Overview
Teramnus repens (Taub.) Baker f. subsp. gracilis (Chiov.) Verdc. is a perennial woody plant and a member of the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to continental Africa, particularly in the dry savannas, and has been introduced to other parts of the world. It is known by various common names, including Wild Bean, Goa Bean, African Poon, and Karamajinga.
Appearance
The plant is a vigorously growing perennial woody climber with stems reaching up to 8 meters long. The leaves are trifoliate, composed of three leaflets, and are oval in shape with pointed tips. They are 3 to 8 cm long and 2 to 4 cm wide with entire margins. The flowers are purple in color, and the inflorescence is a spike-like panicle, 7 to 30 cm long with 20 to 60 flowers in each cluster. The fruits are legumes measuring approximately 5 cm long and 1.4 cm wide and contain one or two seeds.
Uses
The plant Teramnus repens (Taub.) Baker f. subsp. gracilis (Chiov.) Verdc. has several uses. The plant is a source of food for both humans and animals. The leaves and young shoots are edible when cooked and are used as a vegetable in some African countries. The seeds are also edible and are eaten roasted or boiled. In addition, the plant is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and coughs. The plant is also used in reforestation programs and as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and to enhance the soil's fertility.
Light Requirements
Teramnus repens subsp. gracilis requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can limit its growth and affect flowering. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions and thrives in warm temperatures. It grows well in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 10°C can damage or kill the plant, so it is not suitable for areas with frost or cold winters.
Soil Requirements
Teramnus repens subsp. gracilis grows well in a range of soils, including sandy loam, clay loam, and silt loam. It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant. It can tolerate some drought, but it grows best in soils that are moist and have good water holding capacity.
Cultivation Methods for Teramnus Repens (Taub.) Baker f. subsp. Gracilis (Chiov.) Verdc.
Teramnus Repens (Taub.) Baker f. subsp. Gracilis (Chiov.) Verdc. is a versatile plant that can grow in different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It typically grows in full sun to partial shade. Therefore, when selecting a planting location, it is essential to choose a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
The plant grows as a robust vine, which requires support to climb. A trellis or fence is a suitable support structure for the plant. Ensure that the support system can hold the weight of the plant as it grows.
Watering Needs
Teramnus Repens (Taub.) Baker f. subsp. Gracilis (Chiov.) Verdc. requires adequate moisture to grow and thrive. However, it is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Therefore, it is best to use a well-draining soil mix and water the plant moderately. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, it is recommended to fertilize Teramnus Repens (Taub.) Baker f. subsp. Gracilis (Chiov.) Verdc. at least once a month. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid using a high-nitrogen fertilizer as it promotes leaf growth rather than flowering.
Pruning
To maintain the plant's shape and promote bushier growth, it is crucial to prune Teramnus Repens (Taub.) Baker f. subsp. Gracilis (Chiov.) Verdc. regularly. Prune the plant after flowering by cutting back the terminal shoots to the desired length. Also, remove any dead or damaged stems to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Teramnus repens subsp. gracilis
Teramnus repens subsp. gracilis is propagated through two main methods: seeds and stem cuttings. The choice of propagation method depends on the availability of planting material and the desired outcome.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used to propagate Teramnus repens subsp. gracilis. Seeds can be obtained from mature pods by harvesting and drying them. After harvesting, the seeds are cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place. To enhance germination rates, the seeds should be scarified by scratching or clipping the seed coat to allow water to penetrate.
Before planting, the soil should be prepared by removing weeds and other debris and adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. The seeds can be sown directly in the prepared soil or in seed trays filled with a mixture of soil and compost. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until germination. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is a quick and efficient method used to propagate Teramnus repens subsp. gracilis. Cuttings can be taken from mature plants by using sharp and sterilized garden scissors or a knife. Cuttings should be taken from healthy stem tips or nodes measuring approximately 10-15cm in length with at least two leaves.
Before planting, the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. The cuttings should be planted in prepared soil containing organic matter and kept moist until roots develop. Roots typically develop within 4-6 weeks.
Whichever propagation method is chosen, the new plants should be watered regularly and provided with sufficient fertilizers to enhance growth and development.
Disease Management
Teramnus repens subsp. gracilis is generally a hardy plant but may be susceptible to certain diseases. Proper plant care can minimize the risks of diseases, and external factors such as wind and rainfall may also affect the prevalence of diseases. Some common diseases affecting Teramnus repens subsp. gracilis include:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease infects leaves and causes yellow spots that may turn brown with visible black fungal spores. To manage leaf spot, remove all infected leaves and maintain low humidity levels by spacing plants and allowing good air circulation. If leaf spot persists, use fungicides to control its spread.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogged soil conditions and affects the roots of the plant. Signs of root rot include wilting and yellowing of leaves, along with stunted growth. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that soil is well-draining. If root rot persists, prune the affected roots and apply fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Mosaic virus: This viral disease can result in yellow or white streaked leaves and stunted growth. To manage mosaic virus, remove infected plants immediately to avoid spreading the virus and control the spread of insects that may transmit the virus. Plant resistant varieties and ensure good hygiene to prevent spread.
Pest Management
Teramnus repens subsp. gracilis is also relatively resistant to pests, but proper care can further prevent pest infestation. Some common pests affecting Teramnus repens subsp. gracilis include:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from the plant and can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves, along with stunted growth. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Spider mites: These small pests can cause yellow spots on leaves and webbing that may cause growth problems. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock off the mites, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand and use a sticky collar around the stem of the plant to prevent infestation from crawling caterpillars.
