Overview
Desmodium setigerum (E.Mey.) Benth. ex Harv. is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to southern Africa, particularly South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland. The plant is known by several common names including Cape tick clover, tick clover, and bristly green-bean.
Appearance
Desmodium setigerum is a small, bushy plant that typically grows up to 1.5 meters in height. It has thin, slightly hairy stems with trifoliate leaves that are green on top and slightly lighter beneath. The leaves are oblong or elliptic in shape and measure about 2-7 cm long. The plant produces small, pink to purple-colored flowers that bloom from November to March in South Africa.
Uses
Desmodium setigerum has multiple uses in traditional African medicine. The plant is used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, coughs, and bronchitis. It is also taken as a tonic to improve overall health and vitality. In addition, the plant has been used to treat livestock ailments like heartwater, which is a tick-borne disease that affects cattle, sheep, and goats. Some African cultures also use the plant in spiritual rituals and for protection against witches and evil spirits.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Desmodium setigerum is used in conservation efforts to help improve soil quality. The plant is a nitrogen fixer, which means it can convert nitrogen from the air into a form that can be used by plants. This helps to improve soil fertility for other crops grown in the same area.
Light Requirements
Desmodium setigerum typically grows well in both full sun and partial shade conditions. However, it tends to grow more vigorously when exposed to direct sunlight. This plant can tolerate shade but may grow leggy if it is not receiving enough natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Desmodium setigerum is between 18°C to 30°C. This plant can grow and thrive in a wide range of temperatures, but it may not perform well in extremely cold or hot weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium setigerum grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. This plant can also tolerate slightly acidic to alkaline soil conditions. However, it may not perform well in compact or heavy clay soils.
It is also crucial to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can damage the plant's health and growth. Fertilizing the plant with a balanced fertilizer can help provide essential nutrients to support its growth and development.
Cultivation Methods for Desmodium setigerum
Desmodium setigerum is a tropical plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It requires a relatively humid environment with warm temperatures to thrive. When cultivating this plant, start by obtaining high-quality seeds or seedlings from a reputable supplier.
Before planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining and loose to allow proper aeration and root growth. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it does best in full sun. Ensure the soil is moist enough during planting and the weeks after planting.
Watering Needs for Desmodium setigerum
Desmodium setigerum requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during the growing season. It is ideal to water the plant once or twice a week depending on the climate and soil conditions. Don't allow the soil to become waterlogged or too dry. Frequently check the soil moisture to avoid inconsistencies in watering frequency and duration.
Fertilization for Desmodium setigerum
Desmodium setigerum requires a balanced fertilizer to support its healthy growth. Apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, and reduce fertilizer application during the dormant season to prevent overfeeding. Supplement the fertilizer application with compost occasionally to keep the soil nutrient-rich.
Pruning Desmodium setigerum
Desmodium setigerum requires pruning to encourage bushy growth and maintain a desirable shape. Prune the plant lightly at the beginning of the growing season, ensuring that you remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can counteract straggly growth by pinching the plant tips.
When pruning, avoid overdoing it as excessively pruning can lead to stunted growth or damage. It is better to prune lightly, frequently, and strategically to keep the plant healthy and neat throughout its life cycle. Dispose of the pruned plant parts promptly to prevent disease transmission.
Propagation of Desmodium setigerum
Desmodium setigerum (E.Mey.) Benth. ex Harv. is a stunning plant common in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, where it thrives in the dry and semiarid areas. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Desmodium setigerum is typically propagated using seeds or vegetative means such as cuttings, layering, or grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation of Desmodium setigerum by seed is the easiest method. The seeds are typically collected when the plant has matured and they can be sowed directly in prepared soil. The best time for sowing is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds are spread evenly on the soil surface and lightly covered with a thin layer of sand or soil. Germination begins within one to three weeks, and the plant starts growing.
Propagation by Cuttings
Desmodium setigerum can also be propagated using stem cuttings. Cuttings are taken from parent plants that have a minimum of one year of growth. Stem cuttings should be roughly 10-15cm long. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone, then planted in a prepared pot or well-prepared garden soil. Keep the soil moist and wait for approximately three weeks, by which time the roots will have developed. After establishing roots, the cutting should be transplanted into a larger pot or garden bed where it can grow happily.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is a popular method of propagating Desmodium setigerum that encourages the plant to create new roots while it is still attached to the parent plant. This is accomplished by cutting a stem and bending it down to the soil, where it is kept it in place using stakes or pins. A small hole is dug in the soil beneath the plant, and the stem is covered. The stem is left for some time, allowing the roots to grow and establish, then it is separated from the parent plant. Layering is ideal for Desmodium setigerum propagation since the roots of this plant grow quickly and the stems are flexible and easily bendable.
Propagation by Grafting
Propagation by grafting remains an effective but less popular method. It is done by transplanting the scion of a mature plant and grafting it into another plant for growth. The general purpose of grafting Desmodium setigerum is to limit resistance to disease and encourage uniform growth. It is, however, a challenging and technically intricate process that requires great skill and patience, so it is seldom used for gardeners.
Disease Management
Desmodium setigerum is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect its overall health. Some of the common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose disease: This fungal disease causes circular lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. The affected areas may turn brown or black, and the leaves may fall off, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and destroy the infected plant parts, practice crop rotation, and use fungicides that are safe for the environment and human health.
- Bacterial wilt: This is a serious bacterial disease that causes wilting and yellowing of leaves, yellowing of veins, and plant death. There is no cure for this disease, and affected plants should be uprooted and destroyed to prevent its spread to other plants in the field.
- Root rot: This fungal disease affects the roots of the plant, and the symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and dropping of leaves. The roots of the affected plant may turn brown and mushy, and the plant may eventually die. To manage this disease, it is advisable to maintain proper drainage and avoid over-watering the plant. Additionally, planting resistant cultivars and applying fungicides can also help control root rot.
Pest Management
Desmodium setigerum is also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and curling of leaves. To manage aphids, introduce natural enemies like ladybugs or lacewings to the field, use insecticidal soap sprays, and remove and destroy heavily infested plants.
- Thrips: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing silvering or bronzing of leaves, distorted growth, and scarring of pods. To manage thrips, maintain proper field hygiene, use yellow sticky traps to monitor their populations, and apply insecticides that are not harmful to beneficial insects.
- Cutworms: These larvae feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing wilting and damping off. To manage cutworms, apply beneficial nematodes that feed on the larvae, use collars around the base of the plant to prevent access by the larvae, and apply insecticides before planting to kill the larvae.
By identifying and managing diseases and pests that affect Desmodium setigerum, farmers can protect their crops from significant loss and maximize their yields.
