Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa and is commonly known as the creeping tick trefoil, hairy tick trefoil, or the hairy leaf plant. The plant grows as an annual or a perennial herb with a sprawling and ambitious nature.
Appearance
The Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. plant can grow up to 1 m in height and has hairy stems. The leaves are trifoliate, and the leaflets can range from 1.5 to 10 cm long and 1 to 5 cm wide. The flowers bloom in the summer, and the inflorescence is a densely clustered raceme. The flowers are usually pink or purple in color. The legumes of the plant are oblong and compressed and can reach up to 12 cm in length with fine hairs.
Uses
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. has several medicinal uses. The leaves of the plant are rich in antioxidants, and a decoction of the leaves is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as skin infections, diabetes, fever, and coughs. The plant is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a diuretic and in the treatment of respiratory infections. The plant is also used in soil conservation as it is known to fix nitrogen, preventing soil erosion and improving soil fertility. The high protein content of the leaves makes it a valuable animal feed.
Growth Conditions of Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. is a low-growing, annual or perennial herbaceous plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. In its natural habitat, this plant is commonly found in grasslands and open areas across Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Light Requirements
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well in low light conditions. In areas with hot, dry climates, providing some shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent the plant from drying out too quickly.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to warm, tropical climates and prefers temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C but may die back in colder climates. In areas with cooler climates, it is best to grow Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. as an annual, or bring it indoors during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. prefers well-drained, sandy-loam soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It is tolerant of moderate salinity and can grow in soils with lower fertility. However, providing some organic matter can help improve soil structure and nutrient levels. In areas with heavy clay soils, adding sand or other amendments can improve drainage and prevent root rot.
In summary, Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. requires full sun to partial shade, warm temperatures, and well-draining soil to grow successfully. By providing these essential growth conditions, gardeners can enjoy the attractive foliage and vibrant blooms of this versatile plant.
Cultivation Methods for Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. is a hardy plant species that can be grown in various soil types. It prefers well-drained soils with a neutral pH range of 6.5-7.5.
The plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or division of the rootball. Seeds need to be scarified before sowing, and stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants.
It is a fast-growing plant that requires plenty of sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in an area with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering Needs for Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause the plant to wither.
Watering should be done in the morning or evening, and it is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week rather than a shallow watering every day. The frequency of watering can be adjusted depending on the weather conditions and moisture level of the soil.
Fertilization for Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. benefits from regular fertilization for optimum growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure can also be added to the soil before planting or as a top dressing around the base of the plant.
Pruning for Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. does not require regular pruning, but it can be trimmed to maintain its shape and size. Dead or diseased branches can be pruned at any time of the year to keep the plant healthy.
Pinching back the tips of new growth can also encourage bushier growth and more blooming. This can be done in the early part of the growing season.
Cutting back the plant to about one-third its height in late winter or early spring can also help promote healthy growth and flowering in the coming season.
Propagation of Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub.
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. can be propagated through various methods as listed below:
1. Seeds
The plant can be propagated through seeds that have been collected from the matured pods. The seeds should first be sun-dried and then soaked in room temperature water for 12-24 hours before sowing. The seeds should be sowed in well-draining soil, and the soil should be kept moist until germination occurs.
2. Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. For this, cuttings should first be collected from the mother plant with a pair of sterilized scissors. The cuttings should then be dipped into rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. Adequate moisture should be provided to promote the growth of new roots.
3. Division
Division can also be used to propagate Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. The plant should first be dug out of the soil and its roots should be carefully divided into multiple sections. Each section should contain a suitable portion of the stem and roots. These sections should then be planted in their respective locations and kept moist to promote plant growth.
Disease Management for Desmodium barbatum
Desmodium barbatum (L.) Benth. var. procumbens B.G.Schub. is susceptible to several diseases, including root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. To manage these diseases, the following practices can be employed:
- Plant resistant varieties: choose resistant plant varieties that are less susceptible to diseases.
- Good crop management: practice good crop management by removing any infected plants and plant debris that might harbor disease-causing fungi.
- Sanitation: maintain clean surroundings by pruning infected leaves and branches, cleaning tools, and preventing the spread of the disease from neighboring farms.
- Use of fungicides: in severe cases, fungicides such as copper oxychloride can be used for control purposes.
Pest Management for Desmodium barbatum
Desmodium barbatum is susceptible to pest infestations, including mites, aphids, and caterpillars. To control these pests, the following methods can be employed:
- Integrated pest management: use an integrated pest management approach that combines several strategies to control the pests.
- Use of biopesticides: biopesticides such as neem oil and garlic oil can be used to control pests without causing harm to the plant or the environment.
- Biological control: introduce beneficial insects and predators that prey on the pests.
- Cultural practices: maintain good agricultural practices such as crop rotation, weed control, and proper irrigation.
