Origin of Desmodium abyssinicum
Desmodium abyssinicum (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Hutch. & Dalziel is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to Africa, more specifically to the tropical regions of Eastern and Southern Africa.
Common Names of Desmodium abyssinicum
Desmodium abyssinicum has several common names, including Abyssinian desmodium, Ethiopian desmodium, and Wild desmodium. The plant is also known as umalibhele in South Africa.
Uses of Desmodium abyssinicum
Desmodium abyssinicum is a highly valued plant in traditional medicine. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, cough, asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. The plant is also used to treat digestive problems, such as diarrhea, dysentery, and stomachache.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Desmodium abyssinicum is also used as a fodder crop, as it is highly nutritious and palatable for livestock. The plant has a high protein content and is known to improve milk and meat production in animals.
General Appearance of Desmodium abyssinicum
Desmodium abyssinicum is a perennial herb that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The plant has a deep root system that allows it to withstand drought and survive in poor soil conditions. The leaves of the plant are compound, with three leaflets that are elliptic to oblong in shape.
The flowers of Desmodium abyssinicum are pink or lavender in color and are arranged in dense clusters at the tip of the stems. The plant flowers from September to March. After flowering, the plant produces flattened pods that contain several small seeds.
Light Requirements
Desmodium abyssinicum requires full sun to thrive. It requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. It cannot thrive in the shade as it inhibits its growth. Therefore, it is important to plant it in an open area to ensure adequate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Desmodium abyssinicum grows well in tropical or subtropical regions. It cannot withstand extreme temperatures. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. The temperature should not fall below 10°C as it can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, loamy and fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can also grow in slightly acidic soil. It requires adequate moisture, but the soil should not be waterlogged. A well-maintained soil with organic matter enhances the growth of Desmodium abyssinicum. It can tolerate soil salinity to some extent.
Cultivation methods for Desmodium abyssinicum
Desmodium abyssinicum (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Hutch. & Dalziel is a perennial legume plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. To successfully cultivate this plant, it requires warm temperatures, a well-drained soil, and sunlight. It can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering needs for Desmodium abyssinicum
Desmodium abyssinicum requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. This plant prefers moist soil but must not be overwatered. Watering should be done in the morning to allow the plant to dry before nightfall. Adequate drainage should be provided to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Desmodium abyssinicum
Desmodium abyssinicum requires adequate nutrients to grow healthy and produce high yields. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 4-3-3 is recommended. This plant also benefits from the application of organic fertilizers such as compost and manure.
Pruning of Desmodium abyssinicum
Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune Desmodium abyssinicum is after harvesting the crop. Pruning should be done by removing the top two-thirds of the stem, leaving enough leaves to promote regrowth. Regular pruning will increase the number of branches and improve the plant's productivity.
Propagation of Desmodium Abyssinicum
Desmodium abyssinicum is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, and dividing rhizomes. Here is a detailed description of each method:
Propagation by Seeds:
Seeds are the easiest way to propagate Desmodium abyssinicum. The best time to collect seeds is during the dry season. The seeds should be cleaned and dried in the sun for a few days before planting.
The seeds can be either broadcasted or sown in rows. If planting in rows, the spacing should be about 30cm between rows and 5-10cm between plants. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and watered regularly, especially during the germination stage.
The germination period is usually between 7-21 days. After the plants reach a height of around 10cm, they can be transplanted and spaced 30cm apart.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings:
Stem cuttings are another method of propagating Desmodium abyssinicum, although it requires some careful attention. The best time to take the cuttings is during the rainy season when the plant is in active growth.
The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants with a woody stem and should be about 10-15cm long. The cuttings should be kept in a cool and moist place and treated with a rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings can be planted in a well-drained soil mixture and watered regularly until they start sprouting new growth. Once the new growth emerges, the plants can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Propagation by Dividing Rhizomes:
Dividing rhizomes is another way to propagate Desmodium abyssinicum. This method is best done during the rainy season when the plant is in active growth.
The plant should be uprooted and the rhizomes should be carefully separated from each other. The separated rhizomes should be planted in a location with well-drained soil and watered regularly until they start producing new growth.
Using any of these propagation methods, it is possible to easily propagate Desmodium abyssinicum and have a healthy and thriving plant.
Disease Management
Desmodium abyssinicum is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the Colletotrichum dematium fungus, which infects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing sunken black spots. It can be controlled by removing and destroying the infected plants and avoiding overhead watering.
- Root and stem rot: This disease is caused by the Fusarium solani fungus and affects the roots and stems of the plant, causing wilting and death. It can be managed by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the Erisyphe polygoni fungus and affects the leaves of the plant, causing a powdery white coating. It can be controlled by using a fungicide and improving air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Desmodium abyssinicum is also susceptible to various pests, including:
- Spider mites: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. They can be controlled by using a miticide and improving humidity levels around the plant.
- Aphids: These pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and deformation. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap and introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Cutworms: These pests feed on the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. They can be managed by using biological controls such as nematodes and introducing natural predators such as birds.
