Overview
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar is a species of leguminous plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as Wild Cowpea or Wild Vigna in English and "Marama" in Southern Africa. It is indigenous to Southern Africa but is also found in other parts of Africa such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia.
Appearance
The Wild Cowpea plant is a perennial, climbing shrub that can grow up to 6 meters long, although it may also be less than 2 meters depending on the availability of support. The plant has many branches, and the leaves are pinnate with 3-5 leaflets. The flowers are yellow in color and are borne on racemes. The pods are elongated and can grow up to 30cm long. The pods are filled with seeds, which are flattened and can vary in color from yellow through brown to black.
Uses
The Wild Cowpea plant has various uses in Southern African cultures. The seeds of the plant are high in protein and are eaten raw, boiled, or roasted. In addition to being a food source, the plant also has medicinal uses, with the seeds being used to treat a range of ailments, such as stomach problems and hypertension.
The plant is also useful for soil fertility as it can fix nitrogen in the soil, making it more productive for other plant growth. The Wild Cowpea is also a source of forage, and its leaves and stems can be used as feed for cattle, sheep, and goats. The plant is also used as a traditional medicine in some African cultures to treat various ailments.
Overall, Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar is a valuable plant with multiple uses ranging from food to medicinal purposes and is an important part of the Southern African ecology.Light Requirements
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar thrives best in a location with bright, indirect light. This plant should be placed near a window that receives filtered light throughout the day. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and stunt the growth of the plant, so it is important to protect it from harsh rays.
Temperature Requirements
These plants prefer warm temperatures between 20 to 30°C. Cold temperatures can cause the leaves of the plant to drop, and it may also affect the plant's growth and health. If temperatures are too low, the plant may become vulnerable to disease and pests, making it important to maintain the right temperature level.
Soil Requirements
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar require well-draining soil that has good drainage because the roots can quickly rot in muddy and water-stagnant soil. A well-draining potting mix with organic matter and sand would be an ideal option. These plants should be grown in containers with drainage holes that allow excess water to escape, helping to prevent the root system from being water-logged.
Cultivation Methods
The Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar, commonly known as the wild mung bean, is a fast-growing, heat-tolerant plant that requires warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine to grow and thrive. The plant prefers well-draining, loamy soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. Plant the seeds in the early spring when the soil is warm and moist. The seedlings should emerge within 7 to 10 days. The plant can grow in both dry and moist soil conditions, provided the adequate watering.
Watering Needs
The wild mung bean requires a moderate amount of water to grow. During the first few weeks after planting, the soil should be kept uniformly moist to ensure proper germination and emergence of seedlings. Once the seedlings are established, reduce the watering to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Check the soil regularly to ensure that it is not too dry or too wet as this can affect the plant's growth. Water the plant once a week and ensure the soil receives an inch of water. However, during hot and dry periods, water the plant once every 2-3 days.
Fertilization
The Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar requires regular fertilization to grow well. Fertilize the plant with nitrogen-rich fertilizer at least once a month. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer can be used for this purpose. Fertilizing the soil with well-rotted manure or compost can also help increase the nutrient content of the soil which benefits the growth of the wild mung bean, thereby increasing the yield.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar plant. However, it is advisable to remove any yellow or damaged leaves as they can attract pests or diseases and reduce the overall productivity of the plant. Additionally, keeping the plant upright will help increase the amount of sunlight it receives, helping it to grow better, healthier, and more robust.
Propagation of Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar is a plant species that can be propagated through several methods.
Seed propagation
The most common way of propagating Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature plants and sown in the desired location once the soil is warm enough.
The seeds should be sown 2-3 cm deep and the distance between the seeds should be at least 20 cm. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 10-15 days.
Cutting propagation
Propagation through cuttings is also possible for Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season and should be around 15 cm long.
The leaves at the bottom of the cutting should be removed and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. The cutting should then be planted in a pot or a prepared bed with well-draining soil and kept moist until roots develop, usually in around 2-3 weeks.
Division propagation
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating a mature plant into smaller sections and replanting them into different areas.
The best time to do this is during the growing season when the plant is actively producing new shoots, and it should be done carefully to avoid damaging the root system.
Regardless of the propagation method, it is important to provide the new plants with adequate water and sunlight until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. davyi (Bolus) B.J.Pienaar
Vigna vexillata var. davyi is a species of legume that is commonly used in food production in Africa. However, like any other plant species, it is prone to attack by pests and diseases. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that might affect Vigna vexillata var. davyi and how to manage them:
Diseases
Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. Symptoms include yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is not over-watered as this creates a favourable environment for fungi to thrive. Also, ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Yellow mosaic virus: This is a viral disease that causes yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. There is no cure for this disease, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the virus from spreading. To prevent this disease, use disease-resistant varieties of the plant and practice good sanitation by removing infected plants.
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. Symptoms include dark spots on the leaves and pods, which eventually turn into lesions. To manage this disease, use disease-resistant varieties of the plant and practice good sanitation by removing infected parts of the plant.
Pests
Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing curling and yellowing of the leaves. To manage these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. Also, encourage the presence of natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Cutworms: These are insects that cut the stems of the plant at soil level, causing wilting and death of the plant. To manage these pests, use biological control methods such as releasing parasitic nematodes into the soil. Also, use physical barriers such as collars made of cardboard to prevent the cutworms from reaching the stem.
Bean beetles: These are insects that feed on the leaves and pods of the plant, causing defoliation and reduced yields. To manage these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. Also, encourage the presence of natural predators such as parasitic wasps.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can ensure that your Vigna vexillata var. davyi plants stay healthy and productive. Remember to always read and follow the instructions on any pesticide or herbicide that you use.
