Origin
Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to southern Africa, specifically found in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Swaziland.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Flatpod Wild Honeysuckle, Common Bird's-foot Trefoil or Lady's Honeysuckle.
Uses
In traditional medicine, the roots of this plant have been used to treat various ailments, including stomach disorders and snakebites. The plant is also used as a forage plant for grazing livestock.
Appearance
The Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. is a herbaceous, perennial plant with a woody base that can grow up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are trifoliate and have elliptic leaflets. The flowers are yellow and found in clusters, and the fruit is a flat pod with multiple seeds inside, giving it its common name Flatpod Wild Honeysuckle.
Light Requirements
Lotononis platycarpa requires full sun to grow well. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light can cause poor growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The best temperature range for the growth of Lotononis platycarpa is between 20°C and 30°C. It is a warm-season plant and can't tolerate frost or temperatures below 5°C. High temperatures above 40°C can cause stress and wilt.
Soil Requirements
Lotononis platycarpa prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A fertile soil rich in organic matter and nitrogen is beneficial for optimal growth and development. However, it can grow in poor soils but may not attain its full potential.
Cultivation Methods
Lotononis platycarpa thrives in full sunlight, well-drained soil, and a warm climate. The plant grows well in sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5. It is best to plant seeds or seedlings in late spring or early summer after the last frost. You can space them about 12 to 18 inches apart and water them frequently until they establish roots.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during the growth season to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can water it twice a week or more often, depending on the weather conditions and soil quality. During the winter season, you can reduce the watering frequency to once a week as the plant's growth slows down during this period.
Fertilization
Applying a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season can help enhance the plant's growth and flowering. You can use a 10-10-10 fertilizer or any other balanced fertilizer, ensuring you follow the instructions for use on the packaging. Be sure not to over-fertilize the plant as this might lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Lotononis platycarpa requires minimal pruning; however, you can prune the plant to remove dead or diseased leaves and flowers. You can also remove some of the vegetative growth during the growing season to encourage vigorous flowering. Be sure to use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases or infections.
Propagation of Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm.
Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as silver leaf in English or "Buela" in the Shona dialect. The plant is native to Zimbabwe and Mozambique and thrives in dry and semi-arid regions. It is used for medicinal purposes and soil improvement due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
The following are the propagation methods for Lotononis platycarpa:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Lotononis platycarpa is through seeds. The seeds are small and should be sown during the warm season when the soil is adequately moist. It is recommended to scarify the seeds by nicking them with a knife or soaking them in boiling water before planting. Scarification loosens the seed coat and enables easy absorption of water.
The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1cm, and spacing should be about 15-20cm apart. The soil should be kept moist until germination occurs, usually after 14-21 days. To aid germination, the soil temperature should be between 20-24°C.
Cutting Propagation
Lotononis platycarpa can be propagated through stem cuttings. Select cuttings from healthy plants, preferably those that have not flowered. Cuttings should be taken when the plants are actively growing, usually during the warm season.
The cuttings should be about 8-10cm long, with at least two nodes on each cutting. Remove the lower leaves of the stem and dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone. Rooting hormone stimulates root growth and increases the success rate of propagation.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mixture of garden soil and sand. Place the pots in a warm and bright location, out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, until the roots develop, usually after 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division is a method of propagation used for mature plants. The plant is dug out of the ground, and the clump is divided into several sections using a sharp knife or spade. Ensure that each section has roots and shoots. The divided sections should be replanted immediately, ensuring that the soil is moist.
It is essential to keep the soil moist, especially during the warm season, for successful propagation of Lotononis platycarpa. The plant can also be propagated using tissue culture, but this method is not commonly practiced due to its technicality.
Disease Management
Like all plants, Lotononis platycarpa is susceptible to certain diseases that can hinder its growth and development. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Root rot: caused by waterlogged soil, this disease can be prevented by planting the plant in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
- Powdery mildew: this fungal disease can be treated with fungicides formulated for plants. It is important to follow the instructions on the label for best results.
- Bacterial blight: this disease is characterized by water-soaked leaves and stems that eventually turn brown and die. Prevent infection by pruning away infected leaves and stems, and avoiding overhead watering.
- Viral infections: there is no cure for viral infections, so prevention is key. Planting disease-resistant varieties and avoiding the use of contaminated tools can greatly reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Lotononis platycarpa is also known to attract certain pests that can harm the plant. Common pests include:
- Spider mites: these tiny pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly spraying the plant with water can also help prevent infestation.
- Aphids: these sap-sucking pests can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap. Natural predators like ladybugs can also be introduced to control the population.
- Scale insects: these pests can be removed by hand or with a soft-bristled brush dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal oil can also be used to control the population.
- Caterpillars: hand-picking caterpillars from the plant is the most efficient way to control their population. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) can also be used to treat severe infestations.
Regular inspection of the plant can help prevent pest and disease damage. If detected early, both diseases and pests can be treated and controlled effectively.
