Origin of Teramnus micans var. cyaneus
Teramnus micans var. cyaneus is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the African continent, specifically found in Central and West Africa including countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, and Angola. The plant is usually found in open and disturbed areas, such as roadsides, fields, and secondary forests.
Common Names of Teramnus micans var. cyaneus
Teramnus micans var. cyaneus has several common names, depending on the region where it is found. Some of these names include blue velvet bean, wild lablab, purple winged bean, and Cameroon bean. The name "blue velvet bean" is derived from the blue-colored velvety flowers produced by the plant, while the name "wild lablab" refers to the close relationship of Teramnus micans var. cyaneus with the edible legume plant Lablab purpureus.
Uses of Teramnus micans var. cyaneus
Teramnus micans var. cyaneus has several uses among the people of Central and West Africa. The plant is known for its medicinal value, particularly in treating ailments such as diarrhea, asthma, and epilepsy. The roots are used to relieve pain and fever, while the leaves are used to treat wounds and skin infections.
In addition to its medicinal value, Teramnus micans var. cyaneus is also used as a food crop. The seeds are boiled or roasted and eaten as snacks, while the leaves are boiled or steamed and used as a vegetable. The plant is also used for animal feed due to its high protein content.
General Appearance of Teramnus micans var. cyaneus
Teramnus micans var. cyaneus is a climbing plant that can grow up to 5 meters long. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet being oval-shaped and measuring between 1-5 centimeters long. The plant produces blue or purple bell-shaped flowers, which are about 2 centimeters long and velvety. The flowers are followed by pods that are about 8 centimeters long, dark brown or black in color, and contain several seeds. The seeds are oblong and slightly flattened, measuring about 1-2 centimeters long and 0.5 centimeters wide.
Growth Conditions for Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman
Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman is a tropical plant that thrives in warm regions. This plant requires certain conditions that are ideal for its growth.
Light
The Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman requires a lot of sunlight to thrive. It grows best in areas that receive full sun to partial shade.
Temperature
The plant requires warm temperatures between 20°C to 35°C to grow, and temperate regions are ideal for its growth.
Soil
The plant typically grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It can tolerate soils that are slightly acidic, neutral, or alkaline. The ideal soil should be sandy loam with a pH range of 6-7.5, ensuring adequate drainage.
Water
This species requires consistent moisture, but they should not be waterlogged. Waterlogging can cause the roots to rot, leading to the death of the plant. Overwatering or underwatering can damage the plant. The ideal time for watering is during dry spells or when the upper layer of soil is dry.
Fertilizer
Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus can be applied to the plant. However, it is important to be cautious when applying fertilizers as excessive fertilizing can harm the plant. Apply fertilizers after watering the plant.
Humidity
The plant requires high relative humidity to thrive, making the plant suitable for growing in tropical regions with high rainfall intensity. Low humidity levels can cause the leaves to wilt and eventually fall off.
Propagation
The plant is propagated using cuttings, and it is essential to ensure that the cuttings are taken from healthy plants. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and placed in a shaded area with high humidity until sufficient roots have developed before transplanting into pots or other growing areas.
Cultivation Methods for Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman
Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman is a tropical plant that can be grown outside or in a greenhouse. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
When growing the plant from seeds, soak them overnight in warm water to soften the seed coat and plant them in the soil. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
If starting from cuttings, take a stem that is at least six inches long and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Dip the end of the cutting in a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Place a plastic bag over the cutting to create a greenhouse-like environment and keep the soil moist until roots have formed.
Watering Needs for Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman
Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman should be watered regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Over-watering can cause root rot and the plant may show signs of yellowing leaves or wilting. Under-watering can also cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth.
Fertilization for Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman
The plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season, but not during winter dormancy. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Follow the instructions on the label for application rates, but generally fertilize every two weeks.
Pruning for Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman
Pruning is not necessary for the Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman plant, but can be done to encourage a bushier shape. To prune, remove any leggy or dead stems back to healthy growth. Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching.
Propagation of Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman
Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
This plant can be propagated through seeds. The seeds should be collected from matured pods when they turn brown and start to split open. The seeds should be sown in seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be covered with a little bit of soil and kept moist until they germinate. The ideal temperature for germination is between 20-25°C. The seedlings can be transplanted into separate containers when they develop their second set of leaves.
Asexual Propagation
Teramnus micans can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select healthy stem cuttings of about 10-15cm in length, and remove all the leaves except for the top two leaves. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone, and then planted in a well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be watered and kept in a warm, shaded area. The ideal temperature for rooting is between 20-25°C. The cuttings should start to root in about 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted into individual containers or planted directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some common diseases that might attack the plant are:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes round or irregular yellow or brown spots on the leaves. It can reduce photosynthetic capacity and yield. To manage this disease, you can apply fungicides such as copper-based products or sulfur.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that attacks the roots and causes wilting of the plant. It is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne pathogens. To prevent root rot, you should avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. You can also apply fungicides containing azoxystrobin or mancozeb to control the disease.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can reduce photosynthesis and affect plant growth. To manage powdery mildew, you can apply fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate or neem oil.
Pest Management
Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. cyaneus (De Wild.) Hauman can also be attacked by various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant and cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. You can manage aphids by spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant and cause yellowing and webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can apply miticides or insecticidal soap. You can also increase humidity around the plant by misting the leaves with water.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant and cause extensive damage. You can manage caterpillars by handpicking them or applying bacillus thuringiensis, a natural insecticide.
