Origin
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. subsp. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) J.R.Laundon, commonly known as Bearded Desmodium, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to several regions in Africa, including Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Desmodium barbatum has several common names, depending on the region. It is called Bearded Desmodium, Tick-trefoil, and Barbate Desmodium in English. In Swahili, it is known as Mwani, and in Shona, it is called Mwavira.
Uses
Desmodium barbatum has several medicinal uses. Its leaves, roots, and stems have been used to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections, anxiety, and fever. The plant also possesses diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bearded Desmodium is also used for soil conservation and as a forage crop. Due to its ability to fix nitrogen, it is a beneficial plant in agroforestry systems, where it is grown with other crops to improve soil fertility.
General Appearance
Desmodium barbatum is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a woody base and stems that are covered with fine hairs. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring 2-6 cm long and 1.5-4 cm wide. The flowers are small and clustered at the end of the stems, and they are usually pink or purplish in color. The plant produces short, flattened, and curved seed pods that split open when mature, releasing several small seeds.
Light Requirements
Desmodium barbatum subsp. dimorphum requires full sun or partial shade to thrive. In its natural habitat, it grows in open forests or grasslands, where it can receive plenty of sunlight. However, it can also tolerate some shade, making it a good choice for gardens with partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions, where the temperature ranges from 20 to 30°C. It can survive in temperatures as low as 10°C but cannot tolerate frost. Therefore, it is essential to protect it from frost during winter. It does well in warm climates but may need some additional care during the hottest periods, such as regular watering.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium barbatum subsp. dimorphum grows well in well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It prefers sandy loam or clay soils rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot. It can tolerate occasional periods of drought but grows best in consistently moist soil. Therefore, regular watering is recommended, especially during the dry season.
Cultivation methods
Desmodium barbatum subsp. dimorphum is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of conditions, including full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers well-drained soil and grows well in rocky or gravelly soil. It can tolerate mild drought conditions but prefers consistent moisture.
Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be directly sown in the ground after the last frost or started indoors and transplanted outside after the seedlings have grown. Cuttings can be taken in the spring or fall and rooted in moist soil. If transplanting, it is recommended to do so in the spring while the plant is actively growing.
Watering needs
The Desmodium barbatum subsp. dimorphum plant prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate mild drought conditions. When watering, ensure that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. During hot, dry weather, the plant may need extra watering. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week rather than shallowly every day.
Fertilization
The plant does not require heavy fertilization and can grow well in nutrient-poor soil. However, adding organic matter to the soil can improve growth. An all-purpose fertilizer can be applied in the spring and summer, following the instructions on the package. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Desmodium barbatum subsp. dimorphum does not require regular pruning but can benefit from an occasional trim to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Pruning can also remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth appears or after the plant has finished flowering in the fall. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and disinfect them between cuts to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. subsp. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) J.R.Laundon
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. subsp. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) J.R.Laundon can be propagated by various methods such as:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. subsp. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) J.R.Laundon can be collected from mature pods and sown. It is advisable to sow in spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown at a depth of around 2-3 cm in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs.
Vegetative propagation
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. subsp. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) J.R.Laundon can also be propagated through vegetative means such as stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season and should be about 10-15 cm long with a few nodes. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist and preferably placed in a warm, humid environment. Roots should develop in about 2-3 weeks.
Division
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. subsp. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) J.R.Laundon can also be propagated using division. This involves separating the root clumps into smaller sections and replanting them. This method is best done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The new sections should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until established.
Disease and Pest Management of Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. subsp. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) J.R.Laundon
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. subsp. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) J.R.Laundon, commonly referred to as the tick clover, is susceptible to a few diseases and pests which can cause serious damage to the plant. It is crucial to keep an eye out for symptoms of diseases and pests and take immediate action to prevent further damage. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant along with their management strategies:
Diseases
Fungal leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small, circular brown spots with yellow or tan halos on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation and decreased plant growth. To manage fungal leaf spot, remove and destroy all infected plant debris, ensure proper plant spacing for good air circulation, and apply a fungicide labeled for use on legumes and foliar diseases.
Fusarium wilt: Symptoms of this disease include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and vascular discoloration. To prevent the spread of Fusarium wilt, practice crop rotation, use disease-free seeds, and avoid planting in poorly-drained soils. Once the plant is infected, there is no cure, so it is recommended to remove the affected plant and destroy it immediately.
Pests
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing distorted growth and yellowing or curling of leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, encourage the population of natural predators like ladybugs, and practice good garden hygiene to reduce conditions that favor aphids.
Cutworms: These caterpillars feed on the stems of young plants, cutting them off at the base and causing significant damage. To manage cutworms, apply beneficial nematodes to the soil, use physical barriers like collars around the base of plants, and remove weeds and debris from the garden which may provide shelter for insect pests.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, you can help ensure the health and productivity of your Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. subsp. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) J.R.Laundon plants.
