Overview
Teramnus labialis (L. f.) Spreng. is a member of the Fabaceae family and is also known as pink Teramnus or butterfly pea. This ornamental plant is native to Madagascar, Africa, and Asia, but it can grow in other tropical and subtropical regions. It is widely used for its medicinal and culinary benefits.
Appearance
The plant is a perennial climber that can reach a length of up to 10 meters. The leaves are trifoliate, and each leaflet is round or oval-shaped with a pointed tip. The flowers of Teramnus labialis are pink, pea-like, and grow in clusters at the end of long stalks. The fruits are brown or blackish pods that are about 3-6 cm in length.
Common Names
Teramnus labialis is also known by many other common names such as butterfly pea, pink Teramnus, dong gui ye, sepak takraw, and bunga bungaan.
Uses
The plant has both medicinal and culinary uses. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat a range of ailments such as fever, anemia, inflammation, and skin infections. It is also believed to have antioxidant and antidiabetic properties.
In the culinary world, Teramnus labialis is used as a natural food colorant and flavor enhancer. It is used to color rice, noodles, and desserts in Southeast Asia. The flowers and leaves can also be used to make tea, which is believed to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
Light Requirements
Teramnus labialis prefers full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive and produce flowers. Insufficient light may result in stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures with a minimum of 15°C and a maximum of 35°C. It cannot tolerate frost or extreme temperatures. Temperatures below 15°C may cause foliage yellowing and leaf drop. On the other hand, temperatures above 35°C may cause heat stress and plant wilting.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers fertile, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils as it may lead to root rot and plant death. The ideal soil type is loamy, with a good water retention capacity and excellent drainage. It also benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vigorous flowering.
Cultivation Methods
Teramnus labialis (L. f.) Spreng. is a leguminous crop that requires well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 - 7.5. It grows better in warm areas with temperatures ranging from 20 - 30°C. The crop is tolerant to a wide range of soil types but requires fertile soil with adequate organic matter content. It is propagated through seeds or cuttings, which are planted at a spacing of 50cm x 50cm.
Watering Needs
Teramnus labialis requires a consistent supply of water for optimal growth and yield. Depending on the soil type and weather conditions, the crop may require between 600 - 800mm of water annually. Irrigation should be done when there is a shortage of rainfall, especially during the dry season. Watering should be done in a way that ensures the soil remains moist but not saturated.
Fertilization
Fertilizers are necessary to ensure optimal growth and yield. Before planting, it is advisable to apply a basal fertilizer composed of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Top-dressing with nitrogenous fertilizers should be done during the vegetative growth phase. Teramnus labialis also benefits from organic manure, which improves soil fertility and provides micronutrients.
Pruning
Pruning helps to control plant growth and improve the yield of Teramnus labialis. The crop should be pruned to remove dead or diseased branches and to allow air and light to penetrate. Pruning also encourages the development of lateral branches, which increases the number of flowers and pods. It is advisable to prune immediately after harvesting the pods.
Propagation of Teramnus labialis (L. f.) Spreng.
Teramnus labialis (L. f.) Spreng. commonly known as Blue wiss, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is a perennial climbing vine that can grow up to 2-3 meters.
Propagation of Teramnus labialis can be done through various methods, including:
Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Teramnus labialis is through seeds. Collect mature seeds from the plant during the late summer or early fall and sow them immediately. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination, which can take between one to three weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location once they are large enough to handle and have developed a strong root system.
Cuttings
Teramnus labialis can also be propagated through cuttings. Take 4-6 inch long stem cuttings from the plant in early spring, making sure the cutting has at least two leaves. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix, making sure to keep the soil moist and warm. Rooting hormone can be applied to the cuttings to promote rooting. Once the cuttings have rooted and have developed new growth, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division
Propagation of Teramnus labialis can also be done through division. The plant can be divided in the spring before new growth appears. Dig up the plant and separate the root clump into several sections, making sure each section has at least one shoot and a healthy portion of the root system. Plant the divided sections in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Propagation of Teramnus labialis is not a difficult task, and with proper care and maintenance, the plant can thrive and provide beautiful blooms all year round.
Disease and Pest Management for Teramnus labialis
Teramnus labialis (L. f.) Spreng. is a vine species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. However, this plant is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Teramnus labialis and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and cankers on the stem and petioles. The infected parts of the plant become black and dry, leading to defoliation and reduced yield. To manage anthracnose in Teramnus labialis, remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply fungicides such as copper oxychloride or mancozeb regularly.
2. Leaf rust: Leaf rust is caused by a fungal pathogen that affects the leaves of the plant and causes yellow-orange rust pustules on the underside of the leaves. The infected leaves eventually fall off, leading to reduced photosynthesis and yield. To manage leaf rust, remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply fungicides such as triadimefon or propiconazole regularly.
Pests
1. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small sap-sucking insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They secrete sticky honeydew that attracts ants and causes fungal growth on the plant. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays and remove heavily infested plant parts.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are common pests that affect Teramnus labialis and cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves and fine webbing on the plant. They are difficult to control because they reproduce quickly and develop resistance to pesticides. To manage spider mites, use acaricides such as abamectin or spinosad and maintain good plant hygiene to prevent infestation.
Overall, proper plant hygiene, regular monitoring, and timely intervention are necessary to manage diseases and pests in Teramnus labialis and ensure its growth and yield.
