Origin and Common Names
Lotononis delicata (Baker f.) Polhill, also known as sweet vetch, is a plant species in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Southern Africa, specifically Zimbabwe and South Africa. Sweet vetch grows in a variety of habitats, including roadsides, grasslands, and rocky slopes.
General Appearance
The sweet vetch plant is a small, slender herbaceous perennial that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has an erect stem with tiny, feathery, and light green leaves. The leaves are compound, with three leaflets, and have a delicate texture. The flowers are pale yellow, small, and pea-shaped, occurring in clusters in the axils of the leaves. The sweet vetch produces a small pod with several seeds that are covered in a dense hairy coat.
Uses
The sweet vetch is commonly used as a cover crop, especially in pasture systems, where it adds nitrogen to the soil, reduces erosion, and improves soil fertility. The hairy seed coat also provides food for small birds such as finches and canaries. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, and fever.
Light Requirements
Lotononis delicata requires full sun to grow properly. It thrives well in places where sunlight is abundant. Insufficient sunlight will result in stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in tropical and subtropical climates. It can withstand temperatures as high as 35°C. However, it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and frost. The ideal temperature range for Lotononis delicata is between 18°C and 28°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant does well in well-drained soils. It can thrive in sandy, clayey and loamy soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to promote healthy growth. Excessive moisture in the soil can cause root rot, therefore, the soil should be well-drained.
Cultivation
Lotononis delicata is an annual or perennial plant species that thrives well in sandy loam soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. Ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can negatively impact the plant's growth. The plant requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily, so it is best to plant it in areas with abundant sunshine.
Watering
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, especially during the first few weeks after planting. It is essential to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering encourages root rot, which can lead to the plant's death. During the winter, reduce watering to prevent the plant from dying off.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization. Applying a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season can significantly promote the plant's growth. The best time to apply the fertilizer is during the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is less intense.
Pruning
Pruning is important in promoting the plant's overall health. Remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant to prevent diseases from spreading. Deadheading the plant helps to encourage the growth of new blooms, which promotes the plant's aesthetic value. It is best to prune the plant during the early spring before the growing season begins.
Propagation of Lotononis Delicata
Lotononis delicata, commonly known as the silver-leaved lotononis, is a perennial leguminous shrub widespread in Africa and often cultivated as an ornamental plant. Propagation of the species can be done via seeds or cuttings.
Propagation via Seeds
The seeds of Lotononis delicata have a hard outer coat, and before planting, they require scarification to speed up germination. To scarify the seeds, they can be soaked in boiling water for about five minutes and then left to cool down for another 24 hours. Alternatively, the seeds can be nicked or sanded gently on the seed coat to break the dormancy. After scarification, the seeds can be planted in a well-drained soil mix and kept evenly moist. In about two to four weeks, the seeds should start to germinate.
Propagation via Cuttings
Another way to propagate Lotononis delicata is through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in spring, but it can also be done in summer. The cuttings should be about 8-10 cm long and should be taken from the younger, green branches. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting, and the end of the stem should be treated with a rooting hormone powder. The cuttings can be planted in a well-draining soil in a pot or directly in the ground, ensuring that there is good contact between the stem and soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not too wet to prevent rotting. In approximately a month, the cuttings should start to produce roots and develop new foliage.
Disease Management for Lotononis Delicata (Baker f.) Polhill
Lotononis delicata is a legume shrub that can be affected by several diseases that cause stunted growth, yellowing, or wilting of leaves and stems.
One common disease is root rot caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, or Phytophthora. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and use fungicides. Pruning infected plant parts and destroying them can also help prevent further spread of the disease.
Another disease is powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Powdery mildew appears as white or gray powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation, and apply fungicides. Removing infected plant parts can also help prevent further spread of the disease.
Lotononis delicata can also be affected by viruses such as Tobacco mosaic virus or Bean yellow mosaic virus. These viruses cause mosaic patterns or yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. There is no cure for viral infections, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Lotononis Delicata (Baker f.) Polhill
Lotononis delicata is also susceptible to attacks by pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites. These pests can cause damage to leaves, flowers, and fruit, which can lead to stunted growth or reduced yield.
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can attract other pests such as ants. To manage aphids, it is recommended to wash the plant with a hose or spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the garden to control their population.
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on leaves, flowers, and fruit, causing distorted growth and silvering of leaves. To manage thrips, it is recommended to remove infested plant parts and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Predatory mites and lacewings can also be introduced to the garden to control their population.
Spider mites are also tiny insects that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to wash the plant with a strong spray of water or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Predatory mites and ladybugs can also be introduced to the garden to control their population.
In all cases, it is best to monitor the plant regularly for signs of pests or diseases and take action promptly to prevent further damage. It is also important to use integrated pest management strategies that involve cultural, biological, and chemical methods to manage pests and diseases effectively.
