Origin
Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa, commonly known as Cape haakbossie, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. The plant is native to southern Africa, particularly found in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa.
Common Names
The plant is locally known by several common names such as Cape haakbossie, Cape flag lottia, and Cape dwarf clover.
Uses
Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa has a history of medicinal use by the indigenous people of South Africa. The roots and leaves of the plant have been used to treat a variety of ailments such as respiratory problems and digestive disorders. Apart from its medicinal properties, the plant is a valuable source of food for livestock and wildlife.
General Appearance
The plant is a low-growing, perennial herb that forms a mat-like ground cover in rocky or disturbed areas. It has small, trifoliate leaves that are green above and pale below. The flowers are pea-like, yellow to orange in color, and appear in spring and summer. The fruit of the plant is a pod-like structure that contains several seeds.
Growth Conditions for Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa
Light: Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and flowering. It is advisable to plant it in areas that receive six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature: Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa thrives better in warm temperatures. The plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. However, it is essential to note that the plant is intolerant of frost.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH ranging between 6.0 to 7.5. It is also drought tolerant and can grow in areas with low rainfall levels.
Water: Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa requires moderate to low watering levels. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other related diseases. It is advisable to water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilizer: The plant requires moderate levels of fertilization during the growing season. It is advisable to apply a slow-release fertilizer once every three months to ensure optimal growth and flower production.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa, also known as the creeping indigo, is indigenous to South Africa and is widely cultivated in the region. The plant prefers well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, and moderate sunlight exposure. It can thrive in various pH levels, but a slightly acidic soil with pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 is the most suitable.
The propagation of the creeping indigo is through seed or vegetative means, such as stem cuttings and division of clumps. The plant grows up to 30 cm in height, forming an extensive mat of foliage. It is a hardy and low maintenance plant that can withstand dry conditions and poor soil quality.
Watering Needs
The creeping indigo is drought-resistant and requires relatively low levels of water. The plant is susceptible to root rot, making it necessary to avoid overwatering. Mature plants can go for extended periods without water, but it is advisable to water them once or twice a week during the growing season. In situations where the plant is growing in containers, frequent watering may be necessary.
Fertilization
Feeding the creeping indigo with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season can help improve its growth and overall health. It is essential to avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can harm the plant. A slow-release fertilizer in granular form, mixed into the soil during planting, provides sufficient nutrients for the plant's entire growing season.
Pruning
The creeping indigo plant requires little pruning. Pruning mainly focuses on the removal of any dead, diseased, or damaged foliage and stems. Regular removal of dead foliage can help prevent the plant from attracting pests and diseases. Pinching back the tips of the creeping indigo stems during the growing season encourages bushier growth and can serve as a form of pruning.
Propagation of Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa
Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa can be propagated by seed or vegetative means.
Propagation by seed
The most common method of propagating Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa is through seed. The plants produce pods that contain several seeds each. The seeds can be collected and sown in a well-draining seed-raising mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 cm and spaced 5 cm apart. The pots should be kept moist and placed in a warm, sunny spot. The seeds will germinate in 14-21 days.
Vegetative propagation
Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa can also be propagated vegetatively. This can be done by taking cuttings, division or layering.
Cuttings: Select strong, healthy shoots that have not yet flowered. Cuttings should be around 10 cm long and have at least two sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist and in a warm, sunny spot.
Division: When the plant is mature, it can be divided into smaller sections. Dig up the plant and use a sharp knife to divide it into smaller portions. Each section should have some roots and shoots. Replant the sections in well-draining soil.
Layering: Another way to propagate Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa is by layering. This involves bending a branch down to the ground and burying a section of it in soil. The buried section should have a wound or cut to encourage root development. Once the roots have formed, the branch can be severed from the parent plant and replanted.
Disease management
Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa is susceptible to a few diseases that might lead to a loss of yield or even the death of the plant. One common disease is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. It thrives in humid conditions and can spread rapidly.
To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain low humidity levels in the garden or greenhouse. Good air circulation and adequate spacing between plants can also help to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, regular spraying of the affected plants with a fungicide such as neem oil can slow down the spread of powdery mildew.
Another disease that can affect Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa is root rot. This disease is caused by soil-borne pathogens that attack the plant's roots, causing them to rot and eventually leading to the death of the plant.
The best way to manage root rot is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil has good drainage. Additionally, planting the plant in well-draining soil can also help to prevent the development of root rot.
Pest management
Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa is vulnerable to some pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. One of the most common pests is the aphid, which can suck the sap from the plant's leaves, leading to stunted growth, leaf curling, and a reduction in yield.
The most effective way to manage aphids is to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. Once detected, spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help to control the aphid population. Additionally, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings into the garden can also help to reduce the aphid population.
Another pest that can affect Lotononis adpressa N.E.Br. subsp. adpressa is the spider mite, which can form webbing on the leaves of the plant, leading to yellowing, leaf-drop, and stunted growth.
To manage spider mites, it is essential to maintain good plant hygiene by regularly removing any dead or infected plant material. Additionally, spraying the plant with neem oil can help to control the spider mite population. If the infestation is severe, it might be necessary to introduce natural predators such as predatory mites or ladybugs into the garden.
