Overview
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as "Sharp-leafed tick-trefoil" and "Kattekrap" in South Africa. The plant is native to southern and eastern Africa but now also grows in some parts of Asia.
Description
The plant is an annual or perennial herb that grows up to 50 cm tall. It has woody stems that are covered with fine hairs. The leaves are pinnately compound with three leaflets that are elliptic to lanceolate in shape, occurring in pairs along the stem. The leaflets are sharply toothed and have a pointed tip. The flowers are small and white, borne in clusters on short spikes. The fruit is a flat pod that splits open when mature, revealing the seeds.
Uses
Desmodium squarrosum var. acutifolium has several uses. The plant has medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and fever. The roots and leaves are boiled and then taken as tea or decoction to treat these ailments. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat snake bites, wounds, and stomach problems.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Desmodium squarrosum var. acutifolium is used as a forage plant. The plant is rich in nutrients and is grazed by livestock.
Desmodium squarrosum var. acutifolium has potential uses in agroforestry. The plant is often used as a cover crop planted alongside crops such as maize to improve soil fertility and prevent soil erosion. As a leguminous plant, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Light Requirements
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. typically grows best in full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight in the morning and evening, but excessive exposure during the hottest part of the day can damage the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. is between 20-28°C. The plant can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but extreme heat for prolonged periods of time can cause damage to the foliage and stunt growth. In areas with cooler temperatures, the plant may take longer to mature and produce flowers.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 4.5-7.5. The soil should be nutrient-rich with a good amount of organic matter to promote healthy growth. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. It is important to note that the plant can also tolerate drought, but it will require regular watering during prolonged dry periods.
Cultivation methods
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in full sun or partial shade. The ideal pH level for this plant is between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. The best time to plant Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. is in the spring or early summer.
Watering needs
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. requires moderate watering. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil.
Pruning
Prune Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. in the late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Trim the plant to maintain its shape, but avoid cutting back too much as it can lead to reduced flowering and growth. Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. can also benefit from pinching back the tips of new growth to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Desmodium squarrosum var. acutifolium
Desmodium squarrosum var. acutifolium can be propagated by seeds or vegetative cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seeds should be collected from mature pods that have turned brown and dry. The seeds should be scarified or soaked in hot water to break the hard seed coat and improve germination. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and cover lightly with soil. Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Desmodium squarrosum var. acutifolium can also be propagated by vegetative cuttings. Take 8-10 cm long stem cuttings from healthy plant material. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix or sand. Water regularly and keep the cutting in a humid environment until roots begin to form. This can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks.
In general, seed propagation is the preferred method for propagating Desmodium squarrosum var. acutifolium. However, vegetative propagation is useful when trying to ensure propagation of a specific cultivar or when seeds are not available.
Disease Management for Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh.
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. is prone to fungal and viral infections. Prevention is always better than cure in disease management. The following measures can help in preventing diseases in this plant:
- Avoid overcrowding by planting at the recommended spacing
- Monitor regularly for symptoms of diseases or pests
- Remove and destroy infected or diseased plant parts including leaves, stems or roots
- Apply appropriate fungicides if necessary to prevent fungal infections
- Use disease-resistant and healthy planting material
Pest Management for Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh.
Desmodium squarrosum (Thunb.) DC. var. acutifolium Eckl. & Zeyh. is also prone to insect pests such as mealybugs, aphids and mites. The following measures can help in preventing pest infestations:
- Inspect the plants regularly for pest infestations
- Remove infected parts of the plant to prevent the spread of pests
- Introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, to control pest populations
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant to keep pests under control
- Use sticky traps to catch and monitor pest populations
If pest infestations are severe, it may be necessary to use chemical pesticides. However, this should be done as a last resort and only after all other pest management methods have been tried and proven ineffective. It is important to follow the instructions on pesticide labels and use them in moderation to avoid contaminating the environment and causing harm to beneficial insects.
