Desmanthus Velutinus Scheele: Overview
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele is a shrub found in the Fabaceae family, commonly known as velvet bundleflower or smooth bundleflower. The plant is native to Texas, Arizona, and Mexico and grows in various regions of North and South America. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 6 feet in height and has deep roots that propagate over 10 feet deep in the soil.
Appearance
The Desmanthus velutinus shrub has a soft and velvety texture on its branches and leaves, which is likely why it goes by the common name "velvet bundleflower". The leaves of the plant are pinnately compound and arranged in thorny stems. The stem has a grayish-green color, and its flowers are reddish-pink in color and have a unique structure. They have an elongated shape, forming a cylindrical inflorescence, which can be up to 4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. The fruit of the plant is a legume, which contains small, black seeds in it.
Uses
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele extract has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes. It is known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and has been used to treat various ailments such as headaches, wounds, and intestinal disorders. Some Native American tribes have also used the plant to treat respiratory and lung diseases.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant has been used in reclamation projects to prevent soil erosion due to its deep root system, which can help stabilize soil and prevent landslides. The plant's seeds are also used as food for birds and rodents.
Due to its unique appearance, Desmanthus velutinus Scheele is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens. Its beautiful reddish-pink flowers and velvety texture make it an attractive addition to flower beds.
Light Requirements
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele grows well in bright sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate full shade, but growth may be stunted, and the plant may become leggy. Therefore, it is best to provide the plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to promote healthy growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in a warm environment with temperatures ranging between 25 to 35°C (77 to 95°F). It does not tolerate frost or extreme cold temperatures. Therefore, it is suitable to grow Desmanthus velutinus Scheele in tropical or subtropical areas.
Soil Requirements
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele grows well in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, or clayey soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (pH 6.0-7.5). However, it prefers well-drained soils with good organic matter content. It does not perform well in waterlogged or heavy clay soils. To promote optimum growth, it is necessary to add organic matter to the soil and ensure adequate drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele, commonly known as velutini bur clover or Wild Tarragon, is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that grows best in USDA zones 8 through 11. The plant thrives in warm and dry climates and prefers full sunlight exposure.
The ideal soil for growing Desmanthus velutinus Scheele should be well-draining and moderately fertile. You can amend the soil with organic compost or sand to improve the drainage and nutrient content. The plant can be grown from seeds or propagated through stem cuttings. If growing from seeds, ensure that they are scarified before planting to enhance germination.
Watering Needs
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require frequent watering. You should water the plant only when the soil is dry to a depth of 2-3 inches. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, which can damage the plant's growth. During the plant's establishment phase, daily watering can be done to ensure the plant takes root.
Fertilization
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele requires moderate fertilization for healthy growth. You can apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, which is from early spring to late summer.
Too much fertilizer can lead to the development of long stems with few leaves. Additionally, excess fertilizer can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can harm the plant's roots and cause browning of the leaves.
Pruning
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele requires only minimal pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. You can remove the dead or damaged stems at any time of the year. However, the best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before the plant commences new growth.
You can also prune the plant to control its size and maintain its shape. Pick off any dead flowers or seed pods to keep the plant looking neat and prevent self-seeding.
Propagation of Desmanthus velutinus Scheele
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele, commonly known as velvetpod mimosa or veludo, can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and root division.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Desmanthus velutinus Scheele can either be sown directly into the soil or started indoors before transplanting. To start the seeds indoors, plant them in pots filled with well-draining soil, keeping them consistently moist. Place the pots in a warm, bright location and watch for germination to occur in one to two weeks. Once the seedlings have developed several sets of leaves and the outdoor temperature remains consistently above 50°F (10°C), they can be transplanted into the ground. Sow the seeds in early spring for the best results.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a cutting from a healthy adult plant, approximately 4-6 inches long, and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil, keeping the soil moist and the pot in a warm, bright location. Once the cutting has developed roots, usually after 2-3 weeks, it can be transplanted into the ground in early spring.
Root Division Propagation
Another propagation method for Desmanthus velutinus Scheele is through root division. This method involves dividing the plant's roots into several sections and planting them directly into the ground. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the roots, ensuring that each section has several shoots. Replant each section in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Root division should only be performed on mature plants, usually after 2-3 years of growth.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, always ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and provided with adequate water and sunlight to promote healthy growth.
Disease Management
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele, also known as velutinum or Arizona Bundleflower, is generally resistant to most plant diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by certain fungal and bacterial diseases, such as root rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and bacterial blight.
To prevent these diseases, it is essential to keep the plant healthy and provide adequate air circulation. Avoid overwatering and keep the soil well-drained. Remove and destroy any infected plant parts immediately, and avoid wetting the leaves or flowers during watering. Additionally, proper sanitation practices can help to prevent the spread of diseases. Use good-quality sterilized soil and disinfected tools. If the disease persists, use fungicides or bactericides recommended for ornamental plants and follow the instructions on the label.
Pest Management
Desmanthus velutinus Scheele is also not highly susceptible to insect pests. However, in some cases, it may be infested by caterpillars, aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
To control pests effectively, early detection and identification are essential. Regularly inspect the plant and look for signs of pest infestation, such as chewed leaves, webbing, or discolored spots. Use physical methods to remove pests, such as handpicking, pruning, or using a strong stream of water to dislodge them. Additionally, using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil is an effective way to control pests. Apply these products according to the label instructions and avoid using them during high temperatures or bright sunlight.
It is important to note that most pests and diseases can be prevented by maintaining good plant hygiene and avoiding stress factors such as overwatering, poor nutrition, or extreme temperatures. By adopting good practices for plant care and management, it can be ensured that Desmanthus velutinus Scheele remains healthy and thriving.
