Origin
Lotononis carinata (E.Mey.) Benth. is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae and is native to Southern Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as the big-leaved korog or striped korog in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Other common names include wonder pea, fire-pod, and downy korog.
Uses
Lotononis carinata has a range of uses, both medicinal and agricultural. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat stomach ailments, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. The plant also has potential for use in the production of bio-pesticides, as it contains insecticidal properties. Additionally, as a legume, the plant is known to improve soil fertility. The seeds are also a good source of protein and can be consumed by livestock.
General Appearance
Lotononis carinata is a perennial herb with an upright growth habit that can reach a height of up to two meters. It has bright green leaves that are large and oval-shaped, measuring up to 20 cm in length. The plant produces numerous fiery orange-red flowers in dense spikes that are up to 30 cm long. The flowers give way to elongated seed pods that have a distinctive striped pattern and are covered in fine hairs.
Light Requirements
Lotononis carinata grows best in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers a warm climate. The optimal temperature range for Lotononis carinata growth is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°C, but frost can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The ideal soil for Lotononis carinata growth is sandy loam or clay. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types and can grow in saline or alkaline soil with moderate to high fertility. However, poor drainage can cause root damage and affect plant growth.
Cultivation
Lotononis carinata is a perennial herb and can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil and can tolerate both acidic and alkaline conditions. The plant requires full sun exposure to grow and develop fully.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Lotononis carinata vary depending on the season and the soil type. During the growing season, the plant requires moderate watering. In dry and hot weather, the plant should be watered more often to prevent wilting. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is recommended to promote the growth and development of Lotononis carinata. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied once every two months during the growing season.
Pruning
Deadheading is necessary to promote continuous blooming of Lotononis carinata. Dead flowers should be removed regularly. The plant can also benefit from trimming or pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning can be done after the flowering season.
Propagation of Lotononis carinata
Lotononis carinata (E.Mey.) Benth. commonly known as "Karringmelkbose" is a beautiful herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. It is indigenous to South Africa and is mainly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Lotononis carinata can be collected from the seed pods when they change from green to brown. They should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place. Before planting, the seeds should be treated with hot water to break their seed coat dormancy. This can be done by placing the seeds in water that is heated between 70-80°C for about 5-10 minutes. After treatment, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil in autumn or spring. The seeds should be planted at about 1-2 cm deep and should be kept moist.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another method of propagating Lotononis carinata. Stem cuttings can be taken in autumn or early spring. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings can be planted in a soil mixture of sand and compost in a shaded area. The soil should be kept moist, and after about 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should have formed roots and can then be transplanted to a permanent location.
Overall, propagating Lotononis carinata can be done through seeds and stem cuttings. With the appropriate care, this plant can grow to become a beautiful addition to any garden.
Disease Management
Lotononis carinata is susceptible to a number of diseases, including root rot, stem canker, and leaf spot. One of the best ways to manage these diseases is to maintain good plant hygiene by cleaning up fallen plant debris and removing and destroying infected plant material. The use of disease-resistant plant varieties is another effective strategy to reduce the incidence and severity of diseases.
Regular soil drenches with biocontrol agents can help to manage the fungal pathogens that cause root rot and stem canker. Application of fungicides such as copper-based products or chlorothalonil can be used as a preventive measure.
Leaf spot can be managed by avoiding overhead irrigation and watering the plants at the base. Application of fungicides such as triazoles and strobilurins can also help to control the disease.
Pest Management
Aphids, spider mites, and thrips are some of the common pests that can affect Lotononis carinata. Regular monitoring of plants can help to detect pest infestations early, allowing for timely intervention.
Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to control aphids and spider mites. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to help control these pests.
To control thrips, yellow sticky traps can be used to monitor and trap the pests. Applications of neonicotinoid insecticides such as imidacloprid can also be effective in controlling thrips.
It is important to always follow the label instructions when using any chemical control measures and to use them as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted.
