Overview
Desmodium affine Schlecht. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a perennial herb that is known for its medicinal value and is native to tropical Africa.
Common Names
Desmodium affine Schlecht. is commonly known as Tick-trefoil, Tick clover, and Hairy Desmodium.
Appearance
Desmodium affine Schlecht. usually grows up to 1m in height with a woody base that has several stems. The erect or ascending stems are hairy, slender and are up to 60cm long. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate, and measure up to 18 centimeters in length. The leaflets are ovate to oblong-ovate, and they have a pointed tip and a rounded base. The flowers are small and arranged in loose, axillary or terminal, and many-flowered racemes. The flowers are purplish-pink, and they are mostly 5-6mm long. The fruits are flat, straight or slightly curved pods that are up to 3.5cm long and have several seeds.
Uses
Desmodium affine Schlecht. has several medicinal properties that are useful in traditional medicine. The leaves and roots are used to treat various ailments such as cough, fever, chest problems, and respiratory infections. Infusions made using the leaves are popularly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as dysentery and diarrhea. The roots of the plant have been known to possess antimicrobial properties, and they are used to treat skin infections. The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental and is used for landscaping.
Light Requirements
Desmodium affine Schlecht. requires partial to full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers and fruit in low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 18 to 27 °C (64 to 81 °F) but can also thrive in cooler temperatures as long as the temperature does not drop below 10 °C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
Desmodium affine Schlecht. does best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.0). It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, as long as the soil is not waterlogged. The plant prefers soils that are rich in organic matter, so it's advisable to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Cultivation Methods
Desmodium affine Schlecht. is a hardy perennial that is easy to grow. It prefers to grow in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. It can grow in a range of soil types, but it does best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant is best propagated through seeds or stem cuttings, which should be planted in the ground or in pots in the early spring.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. It is important to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other problems. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the rainy season, as the plant can absorb water from the soil.
Fertilization
Desmodium affine Schlecht. benefits from regular fertilization, which helps to promote growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be used to provide nutrition to the plant.
Pruning
The plant requires regular pruning to remove dead or damaged branches and to promote bushier growth. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. The plant can also be pinched back to promote bushier growth. Pinching involves removing the tips of the leading shoots, which encourages the development of lateral shoots.
Propagation of Desmodium affine Schlecht.
Desmodium affine Schlecht. can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds:
Seeds should be collected when the pods turn brown and begin to split open. The seeds should be removed from the pods and soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat.
The seeds can be sown in a well-draining seed-starting mix, covered lightly with substrate, and kept moist. The tray or container should be kept in a well-lit, warm area and the seedlings should emerge in around 7 to 14 days.
Propagation by Cuttings:
Cuttings should be taken from a healthy, mature plant during the growing season. Four-inch cuttings should be taken from the tip of softwood shoots, removing the bottom leaves and dipping the cut end in a rooting hormone.
The cuttings should be inserted in a well-draining potting mix with perlite and sand added in equal parts. The container should be kept in a shaded area with high humidity and warm temperature until roots develop. Once the plants are well-established, they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium Affine Schlecht.
Desmodium affine Schlecht. is a shrub that is widely grown for its medicinal properties. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can negatively affect its growth and yield. In this section, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that affect Desmodium affine Schlecht. and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
The following are some of the common diseases that affect Desmodium affine Schlecht:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spot, stem blight, and fruit rot. Symptoms of anthracnose include circular or irregular-shaped lesions on leaves and stem, which may have a dark or water-soaked appearance in wet conditions.
To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts and maintain good sanitation practices. Also, apply fungicides as directed.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi and affects the roots and lower stem of the plant. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and root decay.
To manage root rot, remove infected plants from the field, do not plant Desmodium affine Schlecht. in areas with poor drainage, and apply fungicides as directed.
Common Pests
The following are some of the common pests that affect Desmodium affine Schlecht:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant leaving behind sticky honeydew that attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. Symptoms of aphid infestation include distorted leaves and stunted growth.
To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils as directed. Also, encourage the presence of natural enemies like ladybugs and lacewings.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Symptoms of spider mite infestation include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and fine webbing on the leaves and stems.
To manage spider mites, rinse the plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge the mites. Also, apply insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils as directed.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can ensure healthy growth and yield of Desmodium affine Schlecht.
