Overview
Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc. is a plant species that is part of the Vicia genus, which belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. This plant is characterized by its unique appearance, common names, and varied uses.
Origin
Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc. is native to Ethiopia, where it is commonly found in dry habitats, including acacia woodland and grassland. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soils and can also tolerate some level of drought.
Common names
This plant is commonly known as the Malo's vetch, or simply Malo's pea, named after its discoverer, the British botanist John Hutchinson Malo. It is also called the Ethiopian vetch or the small-flowered vetch, referring to its geographic origin and unique flower structure.
Appearance
Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc. is a small and delicate annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 70 cm tall. The stems are slender and vine-like, with slightly hairy leaves that measure 4-8 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. It bears small, pale pink or purple flowers in groups of 2-4, which then form into pods containing 2-6 small seeds.
Uses
Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc. has various uses in traditional medicine and agriculture in Ethiopia. The seeds of this plant are rich in protein and are commonly used for animal feed. The plant is also used as a green manure, which is grown to be plowed into soil to improve its nitrogen content. Additionally, crushed leaves and stems of this plant are used to treat fever and other ailments in Ethiopian traditional medicine.
Light Requirements
Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc. is a plant that requires full sunlight or partial shade for growth. In areas with intense heat, it is recommended to provide some shade during the hottest time of day. If grown indoors, the plant should be placed in an area that receives bright light for a minimum of six hours each day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to arid and semi-arid regions with hot summers and cool winters. Therefore, it can withstand high temperatures up to 35 - 40°C (95 - 104°F) during the day and temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F) at night. During the winter season, the plant should be exposed to temperatures ranging from 15 - 21°C (59 - 70°F) to promote growth.
Soil Requirements
Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc. requires well-draining soils with neutral to alkaline pH levels ranging from 7.0 - 8.5. Sandy loam soils are suitable for the growth of this plant. It can adapt to different soil textures - from sandy to heavy clay - as long as they have good drainage and fertility. Adding organic matter to soil can improve the soil's water-holding capacity and sandier soils' nutrient content, making it more suitable for plant growth.
Cultivation methods
Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc. grows well in a variety of soil types, but it thrives in loamy soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. You should plant the seeds in the spring about 1-2 inches deep and cover them with soil. The seeds will germinate in about 10-14 days. Make sure that the planting area receives full sunlight to help the seeds grow into healthy plants.Watering needs
It is important to keep the soil moist until the Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc. seeds germinate. After that, water the plants regularly, but make sure they are not overwatered. Overwatering can lead to rotting of roots and other problems. In general, watering the plants once a week is sufficient, but keep an eye on the soil to ensure that it doesn't dry out completely.Fertilization
Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc. benefits from fertilization with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and again halfway through the growing season. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the amount of fertilizer to use.Pruning
Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc. doesn't require regular pruning. However, you can pinch back the top of the plant to encourage branching and bushier growth. If you notice any dead or diseased parts of the plant, snip them off with clean pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease.Propagation of Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc.
Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc. can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by seed
The seeds of Vicia paucifolia require stratification for germination. Stratification is the process of exposing seeds to a cold, moist environment, which breaks down dormancy and triggers germination. To stratify the seeds of Vicia paucifolia, they should be moistened, placed in a plastic bag, and stored in the refrigerator for at least six weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in the desired growing location.
Propagation by vegetative methods
Vicia paucifolia can also be propagated by vegetative methods such as stem cuttings or division of the rootstock. Stem cuttings should be taken during the plant's active growth phase and be at least 4 inches long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Division of the rootstock involves separating the plant's roots into sections and planting each section separately.
Disease and Pest Management for Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana (Baker) Verdc.
Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana, commonly known as Malo's vetch or Brown's peavine, is a perennial plant known for its beautiful flowers and nutritious seeds. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage the disease, you can try using a fungicide or organic remedies like neem oil or baking soda. Another disease that affects the plant is root rot, which is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent this, avoid watering the plant too frequently and make sure the soil has good drainage.
Pests
One of the common pests that affect Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana is aphids, which are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems. You can manage this pest by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap or neem oil. Another pest that can be harmful to the plant is spider mites, which are small arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves and cause the plant to wilt. To manage this pest, you can try using a miticide or organic remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
It is important to monitor your Vicia paucifolia Baker subsp. malosana regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestations. Early detection and prompt action can help prevent further damage to your plant.
