Overview of Desmodium Procumbens
Desmodium procumbens (P. Mill.) A.S. Hitchc. var. exiguum (Gray) Schub. is commonly known as Creeping Beggarweed, Small-Leaved Ticktrefoil, or Trailing Desmodium. This plant is a perennial herb with a spreading and prostrate growth habit. It belongs to the family Fabaceae, which comprises about 20,000 species of vascular plants. This plant has a widespread occurrence throughout Asia, Africa, America, and the Pacific.
General Appearance
This plant has a prostrate growth habit, with a length of 50 to 80 cm. It possesses a green stem, which is hairy, and has reddish-brown spots. The leaves of this plant are trifoliate, with each leaflet ranging from 0.8 to 3.3 cm in length and 0.6 to 1.9 cm in width. The flowers are small, pinkish-purple, and borne on a spike inflorescence. The fruit of Desmodium procumbens is a straight and flat pod, containing seeds measuring about 3 mm in diameter.
Uses
Desmodium procumbens has several medicinal properties and is widely used in traditional medicine. The plant contains various chemical compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, and triterpenoids, which provide various therapeutic benefits. This plant has analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It is also used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, digestive problems, liver diseases, fever, and urinary tract infections.
Apart from its medicinal properties, Desmodium procumbens is also useful for soil conservation practices. It is a good cover crop, which helps in reducing soil erosion, restoring soil fertility, and increasing biodiversity. The plant also acts as a green manure, as it fixes nitrogen into the soil, enhancing soil productivity.
In some regions, the plant is used as a forage for livestock, as it is highly nutritious, with a high protein content. It is also consumed as a vegetable in certain regions, where the young leaves and pods are cooked and eaten.
Light Requirements:
Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum typically thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. They can tolerate some shade, but it is best to provide them with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements:
Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum is a warm-season plant and needs a consistent warm temperature to grow well. The optimal temperature range is between 20°C and 30°C. However, it can also tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C. It is important to ensure that the temperature does not drop below 10°C as this can lead to stunted growth or even death of the plant.
Soil Requirements:
Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, with a range of pH 6.0 to 7.0 being optimal for its growth. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Therefore, it's important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and the plant isn't kept in standing water.
Cultivation Methods
Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum is a perennial herb that grows mainly in tropical regions. It grows best in well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. To cultivate this plant, it is crucial to select a site where it can receive adequate sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. It is advisable to sow the seeds directly into the soil during the wet season or germinate the seeds before planting them. The stem cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones before planting to enhance rooting.
Watering Needs
The watering requirements of Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum depend on the prevailing weather conditions. During the dry season, the plant requires frequent watering to ensure that the soil remains moist at all times. The frequency of watering can be reduced during the wet season. Overwatering should be avoided since it can cause root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum responds well to moderate fertilization. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every three months. The fertilizers should be applied at least 10 cm away from the stem to prevent root burn. Alternatively, organic fertilizers such as compost and cow manure can be applied to enhance soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum should be done regularly to ensure that the plant remains compact and bushy. It is advisable to remove any dead or diseased stems from the plant to prevent the spread of diseases. The plant can also be pruned to control its height and shape. Pruning should be done using sharp and sterile pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant.
Propagation of Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum
Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as slender tick-trefoil and is native to North America.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common propagation method for slender tick-trefoil is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature seed pods in the fall and sown immediately or stored for later planting. To increase the germination rate, the seeds can be scarified by lightly scratching or nicking the hard seed coat with a sharp blade or sandpaper. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil at a depth of 1/4 inch. They should be kept moist but not waterlogged until they sprout, which usually occurs within 14-21 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
Slender tick-trefoil can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the early summer when the plant is actively growing. The stems should be cut into 4-6 inch sections and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in soil or a rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a sheltered location until they develop roots, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Another propagation method for slender tick-trefoil is by division of established plants. Divisions should be made in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. The plant should be lifted from the soil and the roots carefully separated into sections using a sharp knife or pruners. Each section should have at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. The divisions should be replanted immediately in well-draining soil and kept moist until they become established.
Disease Management
The plant Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum is generally considered to be quite resilient and disease-resistant. However, it may sometimes be affected by various fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is root rot, which can be caused by soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium and Rhizoctonia. Root rot can be managed by ensuring proper soil drainage and avoiding overwatering. Additionally, certain fungicides can be used to treat affected plants.
Another disease that may affect Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum is powdery mildew, which presents as a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. This is caused by the fungus Erysiphe polygoni, and can be managed through regular pruning of affected plant parts and the use of fungicides.
Finally, this plant may also be affected by leaf spot caused by infection with fungal pathogens such as Cercospora and Phyllosticta. This is characterized by small, circular spots on the leaves that eventually turn brown and drop off. Proper sanitation and use of fungicides can help manage leaf spot infections.
Pest Management
Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum may also be affected by various insect pests that can cause damage and hinder growth. One of the most common pests is the bean leaf beetle, which feeds on the plant's leaves, causing them to wilt and droop. This pest can be managed through the use of insecticides.
Another insect pest that can affect the plant is the spider mite, which sucks sap from the leaves. This may cause discoloration, wilting, and stunted growth. Spider mites can be managed through the application of miticides.
The Japanese beetle is yet another pest that may damage Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum. These beetles feed on plant leaves and flowers, sometimes causing extensive damage if left unchecked. Management strategies for Japanese beetles include handpicking and the use of insecticides.
Overall, proper plant sanitation and preventative measures are key to effective disease and pest management for Desmodium procumbens var. exiguum.
