Origin and Common Names
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban, also known as Sintenisi's ticktrefoil, is a species of legume in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Jamaica and is widely distributed throughout the Caribbean.
Some of its common names include milk-wetch, tick-trefoil, and South American beggarweed.
General Appearance
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban is a small shrub that can grow up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are compound and have three leaflets that are elliptical or ovate in shape. The leaflets are about 2-8cm long and 1-6cm wide. The flowers are pink to purple in color and are arranged in clusters. The fruits are flat, reddish-brown pods that contain small seeds.
Uses
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban has various medicinal uses. The root and leaves can be used to make a tea that is said to be effective against asthma, coughs, and bronchitis. It is also used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and dysentery. In addition, the plant is used to treat snakebites and other venomous bites.
The plant is also useful in agriculture. It is a good forage crop and is commonly used as a cover crop to control erosion and improve soil fertility. Its ability to fix nitrogen makes it a valuable crop in agroforestry systems.
Growth Conditions for Desmodium axillare var. sintenisii Urban
Desmodium axillare var. sintenisii Urban is a perennial legume that can grow up to 60 cm in height. Here are some typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light
Desmodium axillare var. sintenisii Urban thrives in full sun to partial shade. However, it is best to avoid planting it in areas that receive less than 4 hours of sunlight per day. The plant requires a lot of light to grow and produce flowers, which in turn attract pollinators.
Temperature
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as 10 °C and as high as 35 °C. However, it grows best in temperatures between 20-30 °C. Therefore, it's important to plant it during the appropriate seasons or in locations where the climate falls within this range.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium axillare var. sintenisii Urban can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained, loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can also tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soils. The plant is not drought-tolerant and requires moderate watering. Therefore, it's important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Proper site selection such as areas with good air circulation, natural drainage, and nutrient-rich soil can significantly contribute to the plant's growth and yield. Also, regular fertilization may provide the plant with essential nutrients required for optimum growth.
Cultivation Methods for Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban is a tropical and subtropical, perennial legume that grows in sandy soils and granite outcrops. The plant can be propagated from seeds or vegetatively from cuttings or by layering.
For seed propagation, sow seeds during the rainy season in well-prepared seedbeds or directly in the field at a depth of about 2 cm. Transplant seedlings after four weeks into individual polythene or soil bags. Plant the seedlings in the field after six to eight weeks when they have developed good root systems.
Cuttings should be four to six nodes long, and the basal nodes should be removed. Plant the cuttings in a mixture of sand and cow dung for rooting. Rooting takes about two weeks, and the cuttings can be transplanted into the field or raised in polythene bags.
For layering, select healthy and vigorous mother plants. Bend them to the ground and make small depressions in the soil. Cover the depressions with the mother plants by tying them to the ground and cover the stolon tips with soil. Roots will emerge from the stolon tips after a few weeks. Once the cuttings or layers have been established, they require proper care.
Watering Needs for Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban requires moderate amounts of water. Water the plants regularly during the rainy season, and reduce watering during the dry season.
Ensure that the soil is well-drained because waterlogged soils can lead to root rot. Irrigate the plants deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root penetration, which improves the plant's drought resistance.
Avoid overhead irrigation as it can damage the leaves and promote the spread of fungal diseases. Instead, use drip irrigation or a watering can to apply water directly to the roots.
Fertilization for Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban requires moderate amounts of fertilizer for optimal growth and productivity. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as NPK 15-15-15, at a rate of 50 to 75 kg/ha during planting.
Top-dress the plants with nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as urea, at a rate of 25 to 50 kg/ha during the growing season. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth and low yields of seeds and forage.
Ongoing soil testing can help determine the plant's nutrient needs and inform the necessary fertilizer application rates.
Pruning for Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban
Regular pruning helps to promote vigorous growth and improve forage quality. Prune the plants when they reach a height of 30-40 cm or when the stems begin to branch. Remove one-third to one-half of the plant's height, leaving at least two nodes on each stem.
The plant should be pruned four times a year, which is just before the beginning of the rainy seasons. Pruning can be done by hand or with mechanical equipment such as a sickle or mower.
Pruning helps to encourage branching, which leads to more leaves, more shoots, and more flowering sites. It also helps to reduce stemmy growth, which improves forage quality and digestibility.
Propagation of Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban, also known as "West Indian Strongback," is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the Caribbean and tropical South America. Propagation is the process of reproducing new plants from existing ones. Desmodium axillare can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Desmodium axillare can be propagated from seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature pods and stored in a dry and cool place. Before planting, the seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24-48 hours to speed up the germination process. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in containers filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes 7-21 days. Seed propagation is an easy and inexpensive way to propagate Desmodium axillare.
Cuttings Propagation
Desmodium axillare can also be propagated from stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 8-10 cm long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings can be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be watered frequently to keep the soil moist. Rooting usually takes 4-6 weeks, and after the roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the soil.
Division Propagation
Desmodium axillare can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections that can be replanted. The best time to divide the plant is during the winter or early spring, when the plant is dormant. The plant should be dug up, and the roots should be carefully separated into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and several stems. The smaller sections can be replanted in a well-draining soil mix and watered thoroughly.
Overall, Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and division propagation. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of the propagation method depends on the availability of resources and the desired outcome.
Disease Management
Desmodium axillare (Sw.) DC. var. sintenisii Urban is susceptible to various diseases that can lead to significant damage and yield losses. Here are some common diseases that affect this plant:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common disease that affects Desmodium axillare. It can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves and lead to premature defoliation. To manage this disease, it is crucial to maintain proper plant hygiene by removing the infected plant debris. You can also use a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause necrotic lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods, leading to yield losses. To manage this disease, it is crucial to use high-quality disease-free seeds, maintain proper plant hygiene, and avoid overhead irrigation. You can also use fungicides to control the disease.
Pest Management
Besides diseases, Desmodium axillare is also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that can affect this plant:
Aphids
Aphids are common pests that can cause stunted growth, chlorosis, and wilting of the leaves. To manage these pests, you can use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils. You can also encourage natural enemies, such as lady beetles and lacewings, to control aphid populations naturally.
Mites
Mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves, causing yellowing, bronzing, and leaf drop. To manage these pests, you can use miticides or insecticidal soaps. You can also improve plant hydration by increasing the humidity levels as mites tend to thrive in dry conditions.
