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Description
Vigna Vexillata, commonly known as the flag leaf bean, is a tropical plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including Africa and South America. The plant is a climbing vine that can grow up to 2 meters in length. It has trifoliate leaves, with each leaflet being ovate and measuring about 4-8 cm in length. The flowers are purplish-pink in color and are grouped in clusters, with each cluster having 4-10 flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Vigna |
Appearance
Vigna Vexillata is a plant that can climb using tendrils. The leaves are trifoliate, and each leaflet is ovate and measures about 4-8 cm in length. The plant produces purplish-pink flowers that are grouped in clusters, with each cluster having 4-10 flowers. The fruits are elongated pods that are about 10-15 cm in length and contain 5-6 seeds. The seeds are small, round, and have a grayish-white color.
Care Guide
Vigna Vexillata is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season. Water the plant deeply, but make sure that the soil is well-drained. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Do not fertilize during the dormant season.
Soil
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight
The plant requires full sun exposure to grow properly. Make sure that it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Vigna Vexillata is a tropical plant and is not frost-tolerant. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Vigna Vexillata is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common problems that you may encounter:
Pests
– Aphids- Spider mites- Whiteflies
Diseases
– Root rot- Powdery mildew
Habitat
Vigna Vexillata is native to Southeast Asia and grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It is commonly cultivated in other parts of the world, including Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Vigna Vexillata edible?
A: Yes, the seeds of Vigna Vexillata are edible and are used as a food source in some parts of the world.
Q: Can Vigna Vexillata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Vigna Vexillata can be grown indoors if it is provided with enough sunlight and a trellis or support to climb on.
Q: How often should I fertilize Vigna Vexillata?
A: Fertilize Vigna Vexillata once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the best time to plant Vigna Vexillata?
A: The best time to plant Vigna Vexillata is in the spring after the last frost.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are closely related to Vigna Vexillata:- Vigna Unguiculata (Cowpea)- Vigna Angularis (Adzuki Bean)- Vigna Radiata (Mung Bean)
References
– “Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich.” Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. Accessed 14 June 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:526677-1- “Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich.” GBIF. Accessed 14 June 2021. https://www.gbif.org/species/5329900
