Overview of Lotononis clandestina (E.Mey.) Benth.
Lotononis clandestina (E.Mey.) Benth. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the pea family. This plant is native to southern Africa, specifically found in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa's Mpumalanga Province.
Appearance
Lotononis clandestina is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has green leaves that are pinnately divided and composed of 7-15 leaflets. The stems of the plant are slender, and the flowers are borne in racemes at the end of the stem. The flowers are small, yellow in color, and shaped like a pea flower. The fruits of this plant are flat and oblong pods that contain small, dark-colored seeds.
Common Names
Lotononis clandestina is commonly known as the "Chimanimani Clover" in Zimbabwe, where it is known to grow on the Chimanimani Mountains. In South Africa, it is referred to as "Geelboontjie" which translates to "little yellow bean" due to its yellow-colored pea-like flowers.
Uses
Lotononis clandestina has several traditional medicinal uses. In Zimbabwe, it is used as a remedy for cough and to treat snake bites. In South Africa, a decoction of the plant is used for treating eye infections. Additionally, the leaves of Lotononis clandestina can be used as a forage for livestock, making it a valuable plant to the local communities.
Furthermore, the plant has potential industrial uses such as producing biofuels, soil stabilization, and as a source of natural insecticides.
In conclusion, Lotononis clandestina is an important plant species that holds multiple uses in traditional medicine, livestock forage, and has potential industrial applications.
Light Requirements
The plant Lotononis clandestina generally requires full sun for optimum growth. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not flower as profusely in shaded areas. Therefore, it is recommended to plant Lotononis clandestina in a position where it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Lotononis clandestina is native to South Africa and generally thrives in a warm and temperate climate. It can tolerate some frost, but it prefers a mild climate. A temperature range of 10-30°C is ideal for the growth of Lotononis clandestina. If the temperature falls below 0°C, the plant can die.
Soil Requirements
The plant Lotononis clandestina can grow in different soil types, such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it prefers soils with good drainage. Therefore, it is recommended to plant Lotononis clandestina in soils that are moist but well-draining. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5, which means it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. Additionally, the soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to promote the growth of the plant.
Cultivation of Lotononis clandestina
Lotononis clandestina, also known as Birdsfoot, is a hardy perennial that can thrive in a wide range of soils. Before planting, ensure that the soil is ploughed and free from rocks and weeds. The plant should be watered well in the first few weeks of planting to enable the roots to grow deep.
Watering needs of Lotononis clandestina
Watering is crucial for a healthy Birdsfoot plant. It is recommended that the plant must be watered regularly once a week, especially in the summer months when the soil is dry. The amount of water to be given depends on the size of the plant and the soil's moisture levels. Always water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water evaporation.
Fertilization of Lotononis clandestina
Fertilization is essential for healthy and vigorous growth of Birdsfoot. It is recommended to apply fertilizer right before the growth period starts in spring. A balanced fertilizer with a NPK ratio of 15-15-15 should be used. The plant must be fertilized every six weeks during the growing season to maintain the nutrient levels in the soil.
Pruning Lotononis clandestina
Pruning helps maintain the size and shape of the Birdsfoot plant while promoting growth. Deadheading the plant regularly will encourage more blooms to grow and improve the plant's aesthetic appeal. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season to prevent damage to the growing tips. It is recommended to cut back one-third of the plant's leaves to improve its growth rate and overall health.
Propagation of Lotononis Clandestina
Lotononis clandestina is a member of the legume family, and it is commonly known as the Cape weed. It is a perennial plant that is native to South Africa. The plant has attractive yellow flowers and it prefers to grow in areas with good drainage and ample sunlight. Propagation of the plant can be carried out through various methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, division, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Lotononis clandestina. The seeds can be harvested when they are ripe, after the flowering period. The seeds must be cleaned and dried before storage to ensure maximum viability. The seeds can be sown in trays or pots filled with a suitable potting mix. The pots or trays should be kept moist but not waterlogged to encourage germination. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden when they have developed a good root system and several true leaves.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long and should include a few leaves and nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a suitable potting mix. The pots should be kept moist and covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity levels. The cuttings will develop roots in about 3 to 4 weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Division
The division method involves separating the plant clumps into smaller sections, each with roots and shoots. This method is most suitable for mature plants that have been growing for at least 2 to 3 years. The clumps should be dug up carefully, taking care not to damage the roots. The clumps can then be divided into smaller sections using a knife or garden tool. The smaller sections should be planted in suitable locations and watered regularly until they become established.
Layering
The layering method involves creating new plants from the parent plant without cutting out stem sections. This method is most suitable for plants with low-lying branches that can be bent to the ground. A low-lying branch can be bent and covered with soil, leaving the tip exposed. The covered section of the branch will develop roots in about 3 to 4 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into a suitable location.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotononis clandestina
Lotononis clandestina is a legume plant that is mainly grown for its nitrogen fixation qualities and for soil improvement. However, like any plant, it is still susceptible to diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management is therefore crucial in ensuring a healthy and productive plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Lotononis clandestina and how they can be managed:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that Lotononis clandestina is susceptible to is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that shows up as white powdery spots on leaves and stems. To manage this disease, ensure proper spacing between plants to allow good air circulation. Regularly remove and destroy infected plant parts, and use fungicides labeled for powdery mildew control.
Another disease that can affect Lotononis clandestina is root rot, which is caused by soil-borne pathogens. Symptoms include yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage this disease, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Use of fungicides labeled for root rot control may also be necessary.
Pests
The most common pests that can attack Lotononis clandestina are the red spider mites and aphids. Red spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and fall off prematurely. To manage this pest, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and maintain proper plant hygiene. Aphids, on the other hand, are small green insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and consider introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest control is vital in ensuring a healthy and productive Lotononis clandestina plant. Regular monitoring, proper plant hygiene, and use of appropriate control measures can help prevent and manage diseases and pests, leading to improved plant health and higher yield.
