Origin
Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus, commonly known as the silver-leaved lotononis, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant species is native to South Africa and can be found in several provinces such as Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.
Common names
Aside from silver-leaved lotononis, this plant species also goes by other common names such as woolly lotononis, grootwortel, and silwerblaar.
Uses
The silver-leaved lotononis has various uses, especially in traditional medicine. It has been used in the treatment of diarrhea, cough, and flu in some parts of South Africa. The leaves of the plant can also be used for making tea, which can aid in digestion and act as a mild laxative. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
Appearance
The silver-leaved lotononis is a shrub-like plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. The leaves of the plant are silver-grey in color and are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant its woolly appearance. The flowers of the plant are yellow and are arranged in short, dense clusters. The fruit of the plant is a pod that is about 1-2 cm long, containing several seeds. Overall, the silver-leaved lotononis is an attractive plant that can add aesthetic value to any outdoor space.
Growth Conditions of Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus
Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus is a hardy plant that can grow in a range of environmental conditions. It is a sub-shrub that is indigenous to South Africa and typically grows in areas with sandy soils.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate soils with low fertility and high acidity but performs best in nutritious soils. Soil moisture should be moderate1y dry to dry, soils with poor drainage should be avoided or improved in terms of drainage.
Temperature Requirements
Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus can grow in warm to hot climates with a temperature range between 20 °C to 30 °C. It is drought resistant but requires adequate water to establish roots and facilitate growth during hot and dry weather conditions. During winter, the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -5 °C.
Light Requirements
The plant thrives in full sun and requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to facilitate growth. It can also tolerate partial shade but may not perform as well in such conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus is a hardy plant that can grow in different climatic conditions. To cultivate this plant, you will need a well-draining soil mixture of sand and loam in equal parts. The plant requires full sun exposure and thrives in hot weather conditions. The plant propagates through seeds, cuttings, or dividing the clumps during its dormant season.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, you should irrigate the plant every seven to ten days. However, during the dormant season, you should reduce the watering frequency to avoid overwatering the plant. Moreover, during winter, you should avoid watering the plant entirely and only water it when the soil starts to feel dry.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to grow healthy and produce vibrant blooms. You should fertilize the plant in spring and summer, applying a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) once every four to six weeks. In contrast, you should avoid fertilizing the plant in the fall and winter to allow it to enter its dormant stage.
Pruning
Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote new growth. You should prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the start of the growing season. Use sharp and sterile pruning shears to cut back any dead or damaged stems, and trim back overgrown branches to encourage bushier growth. Moreover, you can deadhead the spent blooms throughout the growing season to promote continuous flowering.
Propagation of Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus
The Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus plant can be propagated through various methods like seeds, cuttings, and divisions. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is one of the simple and easy ways of propagating Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus plant. This method consists of collecting seeds from the parent plant and planting them in a well-prepared soil bed. The seeds should be sown in the spring or summer when the soil is warm and moist. A little sand can be added to the soil to improve drainage. The seeds need to be sown at a depth of 1-2cm in the soil and kept moist until they germinate, which can take up to 4-6 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into pots or the ground.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a quick and easy way of multiplying the Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus plant. For this method, cuttings are taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from the new growth and should be around 8-10cm long. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to promote root growth and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location. Roots will develop within 2-6 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted to a pot or garden bed.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is another way of propagating the Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus plant. This method involves dividing a mature plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This can be done during the growing season, but the plant should be resting, so it is not actively growing. The plant should be carefully dug up and the rooting system inspected. Once the plant is removed from the soil, the sections can be separated with a sharp, sterile knife. Each section must have healthy roots, leaves, and stems. The plant sections should then be replanted in a well-draining soil mix and watered well.
Disease management for Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus
Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus commonly suffers from various fungal diseases like root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot diseases. Root rot is caused by the over-watering and poor drainage of soil, resulting in yellow leaves and stunted growth. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and results in stunted growth and discolored leaves. Leaf spot disease results in circular brown spots on the leaves, leading to plant death and defoliation.
To manage fungal diseases, use a well-draining soil mix while planting to avoid water retention and avoid over-watering. In addition, remove any fallen leaves or debris from around the plant, as they are breeding grounds for fungal pathogens. Use fungicides that can control the specific disease responsible for infection, as applying a general fungicide may not be effective.
Pest management for Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus
The main insect pests that affect Lotononis exstipulata L.Bolus are spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck sap from the leaves, leading to yellowing leaves and leaf drop. Aphids and mealybugs also suck sap and cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth.
To control pest infestations, use chemical pesticides that can target the specific insect pests responsible for the damage. Alternatively, use natural pesticides that are not harmful to other beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on insect pests. Regular pruning and maintenance of the plant can also help in identifying and managing pest infestations early.
