged, trifoliate, and covered with glandular hairs that make them appear sticky. The foliage's upper leaf surface is mostly hairless but may occasionally have a few hairs, while the underside is typically covered with hairy gland-like structures. The flowers are yellow and have a sweet fragrance, and they typically grow in leaf axils. The fruit is a pod that is oblong and flattened and may be strigose.Uses
Medicinally, Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. is traditionally used as a herbal remedy to treat a variety of ailments, including bronchitis, coughs, and rheumatism. Its edible leaves and seeds are also rich in nutrients and proteins, which makes them a valuable ingredient in traditional African diets. Agriculturally, Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. is important for soil enrichment, as it is a nitrogen-fixing plant. Farmers also often use it as fodder for livestock, a green manure, and a cover crop for soil conservation. In conclusion, Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. is a versatile plant with numerous medicinal, nutritional, and agricultural uses. Its woody vine and trifoliate leaves make it a unique and easily recognizable plant species, which is an important source of food and natural remedies in different parts of Africa.Light Requirements
Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. prefers to grow under full sun exposure. The plant thrives in areas with bright and direct sunlight, which helps in the synthesis of food. Lack of adequate sunlight can cause stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant has adapted to grow in warm temperatures, preferably from 25°C to 30°C. Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. cannot tolerate cold temperatures and frost. Therefore, it is essential to grow the plant in areas with temperatures within the recommended range, failure to which the plant may die.
Soil Requirements
Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. thrives in well-drained soils with high fertility levels. The plant requires soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant also requires good aeration and proper water drainage.
Cultivation of Rhynchosia viscidula Steud.
The Rhynchosia viscidula plant thrives well in dry, sandy, and well-drained soils. It prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The best location for growing this plant is in areas with moderate to full sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade but may not produce as many flowers.
Propagation of the Rhynchosia viscidula plant can be done through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be directly sown into the soil during spring or summer when temperatures are warm. Stem cuttings should be taken from the plant during the growing season and planted in well-draining soil.
Watering Needs of Rhynchosia viscidula Steud.
The Rhynchosia viscidula plant requires moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions, but regular watering ensures better growth and flowering. Water the plant once or twice per week and avoid excessive watering as it can lead to root rot. It is best to water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid evaporation.
Fertilization of Rhynchosia viscidula Steud.
To promote healthy growth and better flowering, fertilize the Rhynchosia viscidula plant with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to burning of the leaves and stunted growth.
Pruning of Rhynchosia viscidula Steud.
Pruning of the Rhynchosia viscidula plant should be done during the dormant season. Prune the plant to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain its shape. Avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce the plant's flowering ability. Pinching or cutting the growing tip of the branches will promote bushy growth and more flowers.
Propagation of Rhynchosia viscidula Steud.
Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. can be propagated both by seed and vegetative means. Propagation by seeds is most commonly used, while vegetative propagation is usually reserved for special situations.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. are small and hard, with a dark brown color. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil during the rainy season when the weather is warm. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for about 24 hours to help break the dormancy of the seed coat and speed up germination.
Seeds can be sown directly in the field or in pots, trays, or containers. Seedlings usually emerge after 7 to 10 days, and they can be planted in the field when they are about 4 to 6 weeks old.
Propagation by Vegetative Means
Vegetative propagation of Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. is less common but can be done by stem cuttings, root cuttings, and layering.
Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants. Cuttings should be about 15 cm long with 2 to 3 nodes. Cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots develop, which usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
Root cuttings are taken from healthy plants during the dormant season. Roots should be about 10 to 15 cm long and 0.5 to 1 cm in diameter. Root cuttings should be planted horizontally in well-draining soil and kept moist until new shoots emerge.
Layering can be done by bending a lower branch to the ground and covering a section with a layer of soil or compost. After a few weeks, new shoots will emerge from the covered node. The new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted elsewhere.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhynchosia viscidula Steud.
Rhynchosia viscidula Steud., commonly known as the sticky snoutbean or the viscid rhynchosia, is a leguminous plant that is native to Africa. Like any other crop, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. To ensure maximum productivity, it is crucial to adopt an integrated pest management approach that combines various control measures.
Common Diseases that Affect Rhynchosia viscidula Steud.
Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. can be attacked by several diseases during its growth. These include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects many plants. It causes dark lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods, ultimately leading to plant death. To control this disease, it is essential to use resistant varieties, sanitize the field, rotate crops, and apply fungicides.
- Southern blight: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the plant's stem base, causing wilting and eventual death. To manage this disease, it is essential to practice crop rotation, remove and destroy infected plants, and apply fungicides.
- Yellow mosaic virus: This is a viral disease that causes yellowing and distortion of the leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. To control this disease, it is crucial to use virus-free planting materials, practice strict sanitation measures, and use insecticides to control the vectors.
Common Pests that Affect Rhynchosia viscidula Steud.
Rhynchosia viscidula Steud. can also be attacked by several pests during its growth. These include:
- Leaf miners: These are insects that feed on the plant's leaves, causing white or brown trails. To manage these pests, it is essential to remove infested leaves, use insecticides, and practice crop rotation.
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and reduced yield. To control these pests, it is essential to use insecticides, introduce natural enemies like ladybirds, and practice crop rotation.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage these pests, it is essential to use insecticides, introduce natural enemies like predatory mites, and practice proper irrigation to maintain high humidity levels.
Finally, it is crucial to practice good agricultural practices such as proper field sanitation, maintaining proper soil pH, and providing adequate nutrients to keep the plants healthy and resistant to pests and diseases.
