Overview: Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg
Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg is a herbaceous, perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is also known by several common names, including Hairy Small-Leaf Tick-Trefoil, Small Leaf Tick Trefoil, and Hairy Smallflower Tick Clover.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to the tropical regions of America, including Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. It is also found in several Asian and African countries. This aesthetically pleasing plant is found in wetlands, streamsides, forests, and disturbed areas.
General Appearance
Desmodium intortum is a delicate, slender plant that typically grows up to 1 meter tall. It has hairy stems, with scattered, alternate, and compound leaves. The leaves are composed of three leaflets, which are elliptical with pointed tips, hairy with uneven and dentate margins, and about 3 to 6 cm long. The plant bears small, white, greenish, or purple flowers arranged in clusters at the tip of the stem. The fruits of this plant are flat, kidney-shaped pods with prickles.
Uses and Benefits
Desmodium intortum has several medicinal properties and is traditionally used for various remedies and treatments. The plant contains several compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties. The leaves and roots of the Desmodium intortum are used to treat various illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis, hepatitis, jaundice, and worm infestations. The herb is also effective in relieving pain, reducing fever, and treating rheumatism.
Desmodium intortum is also commonly used as fodder for livestock and is planted as a cover crop to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion. The plant can fix nitrogen in the soil, making it an ideal choice for farmers looking to improve soil quality and yield.
In conclusion, Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg is a versatile plant that has several benefits and uses. The plant has medicinal properties, is an excellent source of fodder for animals, and is useful for improving soil quality. Its delicate appearance and small flowers also make it a popular ornamental plant.
Light Requirements
Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg typically requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Plants grown in low light conditions will be spindly, weak, and prone to diseases and pests.
Temperature Requirements
Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg thrives in humid tropical and subtropical climates, and can grow in temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C. Temperature fluctuations, especially cold temperature, can cause stunted growth and plant death.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg prefers well-draining sandy loam soil rich in organic matter. It can tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range between 5.5-7.5. The soil should be kept moderately moist, but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods:
Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg is a tropical and subtropical perennial legume that grows well in a variety of soils, including sandy, loam, and clay soils. It thrives in full sunlight and can tolerate partial shade. The plant should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm in well-prepared soil. The seed rate should be around 10-15 kg per hectare. Planting should be done during the rainy season, and the ideal seedbed preparation involves tilling the soil to create a fine seedbed before planting.
Watering Needs:
Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg requires regular watering, particularly during the dry season. The plant should be watered at least once a week, with each watering session providing enough water to soak the soil to a depth of at least 15 cm. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant, which may lead to root rot and other complications.
Fertilization:
Applying fertilizer to the soil can significantly increase the yield of Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg. Applying a balanced fertilizer such as NPK (23:23:0) at a rate of 50-70 kg per hectare is recommended. The application of organic fertilizers can also be beneficial, particularly during the early stages of growth. Organic matter such as manure and compost can improve the soil structure, fertility, and water-holding capacity and provide a better environment for the growth of the plant.
Pruning:
Pruning of Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg is not particularly necessary. However, removing dry or diseased branches can help to improve the plant's health and prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning can also help to stimulate the growth of new shoots and improve the plant's overall shape. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, which is usually during the dry season.
Propagation Methods for Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg
Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. var. pilosiusculum (DC.) Fosberg is a perennial herbaceous plant, commonly known as pilose ticktrefoil. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to the United States, specifically the southern region. The plant produces small white or pink flowers and has a creeping growth habit.
Propagation of pilose ticktrefoil can be done through various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, or division.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of pilose ticktrefoil through seeds is the most common method used. Seeds should be sown in the fall or spring in well-drained soil. Scarification or stratification may be necessary to break the hard seed coat and encourage germination. The seeds should be planted 1/4 inch deep and spaced 1-2 inches apart. Seedlings should be thinned to 6-12 inches apart to give them enough space to grow.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is also possible. Cuttings should be taken from the plant in the spring or summer. Select young, green stems and cut them into 3-4 inch sections. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. Roots should form within a few weeks.
Division Propagation
Propagation through division is another method that can be used. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring or fall. Dig up the entire plant and carefully separate the roots and shoots into smaller sections. Replant the smaller sections in a new location, making sure to water them regularly until they are established.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the soil moist and provide the plant with adequate sunlight to promote growth.
Disease Management
Desmodium intortum is prone to several diseases caused by fungi, viruses, and nematodes. Proper cultural practices such as crop rotation, sanitation, and the use of disease-free plant material are essential for disease prevention.
Fungal diseases such as root rot, leaf spot and powdery mildew can be managed by applying fungicides. Use fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions while adhering to safety precautions. Viral infections have no cure; therefore, destroying affected plants and carrying out insect control is essential. Soil-borne nematode infestations can be managed by sterilization of planting materials and crop residues.
Pest Management
Various insects, mites, and vertebrates attack Desmodium intortum. Insect pests such as aphids, stem borers, and thrips can be controlled by the use of appropriate insecticides, biological control methods, and cultural practices such as regular pruning, cultivation, and weed control. Vertebrate pests such as goats, pigs, and cows can be controlled by physical exclusion and the use of repellents.
Mites and whiteflies are also common pests that affect the plant. Infestation by mites and whiteflies can be controlled by horticultural oils such as neem oil and pyrethroids. It is crucial to balance the use of chemical control measures and biological control measures such as predators and parasitic wasps.
