Origin and Common Names
Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker is a species of plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as “Silver-tipped desmodium” or “Silver-leaved desmodium”. This plant is native to southern and eastern Africa and can be found growing in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.Appearance
Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker is a perennial subshrub that typically grows up to 1m tall. It has a branched stem that is covered in hairs and mature plants usually have a woody base. The leaves are simple, alternate, and trifoliate. The leaflets are oval in shape and can measure up to 3cm long and 1.5cm wide. The upper surface of the leaflets is dark green while the lower surface is covered in fine white hairs, which give the plant its characteristic silver appearance. The flowers are small and pink in color, and are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The pods are flattened and covered in short hairs.Uses
Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker has many traditional medicinal uses. Its roots and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, respiratory infections, and rheumatism. The plant is also used to treat snakebites and is believed to have insecticidal properties. In addition to its medicinal uses, this plant has many agricultural benefits. It is commonly used as a forage crop as it is highly nutritious and palatable to livestock. It also has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which improves soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. Overall, Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker is a versatile and useful plant that is valued for its medicinal and agricultural benefits, as well as its striking appearance.Light Requirements
Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker is a plant that requires moderate to high light intensity for optimal growth. It thrives well in areas with full or partial exposure to sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers warm to hot temperatures. The ideal temperature range is between 18°C and 30°C, and it can tolerate temperatures as high as 35°C. The minimum temperature required for growth is 10°C. Temperatures below this range can significantly affect its growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The preferred soil type is loamy soil, which retains moisture without being waterlogged. The plant has medium water requirements, and it can tolerate drought but not waterlogging. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for this species.
Cultivation Methods
Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker can be grown from seeds, cuttings or division of rootstock. The plant thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and prefer partial shade to full sun. This plant is better adapted to higher elevations of around 1500m to 2300m, and therefore requires cooler temperatures with moderate rainfall.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate amounts of water during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering should be reduced during the dormant season.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and development. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied at the beginning of the growing season. Fertilizers should be applied in moderation, as excessive feeding can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering in plants.
Pruning
Pruning can help to shape the plant and control its size. Proper pruning should be done during the dormant season or immediately after flowering. Older branches can be pruned back to the ground level to stimulate new growth, and spent flower heads can be removed to encourage reflowering.
Propagation of Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker
Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker is a leguminous plant species that can be propagated through various methods such as:
Seed propagation
Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker seeds are relatively easy to collect and germinate. The seeds are sown in prepared soil beds, and they germinate within one to two weeks. The seedlings are then transplanted to their permanent growing places.
Cuttings
Although Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker can be propagated through cuttings, it is not a very common method. The procedure involves cutting a stem and removing the lower leaves, leaving the upper leaves intact. The cutting is then planted in a prepared soil bed, and rooting occurs within two to three weeks. Afterward, the rooted cutting is transplanted to its permanent growing place.
Division
Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker can also be propagated through division. The process involves digging up the entire plant, removing the side shoots, and replanting the separated plants individually in properly prepared growing places. However, this method is recommended for mature plants only.
Overall, Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker can be propagated through various methods, making it a relatively easy plant to propagate.
Disease Management
Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and yield. It is important to take preventative measures to avoid the spread of diseases in the plant. Here are some common diseases that can affect this plant:
- Bacterial wilt: This disease is caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum and can cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth in the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to rotate crops regularly, remove and destroy infected plants, and avoid planting in areas with a history of bacterial wilt.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by a number of fungal pathogens and can cause root decay, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and use fungicides as a preventative measure.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by a range of fungal pathogens and can cause brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves, improve air circulation around the plants, and use fungicides.
Pest Management
Desmodium dimorphum Welw. ex Baker var. argyreum Welw. ex Baker is also susceptible to various pests that can damage the plant and reduce yield. Pest management primarily involves taking preventative measures to avoid infestations and using insecticides when necessary. Here are some common pests that can affect this plant:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage aphids, it is important to control ant populations (as ants can protect aphids from natural predators), use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that can cut through the stems of young plants. To manage cutworms, it is important to till the soil to expose eggs and pupae to predators, use insecticides, or introduce natural predators like birds.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause yellowing of leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, it is important to increase humidity around the plants, wash the plant with a strong stream of water, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
