Overview of Desmodium Pilosiusculum DC.
Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. Commonly known by its vernacular names, such as 'Little Hairyleaf Tick Trefoil,' 'Hairy Desmodium,' or 'Hairy-leaf Desmodium,' it is native to Southern China, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Northern Vietnam. The plant grows primarily in the forest undergrowth, along roadsides, on rocky slopes, and in disturbed habitats.
General appearance of Desmodium Pilosiusculum DC.
Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. usually grows to a height of 40-120 cm, forming a dense clump of thick stems that tend to sprawl and creep along the ground. The plant's pinnate leaves are trifoliate, about 5-15 cm long, and covered with hairs. The small, violet or pink flowers bloom in late summer to early autumn, growing in dense clusters that emerge from the stems' axils. The plant's fruit is a straight, flattened pod that measures about 3-6 cm in length and spreads open when ripe, revealing small black seeds.
Uses of Desmodium Pilosiusculum DC.
The Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. plant has various medicinal uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating ailments such as coughs, bronchitis, phlegm, and fever. The plant contains several biologically active compounds, including alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and steroids, which have shown anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Also, Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. is a valuable cover crop that grows well in poor soils, helps to fix nitrogen, and prevents soil erosion. Additionally, the plant's seeds and foliage are an excellent source of protein and can be used as animal forage, green manure, or mulch.
Growth Conditions for Desmodium pilosiusculum DC.
Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. This plant is also known as hairy-podded tick-trefoil and is an important forage crop for livestock. The following are the typical growth conditions required by Desmodium pilosiusculum DC.
Light Requirements
Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. requires a moderate amount of sunlight for its growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade and is often grown as an intercrop or as a cover crop in agroforestry systems where the canopy of the main crop provides a light shade.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature for the growth of Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. ranges from 25°C to 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C and as high as 35°C, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can affect its growth and productivity. The plant requires a frost-free environment for its survival.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy to loamy, but it prefers soils that are fertile, rich in organic matter, and have good moisture retention capacity. The plant can tolerate moderate soil salinity, but excessive soil salinity can be detrimental to its growth and development.
Cultivation methods
Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. is a perennial plant that is usually grown in warm tropical regions. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. You can plant the seeds directly into the soil, but for best results, it is recommended to first soak them in water overnight. Cuttings can be taken from mature plants and inserted into soil or potting mix. Choose a sunny or partly shaded location for planting. The soil should be well-draining with a pH between 6 to 7.
Watering needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once or twice a week. In hot and dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is in a dormant phase. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid over or under watering.
Fertilization
Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be applied once every two weeks. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer that provides nutrients gradually over an extended period. Follow the instructions on the label for the correct application rate.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the shape and size of the plant and promote bushy growth. It is best to prune Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. in early spring before new growth starts. Remove any damaged, diseased or dead branches. Pinch off the tips of new growth to encourage branching. You can also remove old flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts without damaging the plant.
Propagation of Desmodium pilosiusculum DC.
Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. is a perennial herbaceous plant species that is quite easy to propagate. There are several methods of propagation that can be used to reproduce this plant effectively.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the easiest and most common way to propagate Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. The ideal time to collect seeds is in the fall when the pods become dry and start splitting open. After collecting the seeds, it is recommended to soak them for several hours before planting them in well-draining soil. The seeds should be planted shallowly, at a depth of around 1 cm, and covered with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist, and germination should occur within two weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also a successful method for reproducing Desmodium pilosiusculum DC. Cuttings should be taken from the plant's new shoots in the spring and summer months. The cuttings should be taken just below a node on the stem, and leaves should be removed from the bottom two-thirds of the stem. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant them in a moist, well-draining soil mix. Cover the cutting with plastic to maintain humidity and mist the plant frequently until new growth appears.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is a method that involves dividing the root ball of an established plant into smaller sections, each with several stems and roots. This method is recommended in the early spring when the plant's growth starts to pick up. Carefully dig out the plant and divide the root ball into several sections. Then, replant each section in a suitable pot or site that provides enough space and soil moisture for successful growth.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering involves bending a lower branch's stem to the soil and encouraging it to root while still attached to the main plant. This method can be done in the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing. During this season, select lower branches near the base of the plant and flatten them along the ground, burying a portion of the stem in the soil. Keep the soil moist, and new growth should appear in a few weeks. Once it has, you can carefully cut the stem from the main plant and transplant it to a pot or garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium Pilosiusculum DC.
Desmodium pilosiusculum DC., also known as hairy small-leaved tick-trefoil, is a leguminous plant that is commonly used as a cover crop and forage. It is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and poor soils, but it is not immune to diseases and pests. Being able to identify and manage these issues is crucial for the plant's health and productivity.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, lesions, and defoliation. It can be managed by avoiding overhead irrigation, practicing crop rotation, and applying fungicides.
Root rot is caused by several fungi that thrive in poorly drained soils. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, ensure good drainage and avoid over-watering.
Viruses can also infect Desmodium pilosiusculum, resulting in stunted growth and deformation of leaves and stems. There is no cure for viral infections, so removing infected plants and controlling insect vectors is the best management strategy.
Common Pests
The bean leaf beetle is a common pest that feeds on the plant's foliage and pods. Infestations can lead to reduced yields and plant damage. Cultivating early or using insecticidal sprays can help manage these pests.
The alfalfa weevil is another insect that can cause significant damage to the plant's foliage. Crop rotation, planting resistant varieties, and using insecticides are effective control methods.
The soybean aphid can also infest Desmodium pilosiusculum. These insects feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and stunted growth. Insecticidal soaps and oils can be used to manage aphids.
Conclusion
Successful management of diseases and pests is essential for maintaining the productivity and health of Desmodium pilosiusculum. Implementing proper cultural practices, identifying and monitoring pest populations, and using appropriate chemical controls can help prevent and manage these issues effectively.
