Origin
Lotononis purpurescens B.-E.van Wyk is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This species is native to South Africa and commonly known as "Purplish Clover Bush."
Common Names
This plant species is known by various other names such as purple lespedeza, purple lotononis, and purplish tephrosia.
Uses
The Lotononis purpurescens plant has many uses. It has been used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. The plant's roots can be used to treat boils, swollen glands, and rheumatism. Additionally, the plant's leaves and flowers have been used in the treatment of liver and kidney disease.
The Lotononis purpurescens plant has also been used for animal fodder. The plant is highly nutritious and can be grazed by livestock. Additionally, the plant can be used in soil rehabilitation projects as it helps to improve soil properties and soil fertility.
General Appearance
The Lotononis purpurescens plant is a much-branched, shrubby plant that typically grows 1-2 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide. The plant has green leaves that are oval in shape and grow alternately along the stem. Its flowers are purple and bloom between August and October.
The plant's fruit is a pod that contains many seeds. The seeds are hard and dark brown in color. The plant is drought-resistant and grows well in rocky areas and savannas.
Light Requirements
Lotononis purpurescens generally requires full sunlight, although it can also tolerate partial shade. As a result, it is a suitable plant for open fields, meadows, or grasslands that receive ample sunshine throughout the day.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soils with a pH range of 5.0-7.0. It can also grow in gravelly or rocky soils, and is tolerant of moderate salt levels in the soil.
Temperature Requirements
Lotononis purpurescens is primarily a tropical to subtropical plant, growing best in warm and humid conditions with temperatures around 25-30°C. It can withstand mild frost and temperatures as low as -2°C, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures may result in plant damage or death.
Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering, with an average of 500-600 mm of rainfall per year being sufficient for its growth. However, it can also tolerate periods of drought and is therefore a suitable plant for semi-arid or arid areas.
Fertilizer Requirements
Lotononis purpurescens generally does not require additional fertilization, as it can fix atmospheric nitrogen through its roots. However, in more nutrient-poor soils, the addition of nitrogen-rich fertilizers may help to stimulate growth and improve overall plant health.
Cultivation of Lotononis Purpurescens B.-E.van Wyk
Lotononis purpurescens B.-E.van Wyk is a hardy plant and easy to cultivate in different areas. It thrives well in well-drained soils and full sunlight. The plant prefers warm to hot temperatures and cannot withstand frost or cold temperatures.
The best time to establish the plant is during the rainy season when the soil is moist and easy to work with. The plant can also be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season (spring and summer). The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The plant becomes dormant during the winter, and watering should be reduced to prevent root rot.
Watering should be done in the morning to allow excess water to evaporate during the day and prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of NPK 5:7:7 to promote plant growth and blooming. Fertilization should be done during the growing season every two weeks. Fertilizer should be applied two inches from the plant stem to prevent fertilizer burn.
The plant can also be supplemented with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and provide essential nutrients.
Pruning
Lotononis purpurescens B.-E.van Wyk requires minimal pruning. However, pruning can be done after flowering to promote bushy growth and remove straggly stems. Pruning should be done using sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Lotononis purpurescens
Lotononis purpurescens can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and division propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Lotononis purpurescens are small and can be easily germinated. The best time to sow the seeds is during spring or summer when temperatures are warm. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified or soaked in water for a few hours to soften the seed coat. The seeds are then sown in a well-draining potting mix and covered lightly with soil. They should be kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 4-6 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a substantial size, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is another effective method to grow new plants. Stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season, preferably in spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 8-10 cm in length and should have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the lower end in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and placed in a warm and bright spot. Keep the soil moist, and within a few weeks, new roots will start to form. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the ground.
Division Propagation
Propagation through division can be done during the plant's dormant period. Carefully lift the plant from the soil, and with a sharp knife, divide the root ball into several sections. Each section should have a good root system and some green growth. Plant each division into a well-prepared potting mix or directly into the garden. Keep the soil moist until new growth emerges, usually within a few weeks.
Disease Management
L. purpureescens is generally resistant to diseases. However, the fungal disease known as powdery mildew may attack the plant during humid conditions or periods of high rainfall. The infection appears as a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves.
To manage the disease, it is recommended to spray the plant with a solution of copper fungicide or neem oil. Also, maintaining good air circulation around the plant by pruning and avoiding overcrowding can prevent the powdery mildew disease from attacking.
Pest Management
Various pests can attack L. purpureescens, but the most common are the aphids and the spider mites.
Aphids may cause stunted growth and yellowing of the plant's leaves. They also excrete a substance known as honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold fungi on the plant's surface. To manage a minor infestation, you can spray the plant with a stream of water to dislodge the aphids. For a more severe infestation, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
The spider mites feed by piercing the leaf cells of the plant and sucking out their contents, which causes yellowing and speckling on the leaves. To manage the infestation, you can spray the plant with a stream of water to dislodge the mites. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil
