Overview of Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban, commonly known as ‘Tread Softly' or ‘Biological Dynamite,' is a perennial leguminous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This species is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including South and Central America, the Caribbean, and southern Mexico. Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban is an excellent forage plant and has several medicinal properties.
General Appearance of Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. Its stems are slender, hairy, and green, with erect branches. The leaves are compound, trifoliate, and have ovate or elliptic leaflets with serrated margins. The plant produces small purple or white flowers, which cluster in racemes. The fruit produced is a flattened pod that contains one or two seeds.
Uses of Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban is a valuable forage plant for livestock, as it is highly nutritious and palatable. The leaves and stems are rich in protein and minerals, making it an ideal feed source. Additionally, Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban is a medicinal plant that has traditionally been used to treat respiratory and digestive problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and diarrhea. The plant's roots and leaves have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. They are used to make herbal decoctions and extracts for medicinal purposes.
Furthermore, Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban is an important nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it can capture and fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. This feature makes it an essential component of crop rotation systems, where it is grown to improve soil fertility and increase crop yields.
Overall, Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban is a versatile plant that has both agricultural and medicinal benefits.
Growth Conditions of Desmodium axillare var. acutifolium
Desmodium axillare var. acutifolium, also known as sharp-leaved ticktrefoil, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of the Americas, where it grows in various habitats such as forests, savannas, and disturbed areas.
Light Requirements
Desmodium axillare var. acutifolium thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to grow and flower. However, it can also tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 20°C to 35°C. It prefers warm temperatures with high humidity, but it can also tolerate cooler temperatures if the soil is well-drained. It is frost-sensitive and cannot withstand temperatures below 5°C, which can cause it to die back to the ground.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium axillare var. acutifolium prefers well-drained, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy loam, clay loam, and red clay soils, but it does not do well in poorly drained soils. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 5.5 and 7.5. It can also tolerate acidic soils with pH as low as 4.5.
Overall, Desmodium axillare var. acutifolium is a hardy plant that can adapt to different growing conditions. However, to achieve optimal growth and yield, it is important to provide it with enough light, appropriate temperature, and well-drained, fertile soils with the right pH levels.
Cultivation
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban is a perennial plant that grows well in well-drained soil with a pH range of 4.5-7.5. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers a warm climate with average to high humidity. This plant requires good air circulation to prevent diseases.
Watering Needs
This plant needs moderate watering during the growing season. It should be watered thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can lead to stunted growth and poor yield.
Fertilization
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban is a legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil, which makes it less dependent on fertilizers. However, it would benefit from a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. Fertilizer application should be avoided during the flowering stage to prevent excessive vegetative growth.
Pruning
Pruning this plant is necessary to promote branching and maximum flowering. It is crucial to prune right after flowering to prevent the plant from setting seed. Deadheading also prolongs flowering and improves the plant's appearance by removing spent flowers. Pruning can be done using pruning shears or a sharp knife, and the cut should be made above a leaf node or branch junction.
Propagation of Desmodium axillare var. acutifolium
Desmodium axillare var. acutifolium can easily be propagated through seeds or cuttings. The plant is a legume, so it can also fix its own nitrogen and benefit other plants that are planted along with it.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Desmodium axillare var. acutifolium can be collected from the pods once they have dried on the plant. The seeds should be sown in seed trays filled with well-draining soil, covered with a thin layer of soil, and watered regularly. Germination usually occurs within 5-7 days.
Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the ground. It is important to protect the seedlings from harsh environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, and to ensure they receive adequate water and nutrients.
Propagation through Cuttings
Desmodium axillare var. acutifolium can also be propagated through cuttings taken from mature plants. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants with at least 2-3 nodes, and the leaves should be removed from the lower half of the stem to prevent water loss.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in a warm, bright location without direct sunlight. Roots should start to develop within a few weeks, and the cuttings can then be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. acutifolium (Kuntze) Urban, commonly known as tick clover or tick trefoil, is a plant species that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Managing these diseases and pests is crucial to ensure the plant's optimal growth and quality of produce.
Common diseases
The most common diseases that can affect Desmodium axillare are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause wilting and yellowing of infected leaves and can also cause stem and pod rot. It can be managed by removing infected plant debris, maintaining proper plant spacing, and using fungicides if necessary.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spots can be caused by various fungal and bacterial pathogens and can result in premature defoliation. Management involves removing infected leaves, avoiding overhead irrigation, and using fungicides if necessary.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes rusty-colored spots on leaves and pods. Management includes removing infected plant debris and using fungicides if necessary.
Common pests
Desmodium axillare can also be affected by a variety of pests:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause yellowing and distortion of leaves and stunting of the plant. Management includes removing aphids by hand, using insecticidal soap, or attracting beneficial insects that prey on aphids.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from leaves, causing stippling, discoloration, and eventually defoliation. Management includes removing infected plant debris, maintaining proper plant spacing, and using miticides if necessary.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars can cut the plant stem at soil level, causing the plant to droop and eventually die. Management involves using physical barriers, such as collars around the plant stem, and applying insecticides if necessary.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Desmodium axillare involves implementing proper cultural practices, monitoring the plant regularly, and using pesticides judiciously if necessary. By doing so, growers can ensure the plant produces healthy, high-quality produce.
