Overview: Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub.
Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub. is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. It is commonly referred to as "Chanka piedra" in Peru and "Fagara" in Nigeria. This herbal plant has been used in African traditional medicine for centuries because of its many health benefits.
Appearance: Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub.
Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub. is a perennial plant with a height of up to 1.5 meters. It has slender, woody stems that grow erect or twine around other plants. The leaves are compound with three leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate-shaped, measuring about 10 centimeters long and 6 centimeters wide. It bears small purple flowers that are clustered in terminal or axillary racemes, which later develop into tiny, round seeds.
Uses: Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub.
The plant has several medicinal uses, as it contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds that have therapeutic properties. The roots, leaves, and stem of this plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions. The plant has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties that make it effective in treating numerous ailments such as:
- Respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia
- Digestive disorders such as dysentery, diarrhea, and stomach pains
- Joint pains, rheumatism, and arthritis
- High blood pressure
- Parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis and malaria
Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub. has also been found to be beneficial in the treatment of liver problems and hepatitis. Additionally, it has been used in some African cultures as an aphrodisiac due to its purported ability to increase libido.
Light Requirements
The plant Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub. requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. It is best suited to grow in areas that receive full to partial sunlight. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is necessary for this plant to grow properly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 20°C to 35°C. High humidity supports the growth of this plant. Therefore, humid subtropical or tropical climates are ideal for growing Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter. It grows best in soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub. prefers soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The preferred soil type for this plant is a sandy loam or loamy soil.
Cultivation of Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub
The cultivation of Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub requires an appropriate environment that mimics its natural habitat. It is an African shrub that thrives in warm and humid conditions. Therefore, it should be grown in temperatures between 18-25°C, with humidity levels between 50-75%.
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to make sure that the roots of the Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub are not sitting in stagnant water.
Watering needs
Watering the plant should be done regularly, but it should not be overwatered. It is best to water the plant when the soil is partially dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
The amount of water required depends on the environment in which it is grown. If the area is hot and dry, it will require more water than if it is cool and humid.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to thrive. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 should be used. Fertilization should be done every two to three months.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can be harmful to the plant's roots. If the plant shows signs of yellowing leaves, it may be a sign of over-fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub plant. However, if it becomes too large, it may be pruned to a more manageable size.
Any dead or diseased branches should be removed from the plant. Pruning should be done during the growing season and not during the dormant season.
Propagation of Desmodium adscendens var. robustum
Desmodium adscendens var. robustum is a hardy perennial plant that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It is a useful medicinal plant that is native to West Africa, but its use has spread globally. Propagation of Desmodium adscendens var. robustum can be done via seeds or cuttings.Seed Propagation
The seeds of Desmodium adscendens var. robustum are small and black. They should be collected when the pods are dry, between September and November. The seeds should be stored in a dry place until planting. To propagate via seeds, the seeds should be sown in soil that has been moistened before planting. The soil should be well-drained but should retain moisture. Seeds should be covered lightly with soil and grown indoors under bright, indirect light. The seedlings should be kept moist but not waterlogged.Cutting Propagation
Cuttings can be taken from the plant during its growing season. The cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long and be taken from a healthy, disease-free plant. They should be taken from the top one-third of the stem, as this is where the new shoots will emerge most actively. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then be planted in well-draining soil that has been moistened. The cuttings should be kept moist but not waterlogged and be grown indoors under bright, indirect light. After about 2-4 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into their permanent location.Conclusion
In conclusion, Desmodium adscendens var. robustum can be propagated via seeds or cuttings. Seed propagation is easy but can take longer to produce mature plants. Cutting propagation is faster and can produce mature plants quickly, but requires more attention and effort.Disease Management
Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub. is a hardy plant that is not typically prone to diseases. However, some diseases may affect its growth and yield. It is important to regularly monitor the plant for any signs of disease and take preventive measures to manage them.
One common disease that can affect the plant is root rot, which is caused by a fungal infection. This disease can be managed by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and by avoiding overwatering. Planting in well-drained soil and using a fungicide can also help to prevent root rot.
Another disease that can affect Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub. is leaf spot, which is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Leaf spot can be managed by ensuring that the plant is not overcrowded, avoiding overhead watering, and removing any infected plant materials. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of leaf spot.
Pest Management
Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub. can also be affected by pests that can damage the plant and reduce its yield. Common pests include aphids, mites, and thrips. It is important to regularly monitor the plant for any signs of pest infestation and take measures to manage them to prevent further damage to the plant.
Aphids are small insects that can suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and wilt. They can be managed by introducing natural predators like ladybugs or by using insecticidal soap.
Mites are tiny insects that can also cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. They can be managed by using a miticide or by introducing predatory mites to the plant.
Thrips are small insects that can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from young leaves and buds. They can be managed using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring and prompt management of pests can help to prevent severe damage to Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. var. robustum B.G.Schub. and ensure healthy growth and yield.
