Dolichos is a climbing vine from the legume family. The origin of the culture began with the tropical and subtropical regions of East Africa, where the weather is hot all year round, so it does not face a frost test. As for the territory of Russia, only annual species of dolichos are found here.
As it matures, the vine turns into a lush growth, hiding nondescript dilapidated buildings or a fence in need of repair behind its green mass of leaves and lilac flowers. The vigorous shoots of this vine twine around the walls and ceiling of the gazebo. In addition to decorative advantages, the dolichos plant is eaten. The shiny black bean pods are packed with nutrients. They are added to various dishes or prepared as independent dishes.
Description of the plant
The perennial dolichos has curly stems directed upwards and a branched root, which is formed from thin, cord-like processes. There are small seals on the processes. In most vines, the length of shoots is from 3 to 4 m, and tall species can reach about 10 m. The outer shell of the stems is red-brown bark. Antennae on the shoots are absent, but this does not prevent the stems from twisting around a nearby support.
The vine is overgrown with wide, heart-shaped petiole leaves. They are rough and leathery to the touch. The color of the foliage is presented in dark green tones. Often, purple streaks are visible near the vein that runs in the center of the leaf.
Dolichos blooms in mid-summer. Oblong racemes covered with many small flowers protruding from the axils of the leaves of the upper tier. In almost all legumes, flowers are similar to each other. During flowering, the brushes smell nice. One inflorescence includes about 40 buds with white-yellow or pink petals. The opened flowers retain their shape for 20 days. Withered buds are replaced by new ones. For this reason, dolichos pleases with flowering right up to the coldest days.
When the brushes are pollinated, bean pod ovaries, filled with flat, wide seeds, will begin to form. The size of the pod is about 5-6 cm. The outer surface of the fruit has a purple hue and shimmers in the sun. Blooming dolichos is as attractive as other decorative crops in flower beds. The color of the beans is black. There is a white speck near the base. The shape of the fruit is oval. Ripe dolichos beans are considered edible.
Types and varieties of dolichos with photos
In the countries of East Africa, about 70 species of vines are distributed. On the territory of the Russian Federation, one species is used for cultivation - common dolichos or "curly lilac". The plant got its name because of the specific color of flowers and leaves. The vine is covered with lilac stains. This species is subdivided into several varieties.
Pink moon
The structure of the perennial resembles lilac bushes. The length of the vine reaches no more than 4 m. Bright green leaves in the shape of a heart grow chaotically.With the onset of the flowering phase, the greens give way to long lilac clusters. The purple-colored beans stay on the bush almost until the end of autumn and do not fall off even under the snow.
Purple garland
The stems are able to lengthen up to 6 m. Large leaves, like a garland, twine around the support. Oblong purple inflorescences adorn the ends of the shoots. The color of the buds is very bright and striking. Cut flowers sit in the vase for a long time and look fresh.
Lilac cascade
The variety is characterized by a short, widely spreading vine. Verandas and balconies are decorated with a lilac cascade. The plant is poorly fruitful and produces few flowers, but its roots and shoots are best adapted to low temperatures.
Dolichos lablab
A rare blooming vine that grows in the wild near Mount Kilimanjaro. The height of the shoots containing lateral layers reaches from 3 to 5 m. The cluster inflorescences stand out against the background of green vegetation. The color of the variety is lilac or pinkish. Pollinated ovaries turn into ribbed flattened beans, where round or elongated grains are stored.
Growing dolichos
The cultivated species of dolichos can only be grown by seed. The use of cuttings and cuttings for rooting is a rather complicated and ineffective process. Sowing seeds of vines is done immediately in the ground in early May. Germination of the material will take time. Seedlings bloom in August, while the inflorescences quickly fall off. The ripening of the beans is uneven. To get guaranteed seeds, you will have to start growing dolichos seedlings. Then you can not be afraid of losing the seed.
Before starting sowing, bean scarification is carried out, i.e. soften the shell. As a result, moisture will saturate the embryo faster. You can use a nail file, knife or needle to process the skin. Shallow punctures are made over the entire surface of the fetus, trying not to damage the embryo, which is hidden under the white spot. After that, the beans are soaked for a day in cool water, and the container is transferred to the refrigerator, then the seeds will not sour.
Dolichos is planted in boxes or pots with peat and leafy soil. Charcoal and chalk are also added to the soil mixture. The sowing depth should not exceed 3 cm, and the interval between seedlings should be 5 cm. The pots should be placed on windowsills, where the crops will be constantly illuminated. Water the soil periodically. In June, young plants are ready for transplantation. The root system is more likely to adapt to the new environment if you keep an earthy clod from the pot. The distance between the seedlings is maintained from 20 to 40 cm. To prevent the vine from breaking under the weight of greenery and inflorescences, it is necessary to install a support nearby.
Dolichos care
Taking care of dolichos is as easy as shelling pears. Liana develops well in open light areas. Lack of lighting slows down the growth of shoots, the color of the leaves fades. A favorable air temperature is considered to be the range from +20 to + 30 ° C. Places where the wind often blows is best avoided, since dolichos reacts sharply to temperature fluctuations.
A loose and fertile substrate with a neutral reaction will do more good. The site is dug up in advance and a little humus is made from rotten leaves or compost. Over-saturation of the soil with nitrogen entails a number of diseases.
Liana needs frequent hydration, at least 2-3 times a week. Abundant watering is especially necessary on days of intense heat. Moistening is carried out subject to the drying of the top layer of the soil. Stagnant water can cause root rot. Weeding and loosening the substrate will saturate the earth with oxygen.
Dolichos is fed at the stage of active flowering. It is recommended to use phosphorus mineral fertilizers, for example, superphosphate. Diluted top dressing is watered a couple of times a month.
Shoots are tied to a support. As soon as the lateral processes appear, they are pinched so that the vine begins to grow in breadth.
Dolichos is not afraid of disease.Too dense thickets of vines cause the development of powdery mildew and spotting. In order to prevent the vine, it is better to plant it in sunny places that are well ventilated. Shoots and leaves of legumes are attacked by aphids, nematodes and caterpillars. Insecticidal preparations act as salvation from parasites.
Dolichos in landscape design
Liana dolichos will be the perfect complement to decorate gazebos, arches and various fences, the height of which reaches several meters. The perennial is replete with rich green foliage and lush inflorescences-tassels. It is better to plant undersized decorative flowers near dolichos, for example, tulips, clematis or peonies... With the help of pinching and tying the shoots of the vines, it is easy to give any shape. Thanks to the flexibility of the vines, they get unusual plant figures and sculptures to fill the empty area of the lawn.
Culinary use
Dolichos beans contain starch and proteins. Black beans are soft and delicate in taste. Ripe and not fully ripe pods are considered edible. Dolichos-based dishes have a spicy herbal smell. Beans are added to salads, soups and garnishes. Vine fruits are very nutritious, quickly saturate and restore the body, and also go well with fish, rice and vegetables. In folk medicine, the fruit decoction of the dolichos vine is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
