Dolichos

Description

Dolichos, also known as Hyacinth Bean or Lablab Bean, is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Africa and Asia and is widely cultivated for its edible seeds, leaves, and pods. Dolichos is an annual or perennial climber that can grow up to 3 meters in height. The plant has a rapid growth rate, especially in warm and humid climates, and can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Dolichos has compound leaves that are trifoliate and can grow up to 15 cm long. The flowers are bisexual, zygomorphic, and vary in color from white to purple or blue. The fruit is a pod that is 5-15 cm long and contains 4-10 seeds. The seeds are flat, oval-shaped, and usually have a white or black color. The stems of the plant are slender and twine around support structures to climb.

Care Guide

Dolichos requires regular watering, especially during its growing period. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Fertilization should be done every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Dolichos needs full sun exposure for optimal growth and should be grown in hardiness zones 9-11. The plant can tolerate some frost, but it should be protected from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dolichos can be affected by various pests and diseases, including aphids, mites, caterpillars, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant, leading to reduced growth and yield. The plant is also susceptible to fungal infections such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. Proper sanitation and regular spraying of insecticides and fungicides can help prevent and control these problems.

Habitat

Dolichos is native to Africa and Asia and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The plant can grow in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and gardens. Dolichos prefers warm and humid climates and can tolerate some drought conditions.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Dolichos edible?

A: Yes, Dolichos is edible. The seeds, leaves, and pods of the plant are all used for culinary purposes.

Q: Can Dolichos be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Dolichos can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth and provide adequate support.

Q: How long does it take for Dolichos to mature?

A: Dolichos usually takes 3-4 months to mature and produce seeds.

Q: Can Dolichos be propagated by cuttings?

A: Yes, Dolichos can be propagated by stem cuttings taken from mature plants.

Related Plants

• Vigna unguiculata
• Cajanus cajan
• Pisum sativum
• Glycine max
• Phaseolus vulgaris

References

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=DOLI2
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4029687/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/lablab-bean