Overview
Lotononis leptoloba Bolus is a precious plant species that belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae) and is endemic to the Western Cape Province in South Africa. It is commonly known as 'golden tickweed', 'kanolentjie' or 'witmagriet' and is known for its stunning bright golden-yellow flowers.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 50 cm tall and has a semi-woody habit. The stem is erect, slender, and slightly woody at the base. The leaves are alternate, and the individual leaflets are small, elliptic, and pointed with a length of up to 14 mm. The golden-yellow flowers are clustered in elongated cylindrical spikes, branching from the stem. The flowers produce an abundance of nectar, which attracts bees and other nectar-feeding insects.
Uses
Lotononis leptoloba Bolus, like most legumes, fixes Nitrogen in the soil, helping to improve soil fertility. The plant is also used medicinally to treat diarrhea, fever, and chest congestion. Its leaves and shoots are used for feeding livestock, and the plant is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Light Requirements
Lotononis leptoloba Bolus thrives in areas that receive plenty of sunlight exposure. The plant grows best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Insufficient sunlight may lead to low growth rate and weak plants. Therefore, it is advisable to plant the species in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant species is native to South Africa, and it grows optimally in the country's warmer regions. The plant grows well in areas with a temperature range of between 22 to 30 °C. The species is not tolerant to frost and cannot survive temperatures below 0 °C. Therefore, gardeners should plant the species in areas with cool to warm temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Lotononis leptoloba Bolus grows well in well-drained soils. The plant species grows in different soil types but prefers sandy or loamy soils. It thrives in soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (between 6.0 and 7.5). The species cannot grow in waterlogged soils, which may lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods for Lotononis leptoloba Bolus
Lotononis leptoloba Bolus, also known as the African necklace plant, can be grown in containers or directly in garden beds. This plant thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade in hotter regions. When preparing the soil, ensure it is well-draining to prevent root rot. If the soil is not well-draining, add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Plant the African necklace plant seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost in the spring. To plant, dig small holes in the soil about 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart. Drop one seed in each hole, then gently cover with soil and water well. The African necklace plant will germinate in 14 to 21 days. Thin seedlings to one plant per hole after they have their second set of leaves.
Watering needs for Lotononis leptoloba Bolus
Lotononis leptoloba Bolus needs moderate watering. Water young plants every two days until they are well-established. Afterward, reduce watering to once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. However, if the weather is hot and dry, the plant should be watered every four to five days to prevent wilting. Always avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization for Lotononis leptoloba Bolus
When growing in the garden, feed African necklace plants with an all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season. When growing in containers, feed with half-strength water-soluble fertilizer solution every two weeks during the growing season. During the winter season, no fertilization is required. Always read the label before applying the fertilizer to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.
Pruning for Lotononis leptoloba Bolus
Pruning the African necklace plant is not necessary to maintain the plant's beauty, but it can be pruned to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems. Prune after the blooming season to encourage new growth and bushiness. Cut the top of the plant slightly to help it form a dense ball shape. Pruning will also help control the plant's height and keep it at a desirable size.
Propagation of Lotononis leptoloba Bolus
Lotononis leptoloba Bolus, also known as the Bird's Foot Trefoil, can be propagated through different methods including seeds, cuttings, division and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating this plant is through seeds. Seed propagation can be carried out by sowing seeds directly in the ground or in pots in autumn to early winter. The seedlings will emerge in spring and can be transplanted into their final position once they are large enough to handle.
Propagation by Cuttings
Lotononis leptoloba Bolus can also be propagated by cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken in spring or hardwood cuttings taken in autumn can be rooted in a well-draining medium. The cuttings should be approximately 5-10cm long and only the top 2-3 leaves should be left on the cutting.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division can be carried out in autumn or early spring when the plant is dormant. Divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each section has roots and a few shoots. Replant the divisions in a well-draining soil mixture.
Propagation by Layering
The plant can also be propagated by layering. This is done by bending a low-growing branch until it touches the ground, then wounding the branch at the contact point. Cover the branch with soil, leaving the end of the branch exposed. After roots have grown from the branch, separate the new plant from the parent plant and plant it elsewhere.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotononis leptoloba Bolus
Lotononis leptoloba Bolus is a legume plant that is often used in pastures and rangelands. While it is generally a hardy and easy-to-grow plant, it is still susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common issues that can affect Lotononis leptoloba Bolus and how to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Lotononis leptoloba Bolus is root rot. This is caused by a number of different fungal pathogens that can attack the roots of the plant and cause it to wither and die. To manage root rot, it is important to plant Lotononis leptoloba Bolus in well-draining soil and to avoid overwatering. If root rot is already present, the affected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Lotononis leptoloba Bolus is anthracnose. This is a fungal disease that causes dark spots and lesions on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage anthracnose, affected plants should be sprayed with a fungicide and any infected debris should be removed and destroyed.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Lotononis leptoloba Bolus is the aphid. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, Lotononis leptoloba Bolus can be sprayed with an insecticide or treated with natural remedies such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Another pest that can affect Lotononis leptoloba Bolus is the leaf miner. These insects lay their eggs on the leaves of the plant, and when the larvae hatch, they tunnel into the leaves and eat the tissues inside. To manage leaf miners, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plants can be sprayed with a pesticide.
Finally, Lotononis leptoloba Bolus can also be affected by various weevils and caterpillars that can feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage these pests, the plants can be sprayed with a pesticide or treated with natural remedies such as diatomaceous earth or beneficial nematodes.
By taking preventative measures and proactively managing any diseases and pests that do occur, it is possible to help Lotononis leptoloba Bolus thrive and grow successfully.
