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Description
Dolichos hastiformis, commonly known as the sword bean or bodi bean, is a tropical legume that is widely cultivated in the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia. It is a climbing plant that can grow up to 3-4 meters in height and produce long, slender pods that contain round, white seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Dolichos |
Appearance
The leaves of the Dolichos hastiformis plant are large, up to 25 cm in length and 20 cm in width, and are composed of three ovate leaflets. The flowers are white or purple, and the pods are long and slender, up to 40 cm in length and 2.5 cm in width. The seeds are round and white, and are typically 1-1.5 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Dolichos hastiformis is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sunlight. It can be grown in hardiness zones 10-11, and can be propagated from seeds. Water the plant regularly, and fertilize every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dolichos hastiformis is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent infestations, keep the plant well-watered and fertilized, and prune any diseased or damaged foliage. If necessary, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Dolichos hastiformis is native to tropical regions of the Americas, but is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world. It thrives in warm, humid climates with well-drained soil and full sunlight. It is commonly grown in home gardens, as well as on commercial farms for its edible pods and seeds.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dolichos hastiformis be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow Dolichos hastiformis indoors, as it requires full sunlight and can grow quite large.
Q: Is Dolichos hastiformis edible?
A: Yes, the pods and seeds of Dolichos hastiformis are edible and are commonly used in Caribbean and South Asian cuisine.
Q: How long does it take for Dolichos hastiformis to produce pods?
A: Dolichos hastiformis typically produces pods within 60-70 days of planting.
Q: Can Dolichos hastiformis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Dolichos hastiformis can be grown in containers, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and has adequate drainage.
Related Plants
- Dolichos lablab
- Dolichos biflorus
- Dolichos purpureus
References
- “Dolichos hastiformis (L.) Millsp.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science.
- “Sword Bean.” Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products.
- “Dolichos hastiformis.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
