Overview of Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn.
Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn., also known as Rock Hugger, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to India and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It is widely grown in India, including in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Common Names for Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn.
Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn. is known by various common names depending on the region where it is found. In India, it is commonly known as Rock Hugger, Karkanircunni, or Karungurinchi. In other countries, it may be referred to as Herbe Étrangleuse or Étrangleuse de rochers in French, or Würgerklee in German.
Uses of Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn.
Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn. has been used for various medicinal purposes in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. The plant is known to contain various compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroids, that have pharmacological properties. Some of the traditional uses of Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn. include treating fever, asthma, cough, and other respiratory ailments. The plant is also used for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
General Appearance of Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn.
Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn. is a small creeping herb that grows up to 50 cm in length. The plant has a woody stem that is dark brown in color with numerous branches and leaves that are trifoliate, with the leaflets being oval-shaped and pointed. The flowers of the plant are pea-shaped, with pink to reddish-purple colored petals that form dense clusters. The fruit of the plant is a slender pod that can be up to 7 cm in length, containing small, shiny, and black seeds.
As an AI language model, all the information that I have provided may not be 100% accurate. It is suggested to verify the information from other sources as well.Light Requirements
Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn. requires full sunlight to thrive. It should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, if grown in hot and dry regions, this plant should be protected from midday sun to prevent scorching and dehydration.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in moderate to warm temperatures. It needs a minimum temperature of 20°C to grow well. It is not frost tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn. grows best in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, clayey, and loamy soils. It is necessary to ensure that the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging because it can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn.
Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn. is a hardy plant that can grow in various types of soils that are well-draining and have moderate fertility. It needs sunlight for at least 6 hours a day and a warm climate for optimum growth.
One can start cultivating the plant through seeds or stem cuttings. The seeds should be sown during the rainy season, while the stem cuttings can be planted during spring.
The plant is a legume and can perform well in intercropping systems or as an agroforestry crop. It can be intercropped with crops like maize, cassava, and yams.
Watering Needs of Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn.
The plant requires moderate watering during the growth phase, and less watering as it matures. Watering should be done consistently, but the soil should not be waterlogged.
During the dry season, supplemental watering should be done regularly to maintain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization of Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn.
The plant requires moderate fertilization to maintain its health and vigor. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for this plant.
Organic fertilizers like farmyard manure and compost can be used to provide the required nutrients. Inorganic fertilizers can be used in limited amounts. Application should be done during the rainy season.
Pruning of Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn.
Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn. requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done once the plant has reached a height of 30-40 cm.
The plant should be pruned to a height of 10-20 cm, leaving only the main stem and a few branches. Regular pruning ensures the plant remains bushy and has more flowers, which later develop into pods.
Propagation of Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn.
Desmodium strangulatum Wight & Arn., commonly known as 'Ottelia' or 'Strangling tick-trefoil,' is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to India and is commonly found in the Western Ghats region. The plant has a unique propagation strategy, where it uses its stems to propagate vegetatively.
Stem Propagation
The stem of Desmodium strangulatum grows horizontally, and when it comes in contact with the ground, it produces adventitious roots, which develops into a new plant. The plant can also self-root by producing stem roots, which grow from the nodes of the stem and penetrate the soil. These stem roots develop rapidly, producing a new plant relatively quickly.
Propagation of Desmodium strangulatum through stem cuttings is also possible. The plant can be propagated by taking stem cuttings, which are approximately 5-7 inches long and planting them in the soil. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and watered regularly for better results. The cuttings will produce roots in a few weeks and develop into new plants.
Seed Propagation
Desmodium strangulatum can also be propagated by seeds. The seeds of the plant are small and black in color. They can be collected from the dried pods and sowed in the soil. The soil should be moist, and the seeds should be planted approximately 1-2 cm deep in the soil. Germination occurs in about 5-10 days, and the seedlings should be watered regularly for better growth.
However, propagation through seeds is not the preferred method as it takes a longer time to establish the plant, and the seeds have low viability.
Note: Desmodium strangulatum is an invasive species and can cause harm to the local vegetation. Therefore, it is necessary to control its spread by cutting off the stems before they come in contact with the soil.
Disease Management
Desmodium strangulatum is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Rust: This disease is characterized by orange or brownish spots on the leaves, which can cause defoliation. Rust can be managed through the use of fungicides and by removing infected parts of the plant.
- Leaf spot: This disease is identified by brown spots on the leaves, which can enlarge and merge, leading to defoliation. Leaf spot can be managed by removing infected parts of the plant and using fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This disease is identified by wilting and blackening of leaves, stems, and flowers. Anthracnose can be managed by proper sanitation, removal of infected plant parts, and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Desmodium strangulatum is also vulnerable to various pests, including:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on sap from the plant and can cause deformation and curling of leaves. Aphids can be managed by the use of insecticidal soap or oil sprays.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to yellow and dry out. They can be managed through the use of insecticidal soap or oil sprays.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing loss of foliage and stunted growth. They can be managed by handpicking and using biological control agents, such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Proper management of diseases and pests is crucial to ensure the healthy growth of Desmodium strangulatum. Regular monitoring of the plant, removal of infected or infested plant parts, and the use of insecticides and fungicides can aid in managing these issues.
