Overview
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum is a plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae, which is also commonly known as the legume family. This plant is also known by several common names such as hairy desmodium, rough-hairy tick clover, and tick-trefoil.
Appearance
Desmodium hirtum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has a woody stem and branches that bear leaves and flowers. The leaves are hairy and trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring up to 5 cm in length. The flowers are small and pink-purple in color, appearing in clusters that are about 15 cm long. The plant also bears small pods that are about 2.5 cm in length and contain seeds.
Uses
Desmodium hirtum has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is believed to have various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and analgesic effects. The plant is used to treat a variety of health conditions such as bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and rheumatism. It is also used as a remedy for snakebite and scorpion sting. In addition, the plant is used as a forage crop for livestock, as it is highly nutritious and palatable.
Desmodium hirtum also has ecological benefits. It is used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and control weeds. The plant is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, which is important for maintaining soil health and supporting other plant species in the ecosystem.
Growth Conditions for Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum is a tropical and subtropical plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Below are some of the growth conditions:
Light
Desmodium hirtum requires bright but indirect sunlight to grow. It grows best in partial shade, or in an area where it receives 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Direct exposure to sunlight may scorch the leaves and affect the growth of the plant.
Temperature
The plant grows well in temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate frost and temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. The ideal temperature range for the plant is 22 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium hirtum grows well in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and require moderate watering. The plant thrives in soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Poor drainage may lead to root rot, which may affect the growth of the plant.
It is important to note that the information provided is not exhaustive, and other growth conditions may also affect the growth and development of Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum.
Cultivation
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum grows well in areas with a warm and humid climate. It prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH and can also tolerate sandy soils. The optimum temperature range for the growth of this plant is between 20 and 27°C, and it requires good sunlight exposure.
Propagation can be done either by seeds or stem cuttings. For cuttings, you must take a plant with at least three nodes, remove the lower leaves, and plant them in moist soil. Seeds can be sown directly in the field after treating them with hot water to enhance the germination rate.
Watering Needs
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum requires regular watering, especially in the dry season. However, care should be taken to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and adversely affect plant growth. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum requires frequent fertilization with organic manure or inorganic fertilizers to enhance growth and yield. Nitrogen and phosphorus are crucial for this plant's growth, and the application of these nutrients must be done at regular intervals to maintain adequate nutrient levels.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum cultivation. It is done to maintain plant vigor and shape and to control pest and disease attack. Pruning should be done regularly, and it involves removing diseased leaves and branches, cutting back overgrown areas, and maintaining the plant's height.
Propagation Methods for Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum, commonly known as tick trefoil, can be propagated through different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum through seeds is the easiest and most reliable method. The plant produces seeds in pods during autumn. When the pods turn brown and begin to dry, they can be collected for seed propagation. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and transferred outside after the last frost. It is recommended to scarify the seeds before planting to increase the germination rate. It takes about 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum through cuttings is also possible. Select a healthy stem and cut a section of it, about 10-15 cm long, with a sharp and clean knife. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and water it thoroughly. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity and place it in a warm and bright location. It takes about 2-3 weeks for the cutting to develop roots.
Division Propagation
Propagation of Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum through division is another option. The plant forms clumps over time, and these clumps can be divided into smaller sections and replanted. It is best to divide the plant during the spring or fall when it is not actively growing. Dig up the clump and separate it into smaller sections with a clean and sharp knife. Each section should have some roots and stems attached. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mix and water them thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management of Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum
Desmodium hirtum Guill. & Perr. var. hirtum, commonly known as tick clover, is a drought-tolerant leguminous plant that is used for livestock feed, soil conservation, and medicinal purposes. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Desmodium hirtum is root rot caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum. This disease can cause stunting, wilt, and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to plant resistant varieties and ensure proper drainage and water management.
Another disease that affects Desmodium hirtum is leaf spot caused by the fungus Cercospora desmodii. This disease causes small, circular spots on the leaves that can merge and cause defoliation. To manage this disease, it is necessary to sanitize pruning tools and avoid overhead irrigation to reduce leaf wetness.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that attack Desmodium hirtum is the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata), which can cause damage to the pods and reduce yield. To manage this pest, it is essential to monitor and control their population using pheromone traps, insecticides, or natural enemies such as parasitic wasps.
Another pest that attacks Desmodium hirtum is the spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), which can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage this pest, it is necessary to maintain proper plant hygiene, increase humidity levels, and use insecticidal soaps or oils.
Integrated Management
Integrated pest and disease management (IPM) practices may involve a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. IPM practices for Desmodium hirtum may include planting resistant varieties, crop rotation, use of biocontrol agents, and judicious use of pesticides. It is essential to follow recommended practices and consult with local agricultural extension services for guidance.
