Overview
Lotononis procumbens Bolus, commonly known as Tall Lucerne or Creeping Lucerne, is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Southern Africa but has spread to other countries, including Australia, USA, and South America.
General appearance
The plant has a prostrate or decumbent growth habit, forming a dense mat-like ground cover. It can grow up to 50 cm in height and can spread up to 2 meters wide. The leaves are trifoliate, bright green, and oval-shaped with toothed edges. The flowers are small, yellow, and pea-shaped with typical legume fruit.
Uses
The Tall Lucerne plant has several commercial and traditional uses. The plant has high forage value and is used as livestock feed. It also has medicinal properties; traditional healers use it to treat chest pains, colds, and flu. It can also improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, making it a popular cover crop in agriculture. The plant's naturally high tannin content also makes it useful in tanning leather.
Growth Conditions for Lotononis Procumbens Bolus
Lotononis Procumbens Bolus, commonly known as weeping indigo, is a highly adaptable shrub. It grows best in regions with a Mediterranean climate, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The following are the typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light Requirements
Weeping indigo requires full sun to grow optimally. It can tolerate partial shade, but growth will be stunted in shady areas. In areas with insufficient light, the plant tends to sprawl and become leggy. To achieve maximum growth and flowering, weeping indigo should receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Lotononis procumbens thrives in warm temperatures ranging between 20°C and 35°C. It can tolerate temperature fluctuations but not extreme temperatures. Frost can significantly damage and kill the plant. Therefore, weeping indigo is best suited for USDA zones 8 through 11.
Soil Requirements
This shrub prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It can grow in various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, it doesn't tolerate waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot. Therefore, the soil should be well-draining to allow efficient water and nutrient uptake by the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Lotononis Procumbens Bolus
Lotononis procumbens Bolus grows best in a sunny location with well-draining soil. It prefers a sandy soil mix with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. When cultivating the plant, ensure that it's planted at a depth not exceeding its previous soil depth. The height and spread of the plant will depend on the nutrients, water, and sunlight it receives, so take that into account when planting.
Watering Needs for Lotononis Procumbens Bolus
This plant requires moderate water requirements, meaning that it should be watered whenever the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot. During dry seasons, watering frequency should be increased to ensure that the plant receives enough water.
Fertilization for Lotononis Procumbens Bolus
The plant requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season, which is typically between spring and summer. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended for Lotononis procumbens Bolus. However, avoid applying too much fertilizer as it can damage the roots. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning for Lotononis Procumbens Bolus
Pruning should be done after the flowering season, typically in late summer or early autumn. Cut back any dead or diseased stems to just above the healthy growth. Regular pruning helps the plant stay compact, bushier and promotes more blooms. You can use pruning shears for pruning. Alternatively, if the plant has grown out of bounds, trim it back to the desired shape.
Propagation of Lotononis procumbens Bolus
Lotononis procumbens Bolus is a versatile plant that can be propagated through various methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds are readily available from the mature pods of the plant. Harvesting the pods as soon as they ripen and splitting them open will provide access to the seeds. These seeds can be directly sown onto prepared soil. It is best to sow them during the rainy season, or they can be stratified in a cool, moist environment before planting.
Cuttings propagation
Softwood stem cuttings taken from young plants can be propagated in a greenhouse or under mist systems. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until they establish roots. In contrast, semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken from mature plants can be propagated with rooting hormone powder, planted in containers filled with well-draining soil, and kept indoors until they establish roots.
Division propagation
The plant can be easily propagated by dividing the root clumps. The best time to do this is during the dormant season. Dig the clump out of the soil and separate the plant into smaller sections with a sharp knife. Each section should have some roots and above-ground foliage. Plant the divided sections in well-draining soil, and keep the soil moist until it establishes roots.
Overall, successful propagation of Lotononis procumbens Bolus depends on proper care and attention to the growing plants.
Disease Management for Lotononis procumbens Bolus
Lotononis procumbens Bolus is a relatively hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it can still suffer from a few diseases that could affect its growth and yield
The most common diseases of Lotononis procumbens Bolus are:
- Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by the appearance of small to medium-sized brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, affected leaves should be pruned and burned. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease.
- Root Rot: This disease manifests as the gradual withering and death of the plant. It is caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant. Proper drainage and aeration can prevent the disease. In addition, avoid overwatering the plant.
Pest Management for Lotononis procumbens Bolus
Lotononis procumbens Bolus can be attacked by several pests that could harm the plant either by feeding on its foliage, flowers or roots or by transmitting diseases. Some common pests that affect the plant include:
- Scales: these pests are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck sap from the plant, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage scales, methods such as insecticides and introducing natural predators such as ladybugs may be implemented.
- Spider Mites: these pests are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing yellowish mottling, premature leaf drop, and defoliation. To manage spider mites, one can use insecticides or by using a strong stream of water to dislodge the mites from the plant
- Caterpillars: these pests feed on the foliage of the plant, leading to disfigurement and reduced vigor. One can manually remove the caterpillars from the plant. Furthermore, there is the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil as organic control measures.
