Overview of Lotononis hirsuta
Lotononis hirsuta (Thunb.) D. Dietr. is a member of the family Fabaceae and is also referred to as Bush Clover or Hairy Birdsfoot. The plant is native to South Africa but has been introduced and naturalized in different parts of the world.
Appearance of Lotononis hirsuta
The plant is a long-lived herbaceous perennial enclosed in dense clusters with ascending, slender, hairy stems. The leaves are trifoliate with obovate, oblanceolate, or elliptic leaflets, green colored, and hairy on both sides. The flowers contain an array of colors, including cream, yellow, pink, and purple, and appear in terminal racemes. The fruits are elongated, straight, and covered in hairs.
Uses of Lotononis hirsuta
The plant has wide pastoral uses in South Africa, such as providing good forage for livestock and wildlife. It has also been used to improve degraded pasturelands and erosion-prone areas. In parts of South Africa, it is used medicinally to treat bruises, convulsions, and rheumatism. Lotononis hirsuta is also cultivated in gardens as an ornamental plant due to its attractive lavender flowers.
Light Requirements
Lotononis hirsuta requires full sunlight to grow properly. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Light is essential to the process of photosynthesis in plants, and a lack of sunlight can inhibit healthy growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures of between 20°C to 30°C, and it cannot withstand frosty conditions. Cold temperatures can make the plant susceptible to diseases and pests that may eventually kill it. It is therefore important to maintain a warm environment for the proper growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Lotononis hirsuta can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining soils with moderate fertility. The plant grows well in sandy loam soils and prefers a soil pH of between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant requires adequate moisture to grow properly, but it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. It is important to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot disease.
Cultivation of Lotononis hirsuta
Lotononis hirsuta is an easy-to-grow plant that can thrive in various environmental conditions. This plant prefers a warm and sunny environment, and it grows well in almost all types of soil. However, it thrives the most in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH.
Watering Needs
This plant requires regular watering to grow well. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems. The best way to water this plant is to keep the soil evenly moist without allowing it to become saturated.
Fertilization
Fertilization is important to provide this plant with the necessary nutrients for growth and development. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month throughout the growing season (spring to fall) to ensure optimal growth. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Lotononis hirsuta plant, but it can help maintain the plant's shape and promote better growth. The best time to prune this plant is in the late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Remove any damaged, diseased, or dead branches, and trim back any desired growth to maintain its shape.
Propagation of Lotononis hirsuta
Lotononis hirsuta (Thunb.) D.Dietr., commonly known as Hairy Bird's-foot trefoil, is a perennial legume that grows in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa. The plant spreads through different propagation methods including seeds, cuttings, and rhizome division.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Lotononis hirsuta can be collected from the mature pods during the dry seasons when the pods ripen. The pods are threshed to extract the seeds, and they can be stored for up to two years before they lose viability.
The seeds are very hard and require scarification before planting to hasten germination. Scarification methods include mechanical scarification, boiling water treatment, or soaking the seeds in sulfuric acid.
The seeds are sown in well-draining soil that is moderately fertile. The planting depth should be approximately 2 cm, and the seedbed should be kept moist throughout the germination period. The seedlings can be transplanted after 2-3 months.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is a quick and reliable method for propagating Lotononis hirsuta. The cuttings can be taken from the healthy and mature stems of the parent plant during the growing season.
The cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long, and they should be stripped of the lower leaves. The cutting can be dipped in a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining and moist soil mixture. The cutting should be kept in a shaded location, and misting should be done regularly to keep the soil moist.
Propagation by Rhizome Division
Propagation by rhizome division is another method of propagating Lotononis hirsuta. The plant should be dug up during dormancy, and the rhizomes should be separated using a sharp instrument.
The separated rhizomes should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, and they should be kept moist throughout the growing season. The new plant will emerge from the buds on the separated rhizomes, and they can be transplanted when they reach a suitable size.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotononis hirsuta
Lotononis hirsuta is a member of the legume family and is mostly found in the southern and eastern regions of Africa. The plant is used for forage and known for its nitrogen-fixing properties. However, like other plant species, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can significantly reduce its productivity.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Lotononis hirsuta is root rot, which is caused by the Fusarium fungus. The disease is characterized by the wilting and yellowing of the plant, followed by rotting of the roots. In severe cases, the plant may die. To manage root rot, it is advisable to use disease-free seeds, practice crop rotation, and avoid overwatering.
Another disease that affects Lotononis hirsuta is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Cercospora. The infection appears on the leaves as small grayish-brown spots that enlarge with time. As the infection spreads, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, it is important to plant resistant varieties, remove infected debris, and apply fungicides.
Common Pests
The most common pest of Lotononis hirsuta is the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata. The pest feeds on the leaves, flowers, and pods of the plant. The damage caused by the pest affects the seed production, and the pest is known to cause significant yield losses. To manage this pest, it is advisable to apply insecticides and practice crop rotation.
The other prevalent pest of Lotononis hirsuta is the aphid. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and the yellowing of leaves. The pest also excretes honeydew, which attracts other pests such as ants and sooty mold. To manage aphids, it is advisable to use insecticides, introduce natural predators, and practice good cultural practices such as sanitation.
