Origin
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to southern Africa and can be found in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including Cape tick clover and jackbean.
Uses
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. has many traditional medicinal uses. The plant is used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, headaches, and respiratory infections. The leaves of the plant are often used to treat wounds and bruises. Additionally, the plant has been used as a natural insecticide and poison for rats.
General Appearance
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1m in height. The plant is characterized by its strong and narrow stem that can become woody with age. Its leaves are compound, with three leaflets that have a velvety texture. The plant's flowers are pink or purplish and are arranged in clusters. The seeds of the plant are contained in pod-like fruit that splits open when mature.
Light Requirements
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. thrives best under full sunlight exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and mature fully. Lack of sufficient sunlight can negatively impact plant growth as well as flower and fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. grows well in warm and hot temperature conditions. The optimum temperature range for growth and development is between 20°C and 30°C. This plant variety can tolerate cold temperatures of up to 5°C, but prolonged exposure to freezing conditions can cause severe damage to the plant's tissues.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. prefers well-draining soils rich in organic matter and minerals. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. It is essential to ensure that the soil is adequately moist, but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can promote fungal growth and lead to root rot.
Moreover, this plant variety can adapt to a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clayey soils. However, it is recommended to avoid planting Desmodium squarrosum in highly acidic or alkaline soils as it can affect nutrient uptake and plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as the climbing tick-trefoil, is a plant that grows best in loamy soil with good drainage. It requires full sun exposure for at least six hours a day and is not suitable for areas with heavy winds. The plant can be propagated through seedlings or stem cuttings. It is essential to provide climbing support to the plant.
Watering Needs
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. requires regular watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the hot and dry season, the plant may need more frequent watering. Avoid watering from above and instead water at the base of the plant.
Fertilization
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. benefits from regular fertilization. Fertilize the plant using a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied every four to six weeks.
Pruning
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. requires minimal pruning. However, it is essential to remove any dead or diseased stems and leaves. Pruning can also be done to control the size and shape of the plant. If any stems or branches are excessively long or straggly, they can be pruned back to promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh.
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. can be propagated through several methods such as:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. can be sown directly in the field or in seedbeds during the rainy season. The seeds are small and require shallow planting, typically less than 1 cm deep. Seedlings usually emerge within 7-10 days. Seeds can also be started indoors or in greenhouses, though the success rate may vary.
Cutting Propagation
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. can also be propagated through cuttings. Stem cuttings of 10-20 cm length with two to three nodes can be taken from the parent plant. These cuttings can be treated with rooting hormones and planted in a rooting medium such as a mixture of sand and soil. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they have developed roots.
Dividing Clumps
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acuminatum Eckl. & Zeyh. can be multiplied by dividing the clumps. Clumps should be divided during its dormant period and replanted immediately.
Disease management
Desmodium squarrosum is susceptible to several diseases such as various leaf spot diseases, root rot, wilt, and rust.
One way to manage leaf spot diseases is by removing infected leaves and destroying them as soon as possible. Additionally, applying fungicides can provide some control.
Root rot can be prevented by ensuring that the soil has good drainage and avoiding overwatering. If root rot is identified, remove the infected plant and sterilize the soil before planting again.
To manage wilt, it is essential to plant disease-resistant cultivars of Desmodium squarrosum. Similarly, rust can be managed by using disease-resistant cultivars and applying fungicides preventatively.
Pest management
Several pests can damage Desmodium squarrosum, such as caterpillars, aphids, and thrips.
To manage caterpillars, handpicking or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products can be effective. Aphids and thrips can be controlled by applying insecticides or using natural predators such as ladybugs.
It is crucial to monitor Desmodium squarrosum regularly for signs of pests and diseases. Early identification and management are critical to prevent them from spreading and causing significant damage to the plant.
