Introduction
Stizolobium pruritum, also known as cowhage, is a tropical legume plant that is native to Africa, India, and the Caribbean. It is a member of the pea family and is commonly grown for its medicinal properties and as a cover crop for soil conservation.
Common Names
Cowhage is known by many common names including velvet bean, Bengal bean, itch bean, and mucuna pruriens. Its scientific name, Stizolobium pruritum, reflects its ability to cause intense itching upon contact with the skin.
Uses
Cowhage has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems as it contains L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, which has been studied for its antidepressant and aphrodisiac effects. Cowhage is also used to treat a variety of conditions such as Parkinson's disease, anxiety, and infertility. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, cowhage is used to treat nervous disorders and as a rejuvenative tonic.
In addition to its medicinal properties, cowhage is also used as a cover crop in areas with poor soil. Its deep roots help to break up compacted soil and its nitrogen-fixing capabilities enhance soil quality. Cowhage is also used as a fodder crop for livestock and its stems and leaves can be used for weaving baskets or making twine.
General Appearance
Cowhage is a climbing vine with a woody stem that can grow up to 15 meters in length. Its leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring between 7-14 cm in length. The plant produces clusters of purple or white flowers that give way to seed pods covered in small, stiff hairs. The mature pods contain 3-4 seeds that are oval-shaped and brown in color. The hairs covering the pods and seeds are extremely irritating to the skin and can cause intense itching upon contact.
Overall, cowhage is a versatile plant that is valued for its many uses in traditional medicine, agriculture, and household crafts. Though it can be a nuisance to those with sensitive skin, it remains an important and widely cultivated plant in tropical regions around the world.
Light Requirements
Stizolobium pruritum prefers full sunlight, and growth may be stunted in shady conditions. It is a highly adaptable plant and can tolerate a wide range of light intensities.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm and humid climates, with temperature ranging between 23°C and 28°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures for short periods but may suffer severe damage if exposed to long periods of heat stress. The optimum temperature for seed germination is between 20°C and 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Stizolobium pruritum can grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy loam to clay loam, but prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Soil pH is not a limiting factor, and the plant can tolerate both slightly acidic and alkaline soils. However, excessive soil salinity and waterlogging can negatively affect growth and yield.
Cultivation Methods
Stizolobium pruritum, commonly called "cow itch vine," is a vine that thrives in tropical climates. The plant requires warm temperatures and rich, well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. It should be planted in an area where it can receive full sun or partial shade. The seeds can be planted directly into the soil or started indoors and then transplanted once they have developed several true leaves. The plant can be aided in its growth by providing support in the form of a trellis or other structure.
Watering Needs
Stizolobium pruritum requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not saturated to prevent root rot. It is recommended to water deeply and infrequently rather than shallowly and frequently to encourage deeper root growth, which helps the plant to become more drought-tolerant over time. During periods of drought, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Stizolobium pruritum benefits from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied during the growing season. Compost or other organic matter can also be added around the base of the plant to provide additional nutrients. It is essential to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Stizolobium pruritum benefits from regular pruning to remove dead or damaged growth and promote new growth. The plant should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It can be trained to grow in a specific shape or direction by selectively pruning certain branches. Pruning can also help the plant to produce more flowers and fruit. However, excessive pruning can lead to reduced yields, so it is important to strike a balance between enough pruning and too much pruning.
Propagation of Stizolobium pruritum (Wight) Piper
Stizolobium pruritum is a legume plant that can be propagated by different methods. Some of the most common propagation methods for this plant include:
Seed propagation
Stizolobium pruritum can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be obtained from mature pods and dried in a shady place for at least a week. After that, it is recommended to scarify the seeds, which means cutting or scratching the seed coat to help water penetrate into the seed and initiate its germination. The scarification can be done mechanically using sandpaper or by soaking the seeds in hot water for a few hours before sowing them.
Cuttings propagation
Another method to propagate Stizolobium pruritum is by stem cuttings. For this method, stem cuttings of about 10-15 cm long should be obtained from the mother plant. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should not have any flowers or buds. After cutting, remove the lower leaves and stick the cuttings into well-drained soil, one-third their length. Keep the soil moist and placed the cuttings in a shaded area.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used for Stizolobium pruritum. Grafting is useful for propagating plants that are difficult to root from cuttings or have low seed viability. In this method, the scion (the top portion of the desired plant) is grafted onto a rootstock plant of a related species. The two parts of the plants are joined together to form a single, healthy plant.
Disease Management for Stizolobium pruritum
The Stizolobium pruritum (Wight) Piper, commonly known as the 'cowhage' or 'cowage' plant doesn't experience a wide range of diseases. However, there are some diseases that could affect the plant. Some of the common diseases experienced by this plant include:
- Fungal leaf spot: This manifests as brown or black round spots on the leaves. The disease can be managed by removing the infected leaves and ensuring that the plant stays dry, with proper spacing between plants to facilitate better air circulation.
- Pod blight: This is characterized by brown spots on the pods which lead to rotting. For management, it is advised that infected pods should be removed as soon as they are spotted and the plants should not be overwatered.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease of the roots that leads to stunted growth. For management, it is important to avoid overwatering the plants and to maintain proper soil drainage. Fungicides can also be applied.
Pest Management for Stizolobium pruritum
There are some pests that can affect the Stizolobium pruritum plant. These pests include:
- Mites: These infest the plant and cause yellowing of the leaves. The pests can be managed by the application of miticides.
- Whiteflies: These suck sap from the plants and cause wilting. They can be managed through the application of insecticides.
- Thrips: These cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can be managed through the application of insecticides.
In all cases, it is important to monitor the presence of pests and diseases and take timely action to manage them. Timely management can help protect the plant and enhance its health and productivity.
