Origin
Lotononis involucrata (P.J.Bergius) Benth. subsp. digitata B.-E.van Wyk, commonly referred to as the velvet bean, is a legume plant species that is native to Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several other names such as African lotus, wild bean, velvet bean, and African wild bean.
Description
Lotononis involucrata (P.J.Bergius) Benth. subsp. digitata B.-E.van Wyk is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant can grow up to 60 cm in height, with a spread of up to 90 cm. It has a prostrate growth habit with leaves that are trifoliate, with a velvety texture, and are bright green in color. The flowers are small, with a yellowish-white color, and are found in clusters. The fruit is a long narrow pod that contains several seeds.
Uses
The velvet bean is an important plant in traditional medicine. It is believed to have various medicinal properties such as being a sedative, a treatment for snakebites, and also for gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, the plant is rich in protein and is used as animal feed. The velvet bean is also a nitrogen fixing plant, making it useful in soil improvement and erosion control.
Growth Conditions for Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata
Light: Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata thrives in full sun to partial shade. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to promote healthy growth.
Temperature: This plant grows well in warmer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C. It is best suited to hot and arid climates, and it can withstand drought conditions. The plant may not survive in areas with prolonged frost or extremely cold temperatures.
Soil requirements: The plant can grow in a variety of soils, provided they are well-draining. It does best in sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic or neutral pH (6.0-7.5). The plant thrives in soils with some organic matter content, but it does not tolerate waterlogged soils.
Water: Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata requires moderate watering. The plant can withstand dry spells but will require regular watering during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Fertilizer: Fertilization may not be necessary, as the plant is known to fix nitrogen in the soil through its root nodules. However, a balanced fertilizer may be applied to promote growth and flower production.
Pruning: Pruning should be done in early spring to promote bushy growth and increase flower production. It is recommended to trim off the tips of the branches, keeping the height and shape of the plant in mind. Pruning also helps to remove any diseased or damaged branches.
By providing the appropriate growing conditions, Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata can be a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Cultivation methods
Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata is a hardy and drought-tolerant perennial plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and it can thrive in full sun or partial shade. It grows naturally in grasslands, savannas, and rocky outcrops, and it can adapt to different soil conditions and climates.
Propagation can be done by seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the spring or summer, and they should be soaked in water overnight to improve germination rates. Seedlings can be transplanted once they develop their first true leaves. Cuttings can be taken from mature plants in the autumn, and they should be planted in a well-draining rooting medium and kept moist until they develop roots. Once established, Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata requires minimal attention and can be left to grow on its own.
Watering needs
Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive long periods of dry weather. However, it still needs some water to grow and thrive. During the growing season, it should be watered once a week or when the topsoil becomes dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to let the soil dry out between waterings. During the winter months, Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata can survive without additional watering, as long as it receives some rainfall.
Fertilization
Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata is not a heavy feeder, and it can grow well in nutrient-poor soil. However, applying a balanced fertilizer can help promote growth and flowering. Fertilizer should be applied in the spring, just before new growth starts. A slow-release granular fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied around the base of the plant, following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can be added to the soil to improve its nutrient content.
Pruning
Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata does not require regular pruning, but it can benefit from some maintenance pruning. Dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches, should be removed as soon as they are noticed. This will help improve the plant's overall health and appearance. If the plant becomes too tall or leggy, it can be pruned back in the early spring. This will encourage new growth and keep the plant more compact and bushy.
Propagation Methods for Lotononis involucrata
The Lotononis involucrata (P.J.Bergius) Benth. subsp. digitata B.-E.van Wyk plant can be propagated through various means, including:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method of propagating Lotononis involucrata. The plant produces a considerable amount of seed, which can be harvested after the pods have dried on the plant. The seed pods can be harvested once they turn brown, and the seeds are left to dry before planting. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix, with the soil surface kept lightly moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to four weeks.
Stem Cuttings
Another method of propagating Lotononis involucrata is through stem cuttings. To propagate through stem cuttings, choose healthy stems from the parent plant and remove any leaves on the lower half of the stem. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be kept slightly moist, and the soil surface should not be allowed to dry out until they have developed roots and start to produce new shoots.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Lotononis involucrata. Division can be done by separating the parent plant into smaller clumps and replanting them in a well-drained soil mix. This method is best done during the plant's active growth phase, usually in the spring season. Ensure that the divided plants are kept well-watered and in a shaded area until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata
Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. However, it can still be susceptible to diseases and pests, particularly if grown in suboptimal conditions. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
1. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that presents as circular spots on the leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots can merge and cause leaf death. To manage this, remove the affected leaves and use a fungicide spray on the remaining plants.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that presents as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage this, prune the affected leaves and use a fungicide spray on the remaining plants.
3. Root Rot: Root rot is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage this, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. If root rot is already present, remove the affected plant and soil and replace with fresh soil.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap out of plants, causing them to wilt and die. To manage this, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant and cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage this, use a miticide spray and ensure proper humidity levels.
3. Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies and can cause significant damage to plants. To manage this, manually remove the caterpillars and their eggs, or use an organic pesticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Proper plant care and maintenance can go a long way in preventing diseases and pests from affecting Lotononis involucrata subsp. digitata. Regular inspection and monitoring of the plant can help catch any issues early on, increasing the chances of successful management.
