Overview
Lotononis azurea (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Benth. var. lanceolata Harv. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to southern Africa.
Appearance
The plant features elongated leaves that are narrow and lance-shaped, with pointed tips and a smooth texture. These leaves are green in color and grow up to 3 inches in length. The flowers of Lotononis azurea var. lanceolata are small and have a bright blue color. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and has a spreading growth habit.
Uses
In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various health conditions, including respiratory infections, rheumatism, and snake bites. The leaves and roots are used in herbal remedies. The plant is also used in landscaping for its attractive blue flowers and spreading growth habit.
Common Names
The common names for Lotononis azurea var. lanceolata include Blue Vetch, Blue Sweet Pea, and Blou Grendel.
Growth Conditions of Lotononis azurea var. lanceolata
Light: Lotononis azurea var. lanceolata prefers full sunlight exposure for a minimum of 6 hours per day. It can tolerate light shade but will not grow vigorously.
Temperature: The plant is native to South Africa and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows well in warm to hot temperatures from 20°C to 35°C and can tolerate temperature drops down to 5°C.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to alkaline soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5. The plant can tolerate drought but does not grow well in waterlogged soils.
Water: The plant requires low to moderate watering but does not tolerate waterlogged soils. During the growing season, it requires regular watering to ensure good growth and flowering.
Fertilizer: Lotononis azurea var. lanceolata responds well to fertilizers. It requires a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 3:1:5 or 2:1:2. Fertilizer application should be done during the growing season to promote good growth and flowering.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and dipped in rooting hormone before planting.
Cultivation Methods
The Lotononis azurea (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Benth. var. lanceolata Harv. plant thrives in a well-drained, sunny location. The plant prefers sandy, loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It can tolerate drought and high temperatures but cannot survive in temperatures below 5°C.
The plant requires full sunlight and should be planted in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. When transplanting, ensure that the hole is twice deep as the root ball and about four times wider.
Watering Needs
The Lotononis azurea (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Benth. var. lanceolata Harv. plant requires moderate watering. Water deeply once a week or whenever the soil feels dry to touch. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
During the hot summer months, water more frequently, preferably twice a week. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought once established.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer during the early spring season to boost growth. Do not fertilize during the dormant winter season as it can damage the roots.
If the leaves start to turn yellow, it is a sign of over-fertilization. In such cases, stop fertilization and adjust accordingly.
Pruning
The plant requires minimal pruning. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain the plant's overall shape and size. To promote bushy growth, pinching the tip of the main stem in early spring when the plant is about six inches tall is recommended.
Prune back any dead or diseased branches during the dormant season. Remove any crossing branches that can rub against each other.
Propagation of Lotononis Azurea (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Benth. var. Lanceolata Harv.
Lotononis azurea (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Benth. var. lanceolata Harv. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Lotononis azurea (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Benth. var. lanceolata Harv. can be collected from mature pods that have turned brown. The seeds should be allowed to dry for a few days before storing them in a cool, dry place. To improve the chances of successful germination, the seeds can be scarified by nicking the seed coat or soaking them in hot water for a few minutes.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings for propagation of Lotononis azurea (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Benth. var. lanceolata Harv. can be taken from softwood or semi-hardwood stems. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining planting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid area until roots develop.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division involves splitting a mature plant into smaller sections. This method is best carried out during the plant's dormant season. The plant should be carefully dug out of the ground, and the root system should be inspected for natural divisions. Using a clean, sharp knife, the plant should be split into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good portion of roots and leaves. The divided sections can then be replanted into their new location.
Disease Management
Lotononis azurea (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Benth. var. lanceolata Harv. is generally tolerant to most diseases. However, the plant can be affected by fungal and bacterial diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering, as moisture on leaves promotes disease development. Fungicides such as copper-based products can also be applied, following label instructions.
Powdery mildew can be managed through good cultural practices such as proper air circulation, adequate spacing, and regular inspections. Fungicides such as sulfur-based products can also be effective in controlling the disease.
Root rot can be prevented by maintaining well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. Infected plants should be removed, and the soil should be sterilized before replanting.
Pest Management
The plant is susceptible to various pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites.
Aphids can be controlled through natural predators such as ladybugs or by pruning and removing infested plant parts. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can also be used as a spray treatment.
Thrips can be managed through the removal of plant debris and by using sticky traps. Insecticidal soaps or pesticides can also be used, following label instructions.
Spider mites can be managed by maintaining a humid environment, regularly washing the leaves, and avoiding over-fertilization. Miticides or insecticidal soap can also be used, following label instructions.
Regular inspections and prompt intervention can help in managing pest infestations, and it is always best to use the least hazardous approach to pest management.
