Overview
Lotononis cytisoides (E.Mey.) Benth. var. sericea Dummer, also known as "Silky leaved Lotononis," is a flowering species in the Fabaceae family. It is native to southern Africa and grows in dry and sandy soils.
Appearance
Silky leaved Lotononis is an erect, multi-branched shrub that can reach up to 1.5m height. The plant has finely haired leaves which are grey-green in colour and oval-shaped. The silky texture of the leaves and the flat surface is the reason behind its common name. In the flowering season, it produces small, yellow flowers in characteristic racemes that remain open for a few days.
Uses
Silky leaved Lotononis has multiple uses in traditional medicine. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, and used to treat various ailments such as respiratory infections, coughs, and fever. Additionally, the plant plays a valuable role in the ecosystem. It is known to provide nectar and pollen for honeybees and other insects, and serves as a source of food for grazing animals such as sheep and goats.
Light Requirements
Lotononis cytisoides var. sericea grows well in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with intense heat, it prefers some light shade during the hottest part of the day. Insufficient light can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Temperature Requirements
Lotononis cytisoides var. sericea is a hardy plant that can tolerate wide temperature variations. It can grow in areas with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 35°C. However, it prefers a warm climate with temperatures above 18°C. Temperatures below 0°C can harm the plant and cause frost damage.
Soil Requirements
Lotononis cytisoides var. sericea can grow in a wide range of soil types but prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soils. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6 to 7.5. The plant is not tolerant of waterlogged soils and may suffer from root rot if the soil is too wet. It also benefits from the addition of organic matter in the soil to improve drainage and soil structure.
Cultivation methods
Lotononis cytisoides (E.Mey.) Benth. var. sericea Dummer grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. The plant can be grown from seeds or propagated through division. It is best to sow the seeds in spring or early summer in a seedbed and then transplant them to their desired location when they are about 10cm tall.
Watering needs
It is important to keep the soil consistently moist during the plant's growing season, but not waterlogged. Watering frequency will depend on the weather conditions and soil type. As a general rule, the plant needs watering once a week during dry periods.
Fertilization
The plant can benefit from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. A general-purpose fertilizer can be applied every six to eight weeks. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lotononis cytisoides (E.Mey.) Benth. var. sericea Dummer, but it can help keep the plant healthy and promote new growth. The plant responds well to light pruning, and it is best to do it in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. It is advisable to remove any dead or damaged branches or stems.
Propagation of Lotononis cytisoides var. sericea
Lotononis cytisoides var. sericea is a plant native to South Africa that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant can be propagated by various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and root division.
Propagation by seeds
The propagation of Lotononis cytisoides var. sericea through seeds is a common and straightforward method. The seeds can be collected from the mature plant during the growing season. After collection, the seeds should be kept in a cool and dry place to maintain their viability. When planting, the seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and the soil should be kept moist until germination.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another viable method for propagating Lotononis cytisoides var. sericea. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season, and the length of the cutting should be around 10 cm. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in root hormone before planting into well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be kept in a shaded area until roots are established.
Propagation by root division
Propagation by root division is a method for propagating the plant that entails dividing the roots of the mature plant. The process should be carried out during the dormant season. After division, each section should be planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the plant is well established.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that affect Lotononis cytisoides var. sericea is anthracnose. This disease is caused by a fungus and appears as dark lesions on leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, it's important to prune and dispose of infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides as necessary.
Another disease that can affect the plant is powdery mildew. This disease appears as a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, it's important to keep the plant well-ventilated, reduce humidity, remove infected plant parts, and use fungicides as necessary.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests that affect Lotononis cytisoides var. sericea is the spider mite. Spider mites feed on the plant's sap and can cause it to wilt and yellow. To manage spider mites, it's important to keep the plant well-hydrated, prune and dispose of infected plant parts, and use insecticidal soap or predatory mites.
Another pest that can affect the plant is the black cutworm. Black cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the plant's roots and stems. To manage black cutworms, it's important to remove weed hosts, till the soil before planting, use insecticides as necessary, and apply beneficial nematodes.
