Origin
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. is a flowering plant species in the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to Africa and can be found in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Common Names
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. is commonly known by several names, including tick-trefoil, trailing tick-trefoil, cat's clover, and hairy desmodium.
Uses
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. has a wide range of uses in traditional medicine. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to make herbal remedies to treat a variety of ailments including digestive issues, respiratory infections, and malaria. It is also used to improve milk production in lactating mothers. Additionally, the plant is used as forage for livestock due to its high protein and mineral content.
General Appearance
The Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. plant is a low-lying, trailing herb that grows up to 30-90 cm tall. Its leaves are trifoliate and have hairy surfaces. The flowers are pink or purple in color, and they bloom from July to September. The plant produces small, flattened pods that contain small, brown, kidney-shaped seeds. The plant prefers soils that are well-drained and can grow in a range of habitats from forests to grasslands.
Growth conditions of Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. is a perennial legume plant that is found in various ecological zones. It prefers an open habitat and is known for its adaptability to a wide range of soil types. The growth conditions for Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. are discussed below.
Light
The plant requires moderate to full sunlight for optimal growth. It is adapted to open habitats and can tolerate direct sunlight for several hours a day. Therefore, the plant should be grown in a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 10 to 35 °C. The optimal temperature for growth and development is between 20 and 30 °C. The plant can also tolerate low temperatures of up to 0 °C, but frost can cause damage to the plant. It cannot tolerate high temperatures of above 35 °C for extended periods due to heat stress.
Soil requirements
The plant is adapted to a wide range of soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soils that are moderately fertile. It can grow in acidic soils with a pH of 4.5 to 7.5 and can tolerate mildly saline soils. It is also highly adaptable to drought-prone soils and can withstand prolonged dry spells. However, the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, and the growth will be stunted if the soil is poorly drained.
In summary, Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. is a highly adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of ecological zones. It requires moderate to full sunlight, optimal temperatures between 20 and 30 °C, and thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soils.
Cultivation Methods
Desmodium barbatum prefers to grow in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires partial to full sunlight exposure. It can be propagated via seeds or stem cuttings.
The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in a seed tray. If sowing in the seed tray, transplant the seedlings into the soil after the first true leaves have emerged. For stem cuttings, select healthy stems that are about 10cm long, remove the leaves, and plant them in the soil. It is essential to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, until the plant is established.
Watering Needs
Desmodium barbatum requires regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. The plant should be watered when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is crucial to ensure the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
Desmodium barbatum benefits from regular fertilization with an all-purpose fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer once every two to three weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to rapid growth and weak stems. It is also advisable to add compost to the soil during the planting process to improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Desmodium barbatum requires minimal pruning. However, it is recommended to pinch back the growing tips during the early stages of growth to encourage bushier growth. Dead or damaged branches should be removed to promote healthy growth. It is also advisable to trim the plant back to about 10cm above the soil after the flowering season to maintain its shape and promote regrowth.
Propagation of Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. can be propagated from seeds. The seeds should be collected from the mature pods when they turn brown. The seeds are generally small and black.
The soil for germination should be a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. The soil must be moist, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 to 2 cm. The seeds should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist and to ensure proper germination. Germination typically takes between 2-3 weeks.
Asexual Propagation
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. can also be propagated asexually using stem cuttings. Stem cuttings can be collected from mature plants during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from the top 10-15 cm of the stem and should have at least two nodes.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones, and then planted in a growing medium consisting of sand, vermiculite, and perlite. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and kept moist until rooting has occurred.
Both of these methods can be successful ways to propagate this plant and increase its population.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub., commonly known as tick clover or ticktrefoil, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is cultivated for forage and soil improvement. The plant is known for its nitrogen-fixing ability, making it important for the welfare of livestock. However, the plant is also prone to diseases and pests that can significantly affect its yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fusarium Wilt: This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. It is characterized by wilting of the plant, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death of the plant. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. Crop rotation can also reduce the incidence and severity of the disease.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include leaf spots that develop into circular lesions with a reddish-brown border. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be applied to control the spread of the disease.
Pests
Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of various species of moths. They feed on the leaves and stems of the plants, causing damage or even death. Cutworms can be controlled by handpicking them off the plant or by applying insecticides.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They also excrete honeydew, which can attract ants and promote the growth of sooty mold. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with water or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of various species of moths and butterflies. They feed on the leaves of the plant, causing damage or even defoliation. Caterpillars can be controlled by handpicking them off the plant or by applying Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticides.
By taking effective disease and pest management measures, Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. dimorphum (Welw. ex Baker) B.G.Schub. can be cultivated successfully, providing high-quality forage and soil improvement, and contributing to livestock welfare.
