Origin
Lotononis biflora (Bolus) Dummer, commonly known as African Beach Pea or Twin-flowered lotus, is a species of flowering plant native to southern Africa, particularly in the Cape Province of South Africa.
Common Names
African Beach Pea and Twin-flowered lotus are the two common names used for Lotononis biflora.
Uses
Lotononis biflora has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes in African communities. The whole plant is used to treat inflammation, fever, and diarrhoea. The plant is also used as a green manure cover crop to improve soil fertility and control weeds.
General Appearance
Lotononis biflora is a small upright or prostrate shrubby plant, growing up to 40 cm tall, with a woody base. The leaves are dark green, trifoliate, with a leathery texture, and 1.5-4 cm long. The flowers are yellow with two wings, resembling a small butterfly in appearance, and are about 1 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The fruits are flattened, hairy, and contain one seed each.
Growth Conditions of Lotononis biflora (Bolus) Dummer
Lotononis biflora (Bolus) Dummer is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to southern Africa, particularly in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The plant is known for its beautiful yellow flowers and its unique ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. To grow and thrive, Lotononis biflora requires specific growth conditions, which are discussed below:
Light Requirements
Lotononis biflora thrives in full sun exposure. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally. Insufficient light can cause the plant to become weak, leggy, and stunted. Therefore, it is recommended to plant Lotononis biflora in an open area with plenty of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
L. biflora grows well in warm to hot temperatures with an optimal range of about 15-32°C (59-90°F). The plant does not tolerate frost and cannot grow in temperatures below -2°C (28°F). Therefore, it is essential to plant L. biflora in areas with warm climates.
Soil Requirements
L. biflora grows best in well-drained soils that are sandy or sandy-loamy, with a pH range of 4.5 to 8.0. The plant can also grow in slightly alkaline soils. However, it does not tolerate water-logged soils, which can cause the roots to rot and lead to plant stunting or death. It is, therefore, recommended to plant L. biflora in well-drained soils with good aeration to ensure optimal growth.
Cultivation
Lotononis biflora is a versatile and adaptable plant and can be grown outdoors or indoors, depending on the climatic conditions of the area. It prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH level of around 7.0. It can also grow well in sandy soils, but it is not suited for heavy clay soils.
If growing indoors, provide the plant with enough natural sunlight or fluorescent light to ensure healthy growth. Outdoors, put it in a spot where it can get full sun to partial shade.
Watering needs
Lotononis biflora requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the plant to rot, and under watering can lead to stunted growth. To ensure proper moisture retention, it is advisable to mulch around the base of the plant, especially during dry seasons or droughts.
Fertilization
For healthy growth, it is crucial to fertilize Lotononis biflora at the beginning of each growing season, especially if you are growing it in a pot. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. For outdoor plants, side dress the fertilizer around the base of the plant after every eight weeks through the growing season.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Lotononis biflora is essential to maintain its shape and size. The ideal time to prune is after the flowering season. Cut back the older woody stems to promote the growth of new shoots and maintain the plant's vigor. You can also trim off any damaged or diseased branches and always ensure to use sharp, clean pruners to avoid infecting the plant.
Propagation of Lotononis biflora (Bolus) Dummer
Lotononis biflora (Bolus) Dummer, commonly known as African hemp, is a perennial legume that grows in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is a shrub-like plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall and produce small yellow flowers.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Lotononis biflora is through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from the plant once they have matured, which is typically in the late summer or early fall. The seeds must be allowed to dry out completely before they can be stored or planted.
To plant the seeds, first, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and loosening the soil to a depth of about 10 cm. Plant the seeds at a depth of approximately 1 cm and cover with soil. Water the soil thoroughly but avoid overwatering, which can cause the seeds to rot. The seeds will germinate in about 7-14 days and will take approximately 2-3 years to grow into mature plants.
Cuttings Propagation
An alternative method of propagation for Lotononis biflora is through cuttings. This method is useful when seeds are unavailable, or when propagating larger numbers of plants. Cuttings should be taken during the spring or early summer when new growth is beginning to emerge.
To take cuttings, select a healthy stem that is approximately 10-15 cm long and that has several leaves. Cut the stem just below a leaf node and remove all leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone and plant the cutting in damp potting soil or a rooting hormone mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm, bright area, but out of direct sunlight. The cutting should root within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted into the garden once it has developed a good root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotononis Biflora
Lotononis biflora, also known as the African leadwort or twinning-schaft flower, is a beautiful plant native to South Africa valued for its showy, blue-violet flowers that are pleasing to the eye. Unfortunately, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth, health, and general appearance. Here is some information on common diseases and pests that can affect the Lotononis biflora and some ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases are common in Lotononis biflora, especially when soil moisture is high. Common fungal diseases include Botrytis blight, leaf spots, and root rot. To manage these diseases, it is important to avoid over-watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Additionally, infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control fungal infections, but it is best to consult with a professional before choosing a product to use.
Virus Diseases: Viral diseases can also affect the Lotononis biflora, causing stunted growth, leaf mottling, and discoloration. Unfortunately, plants infected with viruses cannot be cured, so it is important to prevent them from contracting virus diseases. Measures to prevent virus diseases include the use of clean planting material, controlling insect vectors, and avoiding plant stress.
Common Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are common pests that can cause yellowing, stippling, and premature leaf drop in Lotononis biflora. To manage an infestation of spider mites, it is recommended to increase humidity around the plant, remove heavily infested plant parts, and use insecticidal soaps or oils to control their populations.
Aphids: Aphids are another common pest that can affect the Lotononis biflora, causing distorted leaves and stunted growth. To control aphids, it is recommended to use insecticidal soaps or oils, remove infested plant parts, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are also pests that can cause damage to the plant by chewing on the leaves and stems. To manage an infestation of caterpillars, handpicking them and removing them is an effective method, or alternatively, using biological control methods such as introducing parasitic wasps that prey on caterpillars.
By managing the common diseases and pests that affect Lotononis biflora, growers can maintain the plant's health and ensure it thrives in the garden.
