Desmodium Frutescens Auct.

Desmodium frutescens auct.: Description, Common Names, Origin, and Uses

Desmodium frutescens auct., commonly known as Tick Trefoil, is a perennial herb that is native to Asia, Africa, and South America. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is a member of the Desmodium genus. This plant is known for its beautiful and delicate flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, and white. It grows up to a height of about 1.5 meters and has numerous branches.

Appearance

The leaves of Desmodium frutescens auct. are pinnately compound, meaning that they have two to four pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oval in shape with a pointed tip and are about 2-3 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowers of this plant are small and clustered together in spikes, which can reach up to 15 cm long. Each flower has a characteristic structure with a curved keel, which gives the plant its common name of Tick Trefoil. The fruit is a flattened pod that contains several seeds which are dispersed by the wind.

Common Names and Origin

Desmodium frutescens auct. is known by many common names including Jungle Tick Trefoil, Tick Cover, and Bush-Tick. It is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, but it has since spread to other parts of the world, including Africa and South America.

Uses

This plant has many medicinal uses and is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The leaves and roots are used to make a tea that is believed to have antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This tea is also used to treat respiratory infections, coughs, and bronchitis. Additionally, the leaves of Desmodium frutescens auct. are sometimes used to relieve pain and swelling caused by arthritis and gout.

In addition to its medicinal properties, this plant is also used in agriculture as a cover crop. It is known for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, which help to improve soil fertility and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Furthermore, the leaves and stems of this plant are used as a fodder for livestock in some parts of the world.

Overall, Desmodium frutescens auct. is a versatile plant with many uses and is considered an important natural resource.

Light Requirements

Desmodium frutescens primarily grows in partial shade since direct sunlight can damage the leaves. However, it requires at least six hours of sunlight daily for proper growth and maturity. Inadequate light conditions can result in stunted growth and poor foliage, so it is recommendable to position the plant where it can receive morning or afternoon sunlight.

Temperature Requirements

The plant requires warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C for optimal growth. It can tolerate fluctuations in temperature, but extreme cold or heat conditions can be detrimental to its growth. During the winter season, the plant may require supplementary heating, especially in regions with low temperatures.

Soil Requirements

The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0. The soil must be fertile, rich in nutrients, and have good water retention. The recommended soil type is a sandy or loamy texture, mixed with organic matter like compost or manure. The plant's roots grow deep into the soil, so a depth of about 15-20cm is recommended. The plant is highly drought resistant, but frequent watering during the growth period can improve its foliage quality.

Cultivation Methods

Desmodium frutescens auct., also known as tick-trefoil, is a hardy plant that can easily adapt to a variety of soil types. It can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings. To cultivate the plant from seeds, prepare the soil by adding compost or manure and sow the seeds 1 cm deep into the soil. Water the soil regularly and the plants should germinate in about 2-3 weeks. Alternatively, you can propagate Desmodium frutescens auct. through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings about 15 cm in length and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until the plant establishes roots in about 2 weeks.

Watering Needs

Desmodium frutescens auct. requires moderate watering. The soil of the plant should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering depends on the soil type, environment, and the growth stage of the plant. During the hot and dry season, the plant requires more frequent watering to keep up with the high rate of evaporation. The best time to water the plant is in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense. This allows the plant to absorb the water and nutrients easily.

Fertilization

Fertilization should be done during the growing season, which is usually from spring to autumn. Use a slow-release fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This ensures that the plant has access to all the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. Apply the fertilizer to the soil, following the instructions on the packaging. Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient toxicity, which can harm the plant. Therefore, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage for fertilization.

Pruning

To keep the plant dense and bushy, it is advisable to prune it regularly. Pruning helps to shape the plant and increase air circulation, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. The best time to prune Desmodium frutescens auct. is during the onset of the growing season. Prune the plant by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Trim the tips of the branches to encourage lateral growth and bushiness. Avoid pruning too much as it can stress the plant and affect its growth.

Propagation of Desmodium frutescens

Desmodium frutescens, commonly known as tick-trefoil, is a perennial plant with good potential for forage production. The plant is propagated through both seeds and vegetative means. Here are the two propagation methods for Desmodium frutescens:

Propagation by Seeds

The most common way of propagating Desmodium frutescens is through its seeds. The seeds are relatively small, and each pod contains several seeds. The plant is self-pollinated, and the seeds mature within 4 – 6 weeks of flowering. Propagation by seeds can be achieved by following these simple steps.

1. Harvest mature seeds from the plant.
2. Clean the seeds by removing the chaff and other debris.
3. Stratify the seeds by pre-soaking them in water for a few hours.
4. Sow the seeds in well-drained soil, or in seedbeds for better germination.
5. Top up with sifted soil, and water gently.
6. Germination occurs within 7 – 10 days, and the plant begins to develop roots, and later, shoots.

Vegetative Propagation

Desmodium frutescens can be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings. Cuttings may either be taken from terminal shoots or basal parts, depending on your preference. Below are the steps to follow:

1. Take stem cuttings of about 8 – 10 cm long, preferably from healthy plants.
2. Remove all the leaves and leave only two at the top.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant in soil.
4. Water the cutting gently, and keep in a damp condition, ideally under mist or shade.
5. The cuttings should root in 2 – 3 weeks, and can then be transplanted to their desired locations.

Disease Management

Desmodium frutescens plants are generally healthy, but there are a few diseases that can affect the plant's growth and yield.

Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant and can cause severe damage to the crop. Symptoms of anthracnose include circular, brownish-grey spots with a reddish-brown border on the leaves. To control anthracnose, it is important to practice good sanitation measures such as removing diseased plant parts and destroying them. Fungicides can also be used to control anthracnose.

Root rot: This disease is caused by the fungi Phytophthora and Pythium. Symptoms include wilting or yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid over-irrigation. Fungicidal drenches can be used to control root rot.

Leaf spots: Desmodium frutescens is susceptible to several leaf spot diseases. Symptoms of leaf spots include brownish spots on the leaves. To control leaf spots, remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also be used to control leaf spots.

Pest Management

There are few pest problems associated with Desmodium frutescens, but some pests can cause significant damage to the plant.

Aphids: These small insects can cause stunted growth and damage to the plant's leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Thrips: These tiny insects can cause severe damage to the plant's leaves and flowers. Signs of infestation include speckled leaves and distorted flowers. To control thrips, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Cutworms: These caterpillars can cut seedlings at the base, causing significant damage to the crop. To control cutworms, use a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis or plant resistant varieties.

Regular monitoring of the plant for diseases and pests can help manage any problems that arise. Using good agricultural practices such as crop rotation, proper irrigation, and fertilization can also help prevent disease and pest problems.