Overview of Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC.
Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It has a unique characteristic feature of being able to climb on trees, fix nitrogen, and support soil fertility. The plant is native to West Africa, where it thrives well in tropical and subtropical regions.
Common Names
The plant is known by various common names depending on the region. Some of the common names are as follows:
- Prekese (Ghana)
- Wungu (Hausa)
- Osese (Nigeria)
- Uyayak (Ivory Coast)
- Fuzhu (China)
Appearance
Desmodium adscendens has a sprawling habit with hairy, erect stems that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The plant produces trifoliate leaves consisting of three elliptical leaflets that have serrated margins. The leaves have a smooth texture, and the upper side is deep green while the lower side has a light green color. The flowers of the plant are small and light violet, arranged in dense inflorescences that form spikes that are 5-15 cm long. They appear from May to October. The fruit is a linear, straight, and hairy pod with a gray-brown color that contains up to four seeds.
Uses
Desmodium adscendens has a wide range of medicinal and non-medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments, such as epilepsy, asthma, pain, fever, and inflammation. It is also used to enhance lactation in nursing mothers, prevent pregnancy, and as a natural remedy against snake bites. In non-medicinal uses, the plant is used for soil improvement, erosion control, and as a forage or fodder for grazing animals. The plant has also reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antihelminthic, and antimicrobial properties useful in various industries.
Light Requirements
The plant Desmodium adscendens is adapted to grow in areas with a moderate amount of sunlight and partial shade. It requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily to support photosynthesis. Although the plant can tolerate some shade, it will grow best in areas with bright, indirect light.
Temperature Requirements
Desmodium adscendens thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, although it can tolerate temperatures as low as 12°C. The plant cannot withstand frost or extreme temperatures higher than 40°C. Therefore, it grows best in tropical and subtropical regions.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in loamy or sandy soil, rich in organic matter, with good drainage. It needs a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. Desmodium adscendens can tolerate less fertile and unsuitable soil types, but its growth rate may be slower. The plant cannot grow well in waterlogged soil or areas with occasional flooding.
Cultivation of Desmodium adscendens
Desmodium adscendens is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and humidity for proper growth. It is best grown in well-draining soil and partial shade to regulate the right amount of sunlight.
It can be grown indoors in pots as long as it is placed in a well-lit area or outdoors in a garden bed.
Watering Needs
Desmodium adscendens requires consistent watering to keep the soil moist without getting waterlogged. Watering should be done a few times a week, depending on the weather. During periods of high heat and low humidity, more watering may be required.
It is essential to ensure that the plant stays moist, but it should not be over-watered, as this may lead to root rot and ultimately, the death of the plant.
Fertilization
The planting soil should contain enough nutrients to support the growth of Desmodium adscendens. However, regular fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer can promote healthy growth.
Fertilizing should be done every six months, mainly during the growing season. Over-fertilizing may lead to excessive growth that makes the plant hard to manage.
Pruning Desmodium adscendens
Pruning of Desmodium adscendens is essential to improve the plant's shape and promote more vigorous growth. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is best to be done at the end of the growing season. This will help to stimulate new growth in the next season.
Pruning should involve removing diseased, damaged, or dead branches. It also involves cutting back the overgrown branches to have a more manageable size. If the plant becomes too bushy, pruning can help to thin it out.
Propagation of Desmodium adscendens
Desmodium adscendens is a perennial plant that is commonly known as "Winged Leaf" or "Tick Trefoil." It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is endemic to West Africa. This plant has several medicinal properties and is widely used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory disorders, fever, and malaria.
Propagation Methods
Propagation of Desmodium adscendens can be carried out through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, or root division. However, the most commonly used method is through stem cuttings.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings involve removing a section of the stem from the parent plant and planting it in a suitable growing medium to develop new roots and shoots. The cuttings should be taken from young plants or well-established plants that are still growing vigorously.
The best time to take cuttings is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting it in a growing medium.
The cuttings should be placed in a shady area with high humidity and kept moist by regular watering. The roots and shoots should start developing within four to six weeks, and the plant can then be transplanted to its permanent location.
Seed Propagation
Desmodium adscendens can also be propagated through seeds, but this method is less commonly used. The seeds should be collected from mature plants during the fall season and then dried and stored in a cool and dry place.
To germinate, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting them in a potting mix. The pot should be kept in a warm, moist and shady area until the seeds germinate, which could take up to four weeks. Once the seedlings have developed, they should be transplanted to their permanent location.
Root Division
Root division is another method of propagation that can be used for Desmodium adscendens. This method involves dividing the root system of an established plant into smaller sections and then planting them to develop new plants. However, this method is less commonly used as the plant has a deep and extensive root system, making it difficult to extract the roots without damaging the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management of Desmodium adscendens
Desmodium adscendens is generally a hardy plant with few disease and pest problems. However, it can still suffer from a few ailments that can reduce its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Fungal Diseases
Desmodium adscendens is susceptible to several fungal diseases, such as root rot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. These diseases can weaken and stunt the growth of the plant, reducing its productivity. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain proper sanitation practices, such as keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, disinfecting garden tools, and removing and destroying infected plant parts. Applying fungicides can also help prevent the spread of these diseases.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases can also affect Desmodium adscendens, such as bacterial wilt and leaf spot. Symptoms of these diseases include wilting, yellowing, and necrosis of the leaves and stems. To manage bacterial diseases, it is crucial to remove the infected plants, disinfecting pruning tools, and avoid overwatering. Applying copper-based sprays can also help control the spread of these diseases.
Insect Pests
Desmodium adscendens can also be attacked by pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, reducing the plant's ability to perform photosynthesis. To manage these pests, it is important to practice good sanitation habits by removing weeds and debris from the garden, introducing beneficial insects that feed on these pests, and using insecticides if the infestation is severe.
Nematodes
Nematodes are tiny parasitic organisms that can damage the root system of Desmodium adscendens, causing root rot and stunted growth. To manage nematodes, plant resistant cultivars, practice crop rotation, and keep the soil healthy and well-drained.
By following these preventive measures and managing diseases and pests, you can maintain the health and productivity of your Desmodium adscendens plant.
