Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub.
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub. is a type of plant that belongs to the Desmodium genus in the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as the hairy tick-trefoil due to its slightly hairy appearance and the seed pods that resemble ticks. The plant is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America and is widely cultivated in various regions as a forage crop and ornamental plant.
General Appearance
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub. is an attractive, herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of 1.5 meters. The stems are thin and wiry with alternate leaves, which are oblong in shape and exhibit pointed tips. The leaves are slightly hairy and are light green in color. The hairy tick-trefoil produces purple-colored flowers from the axils of the leaves, which usually appear from July to September. The flowers are small and bloom in clusters, making them a beautiful sight to behold.
Uses
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub. is commonly used as a forage crop, especially in regions where livestock farming is a common practice. The plant is known to be highly nutritious and can provide essential nutrients to animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep. The hairy tick-trefoil is also cultivated as an ornamental plant and can be grown in gardens and parks as a beautiful addition to the landscape. Besides, the plant is known to have several medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, respiratory problems, and digestive issues.
Light Requirements
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub. prefers to grow in areas with partial to full sunlight exposure. It can tolerate some shade, but insufficient light may lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering capabilities.
Temperature Requirements
The suitable temperature range for Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub. is between 15°C to 30°C. Extreme heat or frost may hinder its growth and development. Therefore, it thrives best in warm to hot tropical climates with mild winters.
Soil Conditions
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub. prefers well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it does not grow well in waterlogged conditions or heavy clay soils that restrict root growth. It also benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation methods
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub., commonly known as "Tick Trefoil," is a perennial plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in a variety of soils such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Tick Trefoil can grow up to a height of 60 cm and spread up to 70 cm with adequate care and maintenance.
Watering needs
Watering is an essential aspect of Tick Trefoil cultivation and care. The plant requires an adequate amount of water to grow healthily and produce quality yields. The amount of water required by the plant depends on several factors such as soil type, temperature, and humidity. The best practice is to water the plant generously once or twice a week, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to provide the plant with essential nutrients that promote its growth and development. Tick Trefoil requires a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can fertilize the plant once every three months during the growing period. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, taking care not to touch the leaves or stem, as this can cause fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of the plant, promote air circulation, and enhance its yields. You should prune the plant during the dormant period (winter) to prevent the plant from becoming too large and leggy. Use sterilized pruning shears to remove any dead or diseased branches. Also, trim the tips of the plant to encourage bushiness and lateral growth.
Propagation of Desmodium hirtum forma compressum
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub. is commonly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Desmodium hirtum forma compressum are readily available and can be directly sown in a well-prepared nursery bed. The nursery bed should be enriched with organic matter and well-drained. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm and watered regularly to keep the soil moist. The seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days.
After the seedlings have developed at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or in the desired planting site. When transplanting, care should be taken not to damage the roots. The plants should be watered regularly until they become established.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Desmodium hirtum forma compressum can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken from the plant's tips or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from mature plants have both been successfully used to propagate this plant, depending on the availability of plant material.
The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be around 10-15 cm long. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium consisting of equal parts of sand and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area to reduce the risk of water loss through transpiration.
The cuttings typically develop roots within 4-6 weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or in the desired planting site. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the roots during transplanting and watering should be done regularly until the plants are established.
Disease Management
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub. is generally a hardy plant and resistant to many diseases. However, it can still be susceptible to some common fungal diseases such as:
- Anthracnose: This disease appears as circular or irregularly shaped dead spots on the leaves. To manage this, it is important to remove and destroy any infected leaves or plant parts, as well as practice good sanitation with tools and equipment. Fungicide treatment may also be necessary.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that appears as a white or gray, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. The best way to manage this disease is to remove the infected parts of the plant and use fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub. is also susceptible to several common pests such as:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing damage to the leaves and stems. To manage this, natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the area. Insecticidal soap can also be an effective method of controlling aphids.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of various moths, and they can cut down young seedlings or bite off leaves and stems. The best way to manage cutworms is to practice good sanitation and remove any debris or weeds where they might be hiding. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) is a natural bacteria that can be used to control cutworms.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to appear yellow and distorted. To manage this, it is important to provide adequate humidity and ventilation to the affected area. Introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and predatory mites is also an effective method of control.
Overall, it is important to monitor Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. forma compressum B.G.Schub. regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestations. Taking a proactive approach and practicing good sanitation and control methods can help prevent problems before they can become severe.
