Stizolobium Deeringianum Bort Overview
Stizolobium Deeringianum Bort is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to South America, particularly in Bolivia and Brazil. It is also found in other countries such as Argentina, Colombia, and Peru. The plant bears different common names such as Wild Licorice, Wild Tamarind, and Peruvian Licorice.
Appearance
The plant has a vine-like habit and can reach up to 10 meters long. It has compound leaves composed of three leaflets that are dark green in color, with a smooth and glossy surface. Its flowers are white, pink, or purple, and arranged in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a flat, brown pod that contains about 6 to 8 seeds.
Uses
The seeds and leaves of Stizolobium Deeringianum Bort are known to have medicinal properties. Its seeds are rich in phytoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. As a result, they are used to help alleviate symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances or menopause. The leaves of the plant, on the other hand, are used as a natural sweetener and also have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as constipation, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. In addition, it is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent due to its sweet taste.
Furthermore, Stizolobium Deeringianum Bort is used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It is often grown on fences and trellises, where it can climb and provide shade.
Light requirements
Stizolobium deeringianum, commonly known as velvet bean or Florida velvet bean, requires full sun exposure to thrive. It is a crop plant that benefits from at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant should be grown in an open field or an area where there is no obstruction to the sun's access.
Temperature requirements
The plant grows well in a tropical or subtropical climate with a warm and humid environment. It has a temperature requirement of between 20°C and 35°C (68°F to 95°F) and cannot tolerate frost. If the temperatures are too low, the plant will not survive, and the growth will be affected. Additionally, the weather conditions should be favorable, with no prolonged periods of drought or heavy rain.
Soil requirements
Velvet bean plants require well-drained soil with rich organic matter. The soil should have a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0, indicating it is slightly acidic to neutral. They can grow in sandy, loamy, or clayey soils, and the texture should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The plant is susceptible to root rot when grown in an area with waterlogging and is not recommended in areas with poor soil drainage. Additionally, the soil should be free from toxic chemicals such as salt, which can inhibit growth.
Cultivation Methods
Stizolobium deeringianum Bort, commonly known as velvetbean, is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine to grow. It is typically grown as a cover crop, but can also be grown for its edible seeds.
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a moderate amount of soil salinity and is drought-tolerant once established. Velvetbean should be planted in the spring when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60°F.
Watering Needs
Velvetbean requires regular watering to establish itself and grow, especially during the first few months of growth. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent stress and wilting. Once established, the plant becomes more drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering.
Fertilization
Velvetbean is a legume that fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, which reduces the need for supplemental fertilization. However, applying a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting and before flowering can increase growth and seed production.
It is also important to avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote vegetative growth at the expense of seed development.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for velvetbean. However, removing the top growth can stimulate branching and increase seed production. Cutting the plant back to a height of 2-3 feet after flowering can also promote, denser, bushier growth.
Removing any damaged or diseased branches or leaves is also important to prevent the spread of disease and pest infestation.
Propagation of Stizolobium deeringianum Bort
Stizolobium deeringianum Bort is a leguminous plant that is commonly propagated by seeds, cuttings, and grafting. Propagation is essential for the reproduction of this plant.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Stizolobium deeringianum Bort are easy to collect from the parent plant and can be sown directly in the garden bed or pots. However, before planting, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 12 to 24 hours to increase germination rate and reduce the seed coat's hardness.
Sow the seeds at a depth of 1 to 2 cm in well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes about 10-14 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent spot outdoors after 4 to 6 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings are another viable propagating method for Stizolobium deeringianum Bort. This method of propagation is more reliable than seed propagation. Select healthy stems about 10-15cm long and make a clean cut with a sharp knife, making sure there are two nodes present on the stem.
Remove the leaves from the lower node and dip the cutting's base in a rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into well-draining soil and water the pot. Cover pot with plastic to maintain humidity. In approximately three to four weeks, the cuttings will root and can be transplanted to a permanent spot.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a more evolved and complex technique that can also be used to propagate Stizolobium deeringianum Bort. This method requires the use of a mature, well-established plant as the rootstock where a young plant is grafted to its stem.
Mature branches of a closely related species can also be used for rootstock. The young plant to be grafted should have its uppermost shoot trimmed to make it easier to graft. Make a clean cut to join the newly cut base of young plant to the rootstock. Secure the grafting point with tape or twine and keep the plant in a humid environment for two to three weeks for the graft to heal.
After this period, the plant should be gradually exposed to sunlight and watered regularly to initiate vegetative growth actively. Root establishment may take up to six months, after which the plant will begin to thrive.
Disease and Pest Management for Stizolobium deeringianum Bort
Stizolobium deeringianum Bort is a legume plant that is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it is still susceptible to some problems that might affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
1. Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Stizolobium deeringianum Bort. It causes brownish spots on leaves and stems and can eventually cause defoliation and death of the plant. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Use of fungicides may also be necessary. The application of compost tea can also help to improve the plant's immunity against the disease.
2. Root Knot Nematodes
Root knot nematodes are microscopic worms that can cause significant damage to the roots of Stizolobium deeringianum Bort. Infected plants may exhibit stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and decreased yield. Crop rotation, use of resistant cultivars, and soil fumigation with methyl bromide are effective ways to manage root knot nematodes. In addition, the use of organic mulches and compost will improve the soil structure and reduce the nematode population.
3. Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small insects that suck sap from the leaves of Stizolobium deeringianum Bort, causing yellowing and wilting of the plants. They can also transmit plant viruses. To manage leafhoppers, it is recommended to use insecticides or neem oil. Additionally, the planting of trap crops such as sunflowers or sweet potatoes can help to divert the leafhoppers from the main crop.
4. Pod Borers
Pod borers are the larvae of certain moths that bore into the pods of Stizolobium deeringianum Bort, causing significant damage and decreasing yield. To manage pod borers, it is recommended to harvest pods as soon as they mature and to destroy any infested pods. The use of insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis is also effective in controlling pod borers.
Overall, proper care, including regular watering and fertilization, can help to keep Stizolobium deeringianum Bort healthy and resistant to pests and diseases. Monitoring the crop regularly for any signs of problems and acting promptly can also help to prevent any significant damage.
