Origin and Common Names
Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. fagifolius Hauman, commonly known as velvet bean, is a perennial legume native to tropical Africa, Asia, and Oceania. It is also known regionally as kudzu bean, cowitch, and Bengal bean.
General Appearance
The velvet bean plant can grow up to 15 meters long and climb by twining around other vegetation. It has trifoliate leaves with a central stalk and two smaller side stalks. The leaves are oval or elliptic and can be up to 20 centimeters long. The plant produces showy purple or lavender flowers in clusters that are up to 15 centimeters long, which eventually develop into green seed pods covered in tiny hairs that give the plant its velvety texture. The pods contain 3-10 seeds that are round, oval, or kidney-shaped and vary in color from light gray to dark brown.
Uses
The velvet bean plant has long been used in traditional medicine to alleviate anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. It contains L-DOPA, a chemical precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can improve mood and concentration. The plant's seeds have also been used to treat parasitic infections, diabetes, and menstrual irregularities.
Additionally, the velvet bean plant is used as a cover crop and green manure in agriculture due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil and improve soil structure. Its high protein content and palatability also make it a valuable forage crop for livestock.
Growth Conditions for Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. fagifolius Hauman
Light: Teramnus micans thrives well in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. It is ideal to grow the plant in an area with a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight exposure.
Temperature: The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and requires warm temperatures to grow well. Optimum growth temperature ranges from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius, and the plant cannot tolerate frosty conditions.
Soil Requirements: The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It grows well in acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be moderately fertile, moist, and provide good root aeration.
Water: Teramnus micans requires moderate watering levels. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause leaf wilting and yellowing. It is best to water the plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilizer: The plant responds well to organic fertilizers and regular feeding. You can use a balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) ratio of 10:10:10 during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength before application, and ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Humidity: The plant tolerates moderate humidity levels, but high humidity levels can encourage fungal diseases. Ensure the growing area is well-ventilated to allow air circulation.
Propagation: Teramnus micans can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds are sown directly in the soil, while stem cuttings are taken from mature plants and root in a well-draining potting mix.
Cultivation Methods
Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. fagifolius Hauman, commonly known as velvet bean, is a tropical plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant can be propagated either by seed or stem cuttings. For seed propagation, select healthy seeds and soak them in water for six hours before planting. Sow the seeds in prepared soil, and ensure that they are kept moist throughout the germination period. Stem cuttings can be propagated by taking a healthy stem, cutting it into a 3-4 inches long section, and inserting it into prepared soil.
Watering Needs
Velvet beans need regular watering during the growing season. However, they do not tolerate water-logged soils or standing water. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to prevent root rot and other related diseases. Ensure that the soil is well-drained, and that the plant has access to sunlight.
Fertilization
During the growing season, velvet beans require regular fertilization to promote growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended, and should be applied every two weeks. Alternately, organic fertilizers such as compost tea can be used as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
Pruning
Pruning velvet beans helps promote bushy growth and discourages leggy growth. It also helps to remove any diseased or dead parts of the plant. Pruning can be done after harvest, by removing any dead or diseased branches. Additionally, pruning of the terminal bud can help promote branching. Do not prune too much, as velvet beans re-sprout slowly.
Propagation of Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. fagifolius Hauman
The plant Teramnus micans (Baker) Baker f. var. fagifolius Hauman can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. The propagation method chosen depends on the availability of plant material and the desired outcome.
Propagation from Seed
Propagation from seeds is the most common method of propagating T. micans. After collecting the seeds, they should be stored in a dry and cool place until ready to be used. Germination of the seeds is improved by soaking them in water for about 24 hours before planting.
The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture at a depth of approximately 2 cm. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet during germination. Germination usually takes between 2-4 weeks.
Seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they have developed their first set of true leaves. Once they are established, they can be planted outdoors in a location with partial shade.
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
Propagation from stem cuttings is another method of propagating T. micans. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be approximately 10 cm in length. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
A well-draining soil mixture should be used for planting the cuttings. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant them in the soil mixture, leaving only the top pair of leaves above the surface. The soil should be kept moist during the rooting process, which usually takes between 2-4 weeks.
Once the cuttings are rooted and established, they should be transplanted to individual pots. When they are well-established in their pots, they can be planted outdoors in a location with partial shade.
Disease Management
Teramnus micans is known to be susceptible to certain diseases, particularly fungal infections. The most common diseases that affect this plant species include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on leaves, stems, and fruits. It also leads to the withering and eventual death of affected parts. To manage anthracnose, affected parts should be pruned and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used, especially those that contain copper.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange or brown rust-colored spots on leaves and stems. It can also lead to the defoliation of the plant. To manage rust, affected parts should also be pruned and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used.
Pest Management
Teramnus micans is usually not prone to pests, although some pests can attack it, especially when the plant is stressed or weak. Some of the common pests that can affect this species include:
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, physical removal can be done by washing the affected parts with water. Insecticides can also be used.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to curl and deform. To manage aphids, physical removal can be done by washing affected parts with water. Insecticides can also be used.
It is important to note that preventing plant stress can be a good way of managing both pests and diseases in Teramnus micans. This can be done through proper watering, fertilization, and pest monitoring. Early detection and action against any symptoms or pests are also key to successfully managing them.
