Overview
Desmodium scalpe DC. is a perennial plant native to subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is commonly known as the scalped tick-trefoil.
Appearance
The plant usually grows up to 1.5 meters in height and spreads up to 1 meter in width. It has slender, angular stems that are pale green in color and covered with glandular hairs. The leaves are trifoliate, with the leaflets being 3-9 cm long and 1.5-4.5 cm wide. They have an oblong shape with an acute apex and a serrated margin. The flowers of D. scalpe are arranged in axillary racemes, which are up to 16 cm long. The flowers are usually purple, pink, or white in color and are about 1 cm long. The fruits are hairy pods, which are up to 2.5 cm long, 4 mm wide, and contain 2-6 seeds.
Uses
D. scalpe has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. The roots and leaves of the plant have been used to treat asthma, cough, fever, bronchitis, dysentery, and diarrhea. The plant's extracts have also been found to have anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the plant is used as a forage crop and as green manure. It is also used in erosion control, as it has a deep rooting system that stabilizes soil and prevents erosion.
In conclusion, Desmodium scalpe DC. is a versatile plant that has many uses in both traditional medicine and agriculture. Its unique appearance and properties make it an important plant in various ecosystems, and its increasing popularity in modern medicine may lead to further research and discoveries.
Light conditions
Desmodium scalpe DC. typically prefers a moderate amount of sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade may stunt its growth and reduce its ability to produce flowers and seeds.
Temperature requirements
This plant grows best in warm temperature ranges between 18-25°C (65-77°F). It can thrive in temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 37°C (99°F) but it may not grow as vigorously in extreme environments.
Soil requirements
The ideal soil for Desmodium scalpe DC. is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It can also tolerate a wide range of soils, including clay, sandy or loamy soils. However, it must be well-drained, as stagnant water can cause root rot and eventually kill the plant. Adequate organic matter is also essential to promote healthy root growth and overall plant vigor.
Cultivation methods
Desmodium scalpe DC. can be cultivated through direct seeding or transplanting. For direct seeding, sow the seeds directly into the soil in early spring or late winter. For transplanting, start the plant indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost of the season. Once the seedlings are established, transplant them to your garden. The plant prefers well-drained soils and requires ample sunlight for optimal growth.
Watering Needs
Desmodium scalpe DC. requires moderate watering. The plant prefers slightly moist soil, so avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot and other problems. It's essential to water the plant deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil, promoting root growth. Water the plant whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Desmodium scalpe DC. benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once every month during the growing season. Use a fertilizer high in potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which are essential nutrients for plant development. Alternatively, use organic fertilizers such as manure, compost, or bone meal. These organic fertilizers promote soil health and improve plant growth.
Pruning
Desmodium scalpe DC. requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead or damaged foliage, stems, and flowers. Pruning helps to promote airflow and encourage new growth. Pinch back the tips of new growth for bushier growth and fuller plants. Deadheading spent flowers also helps to encourage the production of new flowers. Overall, it's essential to maintain the plant's shape and size while ensuring it remains healthy and robust.
Propagation of Desmodium scalpe DC.
Desmodium scalpe DC., also known as Tick Trefoil, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a spreading plant that grows up to 60-90 cm high and can quickly colonize with underground rhizomes. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly propagated through the following methods:
Seeds
The propagation of Desmodium scalpe DC. can be easily carried out using its seeds. The seeds should be collected when the pods turn brown and dry. After collecting, the seeds should be left for drying before sowing. The seeds should be sown directly into the ground or in seedling trays with loose, fertile soil. The soil must be consistently moist, and the optimum temperature for germination is 18-24°C. The seeds germinate in 2-3 weeks, and after germination, the seedlings can be transplanted into the desired location.
Cuttings
Desmodium scalpe DC. can be propagated through stem cuttings as well. For stem cutting, healthy stems without any flowers or buds should be selected and cut into 10-12cm long pieces. The cutting should have at least three mature leaves and a node where the leaf joins the stem. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone powder, and plant them in pots or directly in the ground. The soil must be consistently moist, and the optimum temperature for rooting is 18-24°C. Once the cuttings have formed roots and healthy new growth, they can be transplanted into the desired location.
Division
The propagation of Desmodium scalpe DC. through division can be carried out by removing the offsets or suckers that grow at the base of the mature plant. These offsets or suckers are usually connected to the mother plant through underground rhizomes, which should be cut to separate the new plant. Once separated, plant the new plants in their desired location and keep the soil consistently moist.
Overall, Desmodium scalpe DC. can be readily propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and division. With its multiple propagation methods, it is a suitable plant to grow for pre-existing gardens or for plant enthusiasts who are looking for an easy-to-grow yet attractive plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Desmodium scalpe DC.
Desmodium scalpe DC., commonly known as tropical clover, is a legume plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. While it is a resilient plant, it is still susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal leaf spots: These are small, circular or irregular spots on the leaves, surrounded by a yellow halo. The disease is caused by Cercospora spp. or Phaeoisariopsis desmodii. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the affected plant parts promptly, practice crop rotation, and use fungicides like copper oxychloride or mancozeb.
Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi like Fusarium spp. and Pythium spp. It causes the plants to wilt and eventually die. To manage root rot, remove and destroy the affected plants, plant in well-drained soil, and avoid overwatering.
Viral diseases: Desmodium scalpe DC. is susceptible to various viral diseases like yellow vein mosaic, leaf curl, and mosaic. These diseases cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distortions. To manage viral diseases, use virus-free seeds or plant materials, remove and destroy the affected plants promptly, and practice good sanitation.
Pests
Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and curling. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other insecticides. Alternatively, attract natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps.
Cutworms: These are the larvae of various moth species that feed on the plant's leaves, stems, and roots, causing wilting and death. To manage cutworms, use biological controls like Bacillus thuringiensis or beneficial nematodes. Alternatively, use cultural controls like handpicking or using collars around the plant's stem to prevent the larvae from reaching the plant.
Spider mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and bronzing of leaves. To manage spider mites, use acaricides, insecticidal soaps, or other insecticides. Alternatively, improve the plant's humidity or use natural predators like predatory mites.
By following good cultural practices, such as regular watering and fertilizing, and monitoring your plants for signs of disease and pest infestation, you can have healthy and thriving Desmodium scalpe DC. plants.
