Overview
Lotononis glabra, also known as smooth birdsfoot trefoil, is a perennial legume mainly classified under the family Fabaceae. This plant is distinguished by its multiple stems, each with a dense inflorescence of small, pale-yellow flowers. Native to South Africa, Lotononis glabra serves various purposes in both indigenous and non-indigenous cultures.
Appearance
The stems of Lotononis glabra are slender and erect, reaching heights of up to 1m and branching out near the base. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, each characterized by three oval-shaped leaflets with a glossy, green surface. The flowers emerge from the leaf axis, and each inflorescence is made up of many individual flowers with a pale yellow color and a five-lobed corolla.
Uses
Lotononis glabra is widely used for grazing, soil improvement, and as food for wildlife in areas with dry, sandy soils. The plant also has medicinal properties, as it is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs and chest pains, skin disorders, and stomach issues. The plant's root extract is particularly useful as a remedy for toothache and fever.
The high protein content and digestibility of Lotononis glabra also make it a valuable resource as animal fodder in some parts of Africa. This plant is known to have a symbiotic relationship with certain nitrogen-fixing bacteria and, as such, may contribute to soil fertility in the areas where it grows.
Common names
Lotononis glabra goes by various common names, including smooth birdsfoot trefoil, velvet birdsfoot, veined clover, and burgundy clover.
Light Requirements
Lotononis glabra requires full sunlight to thrive. It should be grown in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. The plant will not tolerate shady conditions and may show stunted growth if it does not receive enough light.
Temperature Preferences
This plant prefers warm to hot temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. It grows best in areas where temperatures range between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). If temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F), the plant may suffer significant damage or die.
Soil Requirements
Lotononis glabra thrives in well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, to support healthy growth and flowering. It does not tolerate waterlogging, so the soil should be well-drained.
Cultivation methods
Lotononis glabra is best grown in well-drained soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. It grows well in full sun to partial shade. The plant can be propagated through vegetative cuttings or seeds, which can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors for transplanting later. It is recommended to plant the seedlings or cuttings after the last frost in spring or early summer.
Watering needs
The plant requires regular watering during periods of drought to keep the soil moist. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot. Careful observation is necessary to determine the ideal watering schedule for your specific environment and soil type.
Fertilization
Lotononis glabra requires a balanced fertilizer application during the growing season, particularly nitrogen-based fertilizers. It is best to apply the fertilizer sparingly and never during the dormant period. Overfertilization may lead to excessive leaf growth and cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Pruning
Pruning of Lotononis glabra is necessary to maintain a healthy and tidy appearance. The plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring, cutting back any dead or damaged growth. Trim back the plant to control its size and maintain its shape. Be cautious not to prune too much, as this can cause stress on the plant and reduce its blooming potential.
Propagation of Lotononis glabra
Lotononis glabra can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, rhizome division, and stem cuttings.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Lotononis glabra is through seed. The seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown in seed beds or directly in pots filled with a well-draining potting mixture. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2 cm. The potting soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. Young seedlings can be transplanted to permanent positions in the garden when they reach a height of about 5 cm.
Rhizome division
An alternative method of propagating Lotononis glabra is through rhizome division, which is best done in spring or early summer. Rhizomes should be dug up from the mother plant, and then cut into sections containing at least one bud and a few roots. These sections can be planted in pots or directly in the garden, and should be kept moist until new shoots emerge.
Stem cuttings
Lotononis glabra can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken from mature plants. The cuttings should be taken in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm in length and should be taken from healthy stems. The lower leaves should be removed from the stem, leaving only the top two or three. The cuttings can be planted in a well-draining potting mixture and kept in a warm, humid place until new growth appears. Once the new growth has emerged, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent position in the garden.
Disease Management
Lotononis glabra can be affected by several fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems. Leaf spot causes small, black spots on the leaves which can coalesce and lead to defoliation. Rust appears as yellow-orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems.
To manage these fungal diseases, it is important to remove and dispose of infected plant parts. Fungicides can be used to control the spread of the diseases, but they should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions and with caution. Proper plant hygiene, such as watering at the base of the plant and keeping the foliage dry, can also help prevent the diseases from taking hold.
Pest Management
The main pests that can affect Lotononis glabra are aphids and mites. Aphids can distort the new growth of the plant and produce a sticky substance that attracts other pests. Mites are tiny insects that can cause discoloration and stunting of the plant.
To manage aphids, they can be sprayed off the plant with a strong jet of water or treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Mites can be managed with insecticidal soap or by introducing predatory mites to the plant. It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of pests and to act quickly if an infestation is detected.
