Overview of Sphenostylis Gossweileri Baker f.
Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f. belongs to the family Leguminosae. It is a small perennial bushy plant that is native to tropical Africa. It is also known as Gossweiler’s bean, African yam bean, and Azama in Igbo, Nigeria.
Description of Sphenostylis Gossweileri Baker f.
The plant grows up to 1 meter in height and has a tuberous root system. The stem of the plant is woody and often breaks or shrinks when it dries up. The leaves are trifoliate with leaflets that are elliptical or oblanceolate to oblong. The flowers are white, pink or purple in color and are borne in axillary racemes. The fruits are pods that are up to 10 cm long, containing 1-6 seeds that are shiny black, brown or gray in color.
Uses of Sphenostylis Gossweileri Baker f.
Every part of the plant is useful. The seeds, called African yam beans, are edible and have a high nutritional value. They are rich in protein, essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. The tuberous roots of the plant are also edible and have a nutty flavor. They are used in soups and stews in West Africa and Nigeria in particular. The leaves of the plant can be used as animal feed. In addition, the plant has medicinal properties and has been used in the treatment of various ailments such as stomach disorders, fever, and constipation.
Appearance of Sphenostylis Gossweileri Baker f.
The plant has a bushy appearance, with green leaves and flowers that are white, pink or purple in color. The seed pods are elongated and contain black, brown or gray seeds. The tuberous roots are brown in color and are similar in shape to yams. The overall appearance of the plant can vary depending on the growing conditions and age of the plant.
Light Requirements
Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f. is a plant that requires a lot of sunlight to grow properly. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it in a location where it can receive full sunlight exposure for at least six hours every day. Lack of proper sunlight can cause the plant to become weak and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f. thrives well in warm temperatures ranging between 20°C to 35°C. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 10°C as this can damage its roots. Additionally, frost can harm the plant resulting in stunted growth which will affect its overall productivity.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is fertile with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should have good water retaining capabilities to ensure that the plant has a consistent supply of water. Cotton soils, sandy clay loams, and loamy sands are suitable for growing this plant, but heavier soils can be problematic as they tend to hold water excessively and may hinder proper growth.
Cultivation methods
Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f., commonly known as African Yam Bean, is a tropical plant that is best grown in warm and humid conditions. The plant grows best in well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, and with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant is sensitive to frost and should be grown in areas where the temperature does not drop below 10°C.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be planted in the soil during the rainy season. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant and planted in well-drained soil and maintained under moist conditions. The plant requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth.
Watering needs
Regular watering is essential for the optimal growth of Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f. The plant should be watered at least twice a week during the rainy season. In the dry season, the plant should be watered at least once a week to maintain the soil's moisture content. It is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f. is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of nutrients for optimal growth. It is recommended to apply organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, or bone meal during planting. NPK fertilizers can also be applied during the growing period to top up the nutrient levels in the soil. The application of fertilizers should be done in moderation to avoid overfeeding the plant, which can lead to stunted growth.
Pruning
Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f. requires minimal pruning. The plant usually grows in an upright habit, and the primary stem should be supported to prevent the plant from falling over. Dead or diseased branches should be removed to prevent the spread of diseases. The plant should also be monitored to ensure that it does not become too bushy, which may reduce the yield or airflow around the plant. Trimming the bushy parts will help to promote better airflow and encourage better growth.
Propagation of Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f.
Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f. can be propagated through two methods: seeds and cuttings.
Seeds
Seeds of Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f. are produced in pods. Each pod contains one to three seeds. The pods are mature when they turn brown, and the seeds should be collected immediately to prevent loss of viability. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a dry and cool place for later use.
Before sowing the seeds, they should be soaked in lukewarm water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat. The seeds should be sown in a nursery bed or in pots filled with seedling mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and watered immediately. The soil should be kept moist, and the seedlings should emerge in about 7-10 days.
After the emergence of the seedlings, they should be transplanted to individual pots. The seedlings should be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer. They should be exposed to full sunlight when they are about 10 cm tall. The seedlings can be planted in their permanent location when they are about 30 cm tall.
Cuttings
Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f. can be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season, when the plant is actively growing.
The stem cuttings should be about 15 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and a few leaves should be left on the upper part of the cutting. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium made of equal parts of sand and perlite. The cuttings should be watered and covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture.
The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area and monitored regularly. The rooting should take place in about 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they should be transplanted to individual pots. The young plants should be fertilized regularly and exposed to full sunlight when they are about 10 cm tall. The plants can be planted in their permanent location when they are about 30 cm tall.
Disease Management for Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f.
Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f., also known as African Yam Bean is a crop that is vulnerable to a variety of diseases like bean rust and bacterial blight. It is important to practice preventative measures to decrease the likelihood of these diseases affecting your plants. Here are a few suggestions to help manage these diseases:
- Plant resistant varieties (if available) or healthy, disease-free seedlings or seeds
- Rotate crops to prevent diseases from building up in the soil
- Use proper sanitation practices, such as regularly cleaning tools and equipment. This can help prevent the spread of diseases from infected plants to healthy ones.
- Remove and dispose of any infected plants and debris properly to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management for Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f.
There are several pests that can affect Sphenostylis gossweileri Baker f. crops including aphids, spider mites, and bean weevils. When pests start to effect your crops, they can quickly cause damage and reduce yield. Here are some tips to manage them:
- Use insect-repelling companion plants like basil and marigold
- Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, green lacewings, and parasitic wasps to help control pest populations
- Apply organic, pest-repelling sprays like neem oil or insecticidal soap
- Remove any heavily affected plant parts and dispose of them properly to prevent further infestation
- Check your plants regularly for signs of pests so that you can treat the problem before it gets out of control.
