Overview of Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv.
Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv. is a flowering plant species in the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the Hairy Birdsfoot Trefoil and is found in a diverse range of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and savannahs. The plant is native to Southern Africa and is known to possess a range of medicinal properties.
Appearance of Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv.
The plant has a trailing and spreading growth habit, with stems that are approximately 10 to 60 cm long. The leaves are trifoliolate, with dark green leaflets that are oblong and have pointed tips. The flowers are yellow with red markings and are borne on stalks that emerge from the leaf axils. The fruit is a cylindrical pod that contains flattened seeds.
Uses of Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv.
Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv. has a range of medicinal properties and has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments in Southern Africa. The plant is known to contain alkaloids and coumarins, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The leaves and stems of the plant are boiled and used as a herbal tea to treat coughs, colds, and flu. The roots are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, the plant is also used as a fodder for grazing animals.
Light Requirements
Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv. requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. Therefore, it should be planted in an area that receives at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Insufficient sunlight may lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C, making it best suited for tropical and subtropical climates. Sudden drops in temperature can lead to wilting and even death. Therefore, it should be planted in an area with consistent warm temperatures throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv. must be well-draining and should not retain water as this can lead to root rot. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding organic matter such as compost or manure to the soil before planting can improve the soil's quality and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv. plant is a hardy, perennial shrub that requires moderate temperatures and well-draining soil for growth. It should be planted in full sun to partial shade to attain maximum vegetative growth. This plant thrives in regions with a Mediterranean climate and can grow up to 1.5 m in height.
It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. For the seeding option, plant seeds in trays containing a well-draining potting soil. Place seeds about 3mm into the soil and maintain a consistent soil moisture level until they germinate. Once they've grown to a reasonable height, transplant the seedlings to a well-draining potting mix.
For the cutting option, take stem cuttings from healthy adult plants, usually taken in the spring. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cutting in clean water, then root hormone, and plant in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Place it under consistent moisture and provide partial sunlight until the plant establishes itself thoroughly.
Watering Needs
The Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv. plant requires moderate watering. Its soil must be moist, but the plant must not be saturated with water as this could lead to root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the temperature and humidity in the plant's environment.
You can gauge soil moisture levels by sticking a finger into the soil. If the soil feels dry to the touch, then watering the plant adequately will revitalize it. Additionally, overwatering the plant leads to the growth of molds and other fungal infections, which are harmful to the plant's health. Too little water and the plant will wilt and show signs of discoloration.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv. plant from late winter to early summer, which is the plant's growing season. A well-balanced slow-release fertilizer administered to the soil or applied as foliar spray works well for the plant's growth. Avoid overfertilization as this leads to the development of foliage at the expense of flowers.
It is also important to note that different soil types have varying nutrient and pH level requirements. Therefore, it is important to identify the type of soil you are using and ensure you supply the necessary nutrients to enhance the growth of the plant.
Pruning
Prune the Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv. plant regularly to maintain its size and shape. This plant produces a lot of foliage and can easily become unruly if not clipped back. Pruning also helps to promote new growth and rejuvenate the plant.
Use sharp pruning shears to clip back the branches only in small amounts and avoid cutting into the main stem. Prune during the plant's dormant season, especially in early spring before the growing season begins.
The plant's flowers grow on new wood, so pruning is an essential part of its growth cycle. Without proper pruning, the plant can develop a lot of weak branches, which are susceptible to breaking.
Propagation of Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv.
Lotononis tenella (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. var. hirsutissima Harv. can be propagated by both vegetative and sexual methods.
Vegatative Propagation
The plant can be propagated through cuttings or layering. Softwood stem cuttings of approximately 10 cm in length can be taken during the growing season and rooted in a well-drained potting medium. Semi-hardwood cuttings can also be taken and treated with a rooting hormone for better results.
The plant can also be propagated by layering, where a lower branch is bent down to touch the soil and held in place with a wire or a stake. The branch will eventually form its roots at the point of contact with the soil and can be later separated from the parent plant.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces legume pods with viable seeds that can be collected and sown. The seeds should be scarified before planting to enhance germination. Scarification can be achieved by soaking the seeds in hot water for about 12 hours or using a sterile blade to slightly scratch the seed coat.
The seeds should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until germination, which can take a few weeks to a few months depending on the conditions. The seedlings can be transplanted to their final location once they have developed a few true leaves.
Disease Management
Lotononis tenella var. hirsutissima can be affected by various diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. These diseases include:
- Root rot: This is a common disease that affects the roots of the plant. It is caused by fungal pathogens that grow in the soil and attack the plant's root system. To manage this disease, it is advisable to improve the soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant in well-drained soils. Ensure that infected plants are removed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that cause circular lesions scattered over the leaves. Overhead watering and high humidity levels contribute to the spread of the pathogen. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is well-spaced to avoid overcrowding, remove and destroy infected leaves, and control the humidity levels around the plant.
- Viral infections: Lotononis tenella var. hirsutissima can also be affected by viral infections that cause distorted growth of the plant. These viruses are mainly spread by insects. To manage these viruses, ensure that the plant is well-protected from insects by using insecticides and avoid cross-contamination between healthy and infected plants.
Pest Management
Lotononis tenella var. hirsutissima can also be affected by pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. These pests include:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests cause damage by feeding on the plant's sap. Infested leaves look yellow and may eventually dry up. To manage spider mites, apply miticides, increase humidity levels around the plant, and control weeds that act as hosts for the pests.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that cause damage by feeding on leaves and flowers. In severe cases, these pests can cause the leaves to become distorted. To manage thrips, use insecticides, control weeds that act as hosts, and remove and destroy infected leaves and flowers.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that cause damage by feeding on leaves. Severe infestations can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, apply insecticides, handpick and destroy the pests, and encourage natural predators such as birds and insects that feed on caterpillars.
