Origin
Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. var. abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pic.Serm. is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Africa, specifically found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common names
Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. var. abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pic.Serm. is commonly referred to as Broad-fruited lotononis, Abyssinian lotononis, or Pea shrub. In Somalia, it is known as Daraar.
Uses
Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. var. abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pic.Serm. is a useful plant with various uses. It is a source of forage for livestock and wildlife and can also be used to prevent soil erosion. The plant's bark and roots have medicinal properties and can be used to treat various ailments such as stomach pains, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The seeds are edible and are used as food by some African tribes.
General appearance
Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. var. abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pic.Serm. is a shrub that grows up to 1 meter in height, typically found in semi-arid and arid regions. The plant has deeply lobed leaves that consist of three leaflets and is covered in fine hairs. The flowers are yellow and bloom from May to August. The fruits are broad, flattened pods, covered in short hairs and measure about 15 to 20 millimeters in length.
Growth conditions for Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. var. abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pic.Serm.
Light Requirements: Lotononis platycarpa var. abyssinica grows best in full sunlight, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but insufficient light may lead to poor flowering and growth.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, where temperatures range between 20-30°C. Therefore, it requires warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. The optimum temperature range for growth and development is between 15-30°C.
Soil Requirements: Lotononis platycarpa var. abyssinica prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate various soil types, including sand, loam, and clay, but it does not grow well in waterlogged soil. The plant requires moderate levels of nutrients, and adding fertilizers can improve its growth and flowering.
Cultivation
Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. var. abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pic.Serm. is a hardy plant that can tolerate different climatic conditions. However, it thrives best in well-drained soils and areas with high average temperatures of about 25°C. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. For seeds, sow on prepared soil during the rainy season. For cuttings, use stem cuttings of about 10-15 cm with two to three nodes, and dip in rooting hormone before planting.
Watering needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the first months after planting. Young plants should be watered weekly, while mature ones can be left for longer periods. The best time to water is early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent water from evaporating too quickly.
Fertilization
Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. var. abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pic.Serm. requires adequate nutrients for healthy growth and development. Apply a balanced granular fertilizer at least three times a year. The best time to fertilize is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. Additionally, use organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps maintain the plant's shape and promotes flowering. Prune after blooming to remove dead wood and encourage new growth. Cut back the stems by a third to a half, especially the leggy ones. Avoid pruning during the rainy season to prevent disease transmission.
Propagation of Lotononis Platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. var. Abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pic.Serm.
Lotononis Platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. var. Abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pic.Serm. is a leguminous plant that can be propagated via different methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Lotononis platycarpa var. abyssinica is via seeds. These seeds should be collected from mature pods and should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to help soften the seed coat. After soaking, the seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and covered lightly with soil. Seedlings will emerge in 10-14 days.
The optimal time to plant Lotononis platycarpa var. abyssinica seeds is during early spring. The seeds should be sown directly into the growing site or in seedling trays, depending on the planned growing site.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method that may be applied to this plant is via stem cuttings. The cuttings can be taken from mature plants during the growing period when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be healthy, disease-free and taken from the green tip of the stem. They should be at least 10 cm long and be treated with rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil.
The best time to take cuttings is early spring. In order to increase the success rate, ensure that the plant is watered before taking cuttings and maintain consistent moisture levels after planting them. Give them time to develop roots and emerge as young plants.
Layering Propagation
Propagation of Lotononis platycarpa var. abyssinica can also be done through layering, a technique in which the stem is bent down to the ground, covered with soil, and roots will emerge over time. Once the roots develop, the stem can be cut and transplanted. This technique is often used for species that are difficult to root from cuttings or seeds.
The best time to apply layering is towards the end of the growing season, when the plant is about to enter into dormancy. Watering the plant a day before the procedure can make it easier to bend. Use a rooting hormone to improve rooting. Wait for a few weeks after planting to check the development of new shoots.
Disease Management
Common diseases that may affect the Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. var. abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pic.Serm. include Fusarium wilt, leaf spots, and powdery mildew. These diseases can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and reduced yield.
To manage Fusarium wilt, plant resistant varieties or rotate crops to prevent the buildup of the fungus in the soil. Providing proper fertilization and irrigation can help the plants grow stronger and better tolerate the disease. For leaf spots, remove infected leaves and dispose of them in a sealed container to prevent the disease from spreading. Apply fungicides as needed, following the label directions carefully. Powdery mildew can be managed by providing good air circulation around the plants, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides that target powdery mildew.
Pest Management
The main pests that may attack Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. var. abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pic.Serm. are root-knot nematodes, aphids, and thrips. These pests can cause wilting, leaf distortion, and reduced yield.
To manage root-knot nematodes, rotate crops and plant resistant cultivars. Solarization, fumigation, and biocontrol can also be effective in reducing nematode populations. Aphids and thrips can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are relatively non-toxic to beneficial insects. Yellow sticky traps can also be used to monitor and suppress thrips populations. Physical barriers, such as row covers, can help prevent pest infestations.
