Overview
Lotononis stricta, also known as the African Joint Vetch, is an herbaceous legume plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to the southern and eastern parts of Africa where it is commonly found in grasslands, savannas, and cultivated lands.
General Appearance
The Lotononis stricta plant is an upright, annual or perennial herb that can grow up to a height of 1 meter. It has a taproot system that can develop up to 2 meters long. The stems of this plant are slender, green in color, and densely hairy. The leaves are compound with three leaflets that are narrow, elliptic, and also hairy and green in color. The flowers of this plant are small, yellow, and papilionaceous, arranged in short, dense racemes. The fruit is a small, hairy, and flattened legume pod that contains up to 5 seeds.
Common Names
The Lotononis stricta plant is commonly known as African Joint Vetch, Hairy Joint Vetch, and Common Joint Vetch in English. In South Africa, it is called "Suring" in Afrikaans and "Umvukwe" in Zulu.
Uses
Lotononis stricta is widely used for soil conservation, as a forage crop, and as a green manure. It is an excellent soil builder because it has the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and improve soil fertility. This plant is also used as a cover crop to suppress weed growth, to control erosion, and to provide food for livestock. The seeds of the Lotononis stricta plant can be consumed by humans after boiling or roasting. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, wounds, and fever.
Light Requirements
Lotononis stricta requires full sun for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some shade, but it may lead to weaker growth and fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to regions with warm to hot climates. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers temperatures between 15 and 30 °C. It can also tolerate occasional frosts but may die back to the ground in colder climates.
Soil Requirements
Lotononis stricta prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate poor or sandy soils but prefers soils that are moderately fertile. The plant has a relatively deep taproot and can tolerate drought conditions but prefers regular watering during the growing season.
Cultivation methods for Lotononis stricta (Eckl. & Zeyh.) B.-E.van Wyk
Lotononis stricta is a shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall in natural habitats. It thrives in regions with well-drained soils and moderate rainfall. The plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
If you intend to cultivate this plant, you should start by selecting an area with well-drained soil and adequate sunlight. Since it is a shrub, you should space out the seedlings to create enough room for growth.
You can plant Lotononis stricta seeds directly into the soil or start them in a nursery. If you opt for the latter, the optimal temperature for germination is between 24°C - 30°C, and you should ensure that the soil is moist until germination occurs.
Watering needs
Lotononis stricta requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. During dry spells, you should water the plant to supplement rainfall.
It would be best to water the plant in the morning to allow the soil to retain moisture throughout the day. Ensure that you're not watering the foliage since this can lead to fungal infections.
Fertilization
You should fertilize Lotononis stricta during the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure.
Apply the fertilizer once a month, and ensure that you're not over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive growth, which can make the plant weak.
Pruning
Lotononis stricta does not need pruning, but you can trim it to maintain a uniform shape or control its size.
If you choose to prune, do so in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Focus on removing dead or diseased branches and twigs.
Propagation of Lotononis stricta
Lotononis stricta (Eckl. & Zeyh.) B.-E.van Wyk, commonly known as Daviescreekluekooi in Afrikaans, is a South African indigenous legume shrub. The plant is used as a source of forage, erosion control, and as a nitrogen fixer. Propagation of the plant can be done through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Lotononis stricta. It involves the collection and planting of ripe seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature and healthy plants during the dry season when the seed pods are brown and brittle. The collected seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until planting.
Sowing the seeds is done during the wet season, preferably in spring or early summer. The soil should be prepared by loosening it and removing any weeds. The seeds can be planted directly into the soil or in seed trays filled with sandy soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the seedlings should emerge within two to three weeks.
The seedlings should be left to grow until they are big enough to be transplanted. The transplanted seedlings should be planted in prepared soil, in a sunny area, with enough space between them for growth. Mulching and regular watering should be done to ensure the plants grow healthy.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is the second method of propagating Lotononis stricta. The method involves taking cuttings from mature and healthy plants and replanting them. This method is recommended for areas with a shortage of seeds or for the propagation of selected cultivars.
The cuttings should be taken from new growth, which is about 10-15cm long. The leaves should be removed from the lower part of the cutting, leaving only a few at the top. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormones and planted in a pot or directly in the ground. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until they take root.
The cuttings should begin to root within six to eight weeks and should be left to grow until they are ready to be transplanted. The transplanted cuttings should be planted in prepared soil, in a sunny area, with enough space between them for growth. Regular watering and mulching should be done to ensure the plants grow healthy.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotononis stricta
Lotononis stricta is a shrub that can be susceptible to pests and diseases if not properly managed. In order to maintain plant health and longevity, it is important to identify common issues and take preventative measures to manage them effectively.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust are some of the most common diseases that can affect Lotononis stricta. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, while rust appears as orange or reddish spots. Both diseases can lead to leaf drop if left untreated. To manage these diseases, it is important to remove any infected plant material and treat with a fungicide. It is also helpful to improve air circulation around the plant by pruning and thinning as needed to prevent high humidity and damp conditions.
Bacterial diseases such as crown gall and bacterial blight may also affect this plant. Crown gall causes the formation of large, tumor-like growths on the roots and lower stem of the plant, while bacterial blight causes wilting and blackening of leaves and stems. Both diseases can be prevented by avoiding mechanical injuries to the plant and maintaining good sanitation practices.
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, and thrips are common pests that may infest Lotononis stricta. Aphids and spider mites suck sap from the plant, causing damage to the leaves and stems. Thrips feed on the leaves and flowers, causing distortions and discoloration. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly monitor the plant for signs of infestation and treat with an appropriate insecticide if necessary. It is also helpful to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the plant to help control population levels.
Caterpillars and leaf miners may also pose a threat to the plant. Caterpillars will eat holes through the leaves, while leaf miners will tunnel through the tissues of the leaves, creating a maze-like pattern. To manage these pests, it is important to remove any infected plant material and treat with an appropriate insecticide if necessary.