Overview of Lotononis leucoclada
Lotononis leucoclada (Schltr.) Dummer, also known as silvery scurf-pea or umNyenyeze, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is found mainly in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. The plant thrives in open grasslands, rocky slopes, and wooded areas.
General Appearance
This plant species has a prostrate growth habit and can reach a height of up to 50 cm. The stems are woody and have silver-colored hairs, leading to the named silvery scurf-pea. The leaves are alternate and have three leaflets, with each leaflet being up to 20 mm long and 6 mm wide. The flowers are arranged in clusters, each cluster having up to 20 flowers. The flowers are yellow, with reddish-brown markings and are approximately 15 mm in size. The fruit is a flat pod, which is up to 20 mm long and 6 mm wide, containing small, round, brown seeds.
Common Names
Lotononis leucoclada is commonly known as Silvery scurf-pea or umNyenyeze in Zulu.
Uses
The roots and stem of Lotononis leucoclada have been historically used in traditional medicine in South Africa to treat a variety of ailments such as wound healing, hypertension, and tuberculosis. The plant is also valued for its ornamental value and has been cultivated for commercial purposes in gardens and parks. In addition, this plant species has potential as a forage crop for grazing animals due to its high protein content and palatability.
Light Requirements
Lotononis leucoclada requires full sun exposure to grow as it is a highly photosynthetic plant. It does not perform well in shaded areas and requires direct sunlight for the plant to produce the necessary energy for its metabolic processes.
Temperature Range
The growth of Lotononis leucoclada is favored by moderate temperatures between 18°C to 25°C. The plant does not tolerate extreme temperatures and can be severely damaged when exposed to freezing temperatures. Extreme heat should also be avoided as it may result in high transpiration rates that can lead to the desiccation of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Lotononis leucoclada grows well in well-drained soils that have a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6-7.5. The soil must be rich in organic matter and capable of holding moisture, but it should not be waterlogged. The plant is well-adapted to harsh environmental conditions, and it can grow well in soils that are deficient in nutrients. However, regular fertilization can enhance growth and increase yields.
Cultivation methods for Lotononis leucoclada (Schltr.) Dummer
Lotononis leucoclada (Schltr.) Dummer is a shrub that thrives best in warm, dry conditions. It is easy to cultivate and can grow in most types of soil, provided the soil is well-draining.
The ideal location for the plant is in an area with full sun exposure. The plant should be protected from extreme winds or frost as it can lead to damage. In areas with frost, the plant can be cultivated in pots and transferred indoors during the winter season.
Watering needs for Lotononis leucoclada (Schltr.) Dummer
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, which is usually in spring and summer. Watering should be done when the soil is almost dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure proper drainage.
During winter, the plant can be watered sparingly as it becomes dormant and does not require much water.
Fertilization of Lotononis leucoclada (Schltr.) Dummer
The plant requires well-balanced fertilizers during the growing season. Fertilizers should be applied every two weeks, but care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as it can lead to foliage burns.
A fertilizer with a higher concentration of nitrogen is suitable for the vegetative growth stage, while phosphorus-rich fertilizers should be used during the flowering stage.
Pruning of Lotononis leucoclada (Schltr.) Dummer
The plant requires pruning to enhance its shape and growth. The ideal time to prune is during the early spring or late winter season. The pruning should be done when the plant is dormant.
The pruning should aim to remove wilted, damaged, or diseased branches. Care should be taken not to over-prune, as it can lead to stunted growth or damage the plant.
Propagation of Lotononis leucoclada
Lotononis leucoclada or White-stemmed Clover is propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Lotononis leucoclada can be collected from the plant after the blooming period, usually from late summer to early autumn. The seed pods of the plant will dry out and turn brown when the seeds are mature. Collect the seed pods and allow them to dry out completely before threshing the pods to remove the seeds.
Before sowing the seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours. This will soften the coat of the seeds and help with quicker germination. After soaking, sow the seeds in a seed tray or directly on the ground during the spring season. The soil should be moist but well-drained. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil or covered with a thin layer of sand. Water the soil gently and keep it moist but not too wet. The seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks and will grow into healthy plants within 2-3 months.
Vegetative Propagation
Lotononis leucoclada can also be propagated vegetatively by taking cuttings from the parent plant. Take cuttings measuring around 3-4 inches from the parent plant during the spring season. Remove the bottom leaves of the cutting and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. Water the soil and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Place the cutting in a well-lit area but away from direct sunlight. The cutting will root within 2 to 4 weeks and can be transplanted into a permanent location once it has grown strong roots.
Disease Management
Lotononis leucoclada is susceptible to a few common diseases, including powdery mildew, anthracnose, and bacterial wilt. To prevent powdery mildew, maintain proper air circulation around your plants and avoid overhead irrigation. If your plants have already been infected, remove and destroy the affected foliage and consider a fungicidal treatment. For anthracnose, remove and destroy the affected foliage and maintain proper water management to prevent future infections. Bacterial wilt can be prevented by using disease-free seeds or transplants and maintaining proper sanitation practices.
Pest Management
Lotononis leucoclada is often affected by aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to the garden to control aphids. Caterpillars can be handpicked from the plants or treated with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray.
It is important to note that while chemical treatments may be effective, they can also harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Whenever possible, it is recommended to use integrated pest management strategies and choose environmentally-friendly solutions.
