Origin
Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit, commonly known as the round-leaved lotononis or the round-leafed peas, is a flowering plant species in the family Fabaceae. It is native to southern Africa where it is widely distributed.
Common Names
The plant has several common names including the round-leaved lotononis, round-leafed peas, and two-flowered birdsfoot.
Uses
Lotononis lenticula var. biflora has traditionally been used for various medicinal purposes. Its leaves and roots are used to treat coughs, colds, sore throats, fever, and chest pains. The plant also has potential use as a medicinal plant in the treatment of breast cancer and tuberculosis.
Additionally, Lotononis lenticula var. biflora is a source of forage and fodder for livestock and wildlife in southern Africa. Its seeds are also used in traditional cuisine.
General Appearance
Lotononis lenticula var. biflora is a small, perennial shrub that grows up to 30 cm in height and 60 cm in width. It has a succulent stem and branches with greenish-yellow flowers that bloom from June to October. The plant has round leaves with a slightly velvety texture and a bluish-green color. The seeds are small and rounded, measuring around 2.5mm in diameter.
Lotononis lenticula var. biflora prefers well-drained sandy or gravelly soils and is often found in rocky grasslands and slopes. It is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of dry conditions.
Light Requirements
Lotononis lenticula var. biflora requires full sunlight to grow properly. The plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the plant is grown indoors, a grow light might be necessary to provide enough light for adequate growth.
Temperature Requirements
Lotononis lenticula var. biflora can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but grows best in warm temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). The plant should be protected from frost, and extreme heat should also be avoided. In cooler climates, the plant should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
Lotononis lenticula var. biflora prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter. This plant can also tolerate low-quality soil, but it will grow better in nutrient-rich soil. It is recommended to add compost or other organic matter to the soil before planting.
Cultivation Methods for Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit
Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit thrives in areas with a warm climate and well-draining soil. It is best to plant the seeds during the late winter season or early spring, as soon as the frost goes away.
The plant usually grows to about 1 meter tall, so it must have enough room to develop. Allow at least a spacing of 50cm-90cm between plants to provide ample space for proper growth and spread.
Watering Requirements for Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit
Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit prefers moist soil. It is best to water it regularly, especially during dry seasons.
The plant should be watered at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which might lead to rotting and fungal diseases. To ensure that the water is reaching the roots, water the plant slowly and deeply until the soil is evenly moist.
Fertilization for Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit
The plant is a legume and thus fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, a process that helps to enrich the soil. However, it still requires regular applications of a balanced fertilizer to promote proper growth and flower production.
The best time to fertilize is at the onset of the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning for Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit
Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit requires little pruning. Deadheading the spent blooms helps to promote continuous flower production.
During the period of dormancy, the plant's leaves might dry up and fall off. At this stage, you can prune back the plant's old woody stems to encourage new growth and an attractive shape.
Propagation of Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit
Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seed germination. Seeds are collected from mature plants and sown in a prepared seedbed or seed tray. The seeds are usually sown during the rainy season when the soil is moist. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. The resulting seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after 4 to 6 weeks.
Asexual Propagation
The plant can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. Cuttings of 10 to 15 cm long are taken from mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a prepared rooting medium. The cuttings should be watered regularly until they form roots. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location after 6 to 8 weeks.
Another method of asexual propagation is through division. Mature clumps of Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit can be divided into smaller parts with a sharp knife or spade. These smaller parts can be transplanted to their permanent location after watering.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit
Lotononis lenticula (E.Mey.) Benth. var. biflora Kensit is a legume with remarkable qualities that make it an excellent choice for sustainable agriculture. This plant is less prone to diseases and pests than other soybean varieties. However, certain conditions can make it vulnerable to pest infestations and diseases.
Diseases
Some of the common diseases that tend to affect Lotononis lenticula include wilts, rusts, powdery mildew, and blights. Wilts cause sudden wilting and yellowing of the leaves, followed by the plant's death. Rust disease is characterized by rusty-brown discolored patches on the leaves. Powdery mildew appears as white powdery patches on the leaves, while blight causes yellowing and browning of the leaves that eventually wither.
To manage these diseases, growers can follow some preventative measures such as crop rotation, planting disease-resistant cultivars, timely weeding, and elimination of infected plants. Fungicides are also essential in controlling the spread of diseases. Foliar sprays containing copper fungicides are effective in managing rusts and other fungal diseases. For powdery mildew and other leaf diseases, sulfur-based fungicides can be applied.
Pests
Lotononis lenticula is known to attract leafhoppers, armyworms, and aphids. Leafhoppers are small insects that feed on plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to wilt. Armyworms are notorious pests that feed on leaves, making large holes on them. Aphids are known to cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are essential in controlling pest infestations in Lotononis lenticula. Crop rotation, using insect-resistant cultivars, and practicing good field hygiene can prevent pest issues. Additionally, biological control practices such as the use of predatory insects like lady beetles and lacewings can be used to control aphid and other pest populations. Chemical pesticides are also available and can be used as a last resort to control severe pest infestations.
Overall, disease and pest management strategies are crucial in maintaining healthy and high-yielding Lotononis lenticula crops. Growers should always be vigilant in managing disease and pest issues to prevent significant yield losses.
