Overview of Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre
Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre, is a legume plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is also commonly known by the names spiny forest groundnut, Bambara groundnut, and niébé in Africa. The plant is native to Sub-Saharan Africa and is a known staple food crop in several African countries.
Appearance of Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre
The plant grows as a trailing herbaceous vine and reaches a length of up to 50 cm. It has compound leaves, which consist of three leaflets and produces an inflorescence of small pink to purple flowers. The flower develops into a four-seeded pod, and the seeds are commonly used for food and as an ingredient in animal feed.
Uses of Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre
The seeds of Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre are high in protein, carbohydrates, and minerals and are a valuable food source in African countries. They can be roasted, boiled, or ground into flour to make a variety of dishes such as porridge, soups, stews, and cakes. The leaves and young shoots of the plant can also be eaten as a vegetable. Additionally, the plant helps to fix nitrogen in the soil and thus helps to improve soil fertility. Therefore, it is sometimes grown as an intercrop to improve soil conditions for other crops.
Light Requirements
Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre grows well under full to partial sunlight. It is important to ensure that the plant receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day for proper growth and development. If the plant is grown indoors, it is essential to provide sufficient artificial light to compensate for the lack of natural sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre is between 25°C to 30°C. The plant does not grow well in temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C. If the temperature drops below the minimum threshold, it can lead to stunted growth or even death. In regions with extreme temperatures, it is advisable to grow the plant in a greenhouse or indoors where temperature can be regulated.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, light-textured soils that are rich in nutrients. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is the most suitable for the growth of Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as the plant is susceptible to root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil and incorporating fertilizer during planting can improve the soil's fertility and enhance plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre is a hardy plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The seeds can be direct sown in the garden, or started indoors in pots and transplanted into the garden once the danger of frost has passed. The plant requires full sun to grow and produces vibrant, red flowers that attract pollinators.Watering Needs
Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so it is crucial to ensure well-draining soil. However, do not let the soil completely dry out as it can cause the plant to wilt and affect the flower production.Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the growth and flowering of Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre. Incorporate organic matter into the soil before planting. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Using too much fertilizer can cause the plant to produce more foliage than flowers.Pruning
Pruning of Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre is not necessary as the plant has a naturally bushy habit. However, if you want to control the size or shape of the plant, pruning is recommended. Cut back the stems in the early spring before the plant starts to produce new growth. Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading the spent flowers can also encourage the plant to produce more flowers.Propagation of Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre
Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre can be propagated through seeds as well as vegetative means. The propagation method depends largely on the availability of plant material and the desired outcome.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most commonly used method of propagation is through seeds. Seeds from mature pods collected from healthy plants can be used to propagate new plants. After harvesting, the pods should be left to dry out completely before the seeds are removed. The seeds can then be sown in seed trays filled with light, well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Germination typically takes 2-4 weeks. Seedlings should be kept under filtered sunlight and watered regularly.
Vegetative Propagation
Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre can also be propagated through vegetative means which include: stem cuttings, layering, and division.
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants and rooted in well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of healthy stems and stripped of their lower leaves. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist and under filtered sunlight until rooted.
Layering is the process of using a portion of the parent plant and rooting it while still attached to the parent. A portion of a healthy stem is bent down and partially buried in the soil. After roots have appeared, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Division is the process of separating the parent plant into smaller portions. This is usually done when the plant has grown too large for the container or when it has become overcrowded. The plant should be carefully removed from its container and the root system divided into smaller portions. Each division should have a healthy portion of roots and stems and should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until well established.
Disease and Pest Management for Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre
Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre is a hardy plant that's resistant to a lot of common diseases and pests. However, it can still be affected by a few pests and diseases if not properly managed. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant.
Diseases
One of the diseases that the plant may be susceptible to is root rot. Root rot is caused by a fungus that thrives in moist soil. The fungi attack the roots, leading to rotting, and eventually, the plant's death. To manage root rot, ensure that the plants are grown in well-draining soil and that you don't overwater them. Another common disease that affects Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre is leaf spot disease. The disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the plant's leaves, resulting in brown spots. To manage the disease, remove and destroy all affected leaves and ensure proper ventilation to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
One of the common pests that may attack Sphenostylis schweinfurthii Harms subsp. benguellensis Torre is the African bollworm. The African bollworm attacks the plant's leaves and fruit, resulting in stunted growth and reduced fruit yield. To manage the pest, you can spray the plant with insecticides or use biological control methods, such as releasing predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Another common pest that may attack the plant is Aphids. Aphids attack the plant's leaves, resulting in yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage the pests, you can use insecticides or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
