Desmodium aparine Chiov.
Desmodium aparine Chiov. is a member of the Fabaceae family and also known as Cleavers, Goosegrass, Stickyweed, and Catchweed. This plant is believed to be native to South and Central Europe, North Africa, and temperate areas of Asia. It has now spread to North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand as a weed.
General Appearance
This plant is an annual herb that can grow up to 1 meter in height and has sticky, bristly, and hairy stems. Its leaves are narrow and lanceolate, with 3-8 segments, and are arranged opposite each other along the stem. The flowers of Desmodium aparine Chiov. are small, pinkish-white, and grow in clusters of 2 or 3. The fruits are a type of legume, with small and hooked spines that can attach easily to clothing and animal fur.
Uses
Desmodium aparine Chiov. has been used for medicinal purposes due to its diuretic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The plant has also been used to aid in the treatment of urinary tract infections, sore throats, and stomach ailments. Cleavers are an excellent source of vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants. In addition, Desmodium aparine Chiov. has been used in traditional medicine as a tonic to purify the blood, lower the cholesterol level, and improve liver function.
Aside from medicinal purposes, Desmodium aparine Chiov. is also used as a fodder for livestock, especially for cows and horses. It is also used as an herbal tea in Japan and China. Some people also use the plant as a vegetable, either in salads or as an ingredient in soups and stews.
Light Requirements
Desmodium aparine Chiov. grows well in full sun to partial shade. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to ensure healthy growth. Too much shade can result in weak and tall plants with small leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Desmodium aparine Chiov. is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant is known to tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can damage the plant. Desmodium aparine Chiov. grows best in a warm and humid environment.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium aparine Chiov. thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent root rot. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, sandy, and clay soils.
Cultivation of Desmodium aparine Chiov.
Desmodium aparine Chiov. can grow in most types of soil including clay, loam, and sandy soils, but it grows best in well-drained sandy loam soil. The plant prefers full sunlight and a warm climate. It can be propagated by seeds, and it is important to use high-quality seeds for better germination. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil or in a seedbed and later transplanted to the planting site.
Watering Needs of Desmodium aparine Chiov.
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil moist. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging. Watering should be reduced during the dormant season to prevent the plant from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to fungal infections and ultimately death.
Fertilization of Desmodium aparine Chiov.
Fertilization helps to improve the growth and yield of the plant. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied during planting to provide essential nutrients for the plant. The fertilizer should be applied again after the first harvest and subsequent applications can be made every three months. Organic fertilizers can also be used, such as compost or manure, to provide nutrients and improve soil structure.
Pruning of Desmodium aparine Chiov.
Pruning is essential to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. The plant can be pruned after the first harvest, and any overgrown branches or shoots should be cut back to encourage the development of new shoots. Dead or diseased leaves and branches should be removed to prevent the spread of disease. Regular pruning also helps to keep the plant at a manageable size and shape, making it easier to harvest.
Propagation methods for Desmodium aparine Chiov.
Desmodium aparine Chiov. is commonly known as tick clover, tick trefoil, or sticky-fruit desmodium. This plant is propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
The seeds of Desmodium aparine Chiov. can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and then transplanted. To sow the seeds directly, prepare the soil and sprinkle the seeds on the surface, lightly covering them with a thin layer of soil. Water the area gently to avoid dislodging the seeds or washing them away. If starting the seeds indoors, sow them in a seed tray or container filled with potting soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, water them, and keep them in a warm and well-lit area until they germinate. Once the seedlings have grown big enough, transplant them to the garden.
Vegetative propagation
Desmodium aparine Chiov. can be propagated from stem cuttings. Take cuttings from healthy, disease-free plants, about 8 to 10 cm long, with at least two nodes. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in moist potting soil and cover them with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings in a warm place until they root and start growing new leaves. Once they have established roots, transplant them to the desired location.
Division
Another method of propagating Desmodium aparine Chiov. is through division. Divide the established plant into two or more sections, making sure each section has enough roots. This should be done during the active growing season. Replant the divided sections in the garden or in individual containers filled with potting soil.
Disease Management
Desmodium aparine Chiov. is generally a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to some diseases. One of the most common diseases is powdery mildew, which manifests as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering, space plants to improve air circulation, and remove any infected plant parts. Copper-based fungicides can also help prevent and manage powdery mildew.
Another disease that can affect D. aparine is leaf spot, which first appears as small spots on the leaves, which eventually grow larger and turn brown. To manage leaf spot, avoid overhead watering, remove any infected plant parts promptly, and apply a fungicide regularly.
Pest Management
Like many plants, Desmodium aparine Chiov. can also be affected by pests. One pest that can be an issue is spider mites, which are tiny arachnids that can cause yellowing and stunted growth of the leaves. To manage spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and spray it regularly with water to keep mites from settling in. Also, predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help keep spider mites under control.
Another common pest of D. aparine is aphids, which are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. To manage aphids, blast the plant with a strong jet of water to knock the insects off the plant, or apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can also help keep aphids under control.
