Origin
Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to Africa and parts of the Middle East.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as dichotomous bird's foot trefoil, African bird's foot trefoil, or simply bird's foot trefoil.
Appearance
The Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm in height. It has a thick and woody taproot that can reach up to 1 m in length. The plant has alternate, compound leaves with three leaflets that are oval to oblong in shape, with a smooth margin and dark green color. The flowers are small and yellow, held in clusters on stalks above the foliage. The fruit is a pod that is 1–2 cm long, containing one or two seeds. The plant has a deep root system and forms dense stands in dry, sandy soils.
Uses
The Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. plant has a variety of uses. It is commonly used as forage for livestock as it has high protein and mineral content. The seeds of the plant are also edible and can be used in cooking or made into a nutritious flour. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases, diarrhea, and intestinal worms.
Light
Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. is primarily a sun-loving plant and a native of arid climates. Therefore, the plant requires a full day of direct sunlight for about 6 hours to 8 hours for the optimum growth. However, the plant can also tolerate partial shade but may result in stunted growth and less flowering.
Temperature
The plant grows in tropical and subtropical regions, and therefore, the temperature range should be between 25°C and 35°C. The temperature below 15°C or over 40°C can damage the plant and cause stress and premature growth.
Soil
Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. prefer soil with excellent drainage. It can grow in a range of soil types, but the plant thrives best in sandy soil mixed with organic matter such as compost. The plant can also grow in alkaline soil as it has high salt tolerance and adapts to soil acidity.
Cultivation Methods
Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. is a perennial plant that thrives in full sun and freshwater. It prefers sandy and loamy soils with good drainage and a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The seeds of the plant can be sown in containers in a warm spot, approximately one inch deep into the soil. The planting can also be done directly in the ground, with three to four seeds in groups, keeping a minimum distance of 9-12 inches between groups.
Planting should be done during early spring or late autumn and should be done at shallow depths to ensure efficient seed growth. The young plants should come out within 10-20 days, and after a month, should be thinned to a single, healthy seedling. Seedlings must be well established and be produced over a year, after which they should be planted in their final position.
Watering Needs
Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. requires consistent levels of water supply. Therefore, watering should be performed non-aggressively to maintain moisture without causing waterlogging of the soil. The irrigation method that works best is the drip irrigation method that applies water directly to the plant’s base. This irrigation system ensures water efficiency, which is vital, especially when growing a large number of plants. The best water supply method is to water one to two inches deep into the soil once a week during the hot and dry season and reduce watering by half during the rainy season.
Fertilization
Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy and robust plant growth. The recommended fertilizer type is a complete nitrogen-rich slow-release fertilizer such as 18-6-12. The fertilizer should be applied during early spring, when plants start budding, and every six to eight weeks during the active growing season up to fall. Fertilizers should be applied at shallow depths to prevent the roots from coming into direct contact with it.
Pruning
Pruning is vital to ensure that the plant maintains its structured growth and remains visually appealing. Pruning should be carried out during late fall to early winter to coincide with the plant’s dormant period. Pruning should mainly involve removing flower stalks, mature leaves and thinning out any crowded portions of the plant. Leaving only healthy and robust stems on the plant is ideal for the best possible growth during the next warm season.
Propagation of Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp.
There are a few different methods for propagating Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp., a plant commonly known as dichotomous lotus. The following are some of the most effective propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate dichotomous lotus is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected when they are mature, dry, and brown. Soak the seeds in cool water for 24-48 hours to rehydrate them and then sprinkle them on top of a suitable potting mix that is well-drained and has good aeration. Cover the seeds with a very thin layer of potting mix and keep them moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks and will produce a taproot. Seedlings should be kept in partial shade until they are strong enough to be planted in their permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Dichotomous lotus can also be propagated from cuttings taken from the main stem. Cuttings should be taken from vigorous and healthy plants and should be hard-wooded with no signs of disease or damage. Use a sharp, sterile tool to take the cuttings and then dip the bottom ends into a rooting hormone powder. Place the cuttings in a suitable potting mix and keep moist, but not waterlogged. The cuttings will root in 2-4 weeks and can then be transplanted to their permanent location.
Plant Division Propagation
Plant division can be another method of propagating dichotomous lotus. It involves digging up the mature plant and dividing it into smaller sections, each with a healthy root system. Plant each section into a potting mix that is well-drained and has good aeration. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. The new plants should begin to grow within a few weeks, and can be transplanted to their permanent location when large enough.
Disease and Pest Management of Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp.
Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. is a hardy plant that is tolerant to many diseases and pests, but it can still be affected by some common diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management is important to ensure the healthy growth and productivity of the plant.
Common Diseases
Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases. One common disease is powdery mildew, which can appear as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant by pruning and spacing the plant appropriately. Fungicides can also be used as a preventative measure.
Another disease that can affect Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. is anthracnose, which causes dark lesions on the leaves and stems. Anthracnose can be managed by removing the affected plant parts and improving drainage around the plant to prevent water from pooling and promoting fungal growth. Fungicides are also effective against anthracnose.
Common Pests
Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. can also be attacked by insect pests such as scale insects and aphids. Scale insects can be managed by physically removing them from the plant with a soft brush or by using insecticidal soaps or oils. Aphids can be controlled with a strong blast of water or by using insecticidal soaps.
Snails and slugs can also be a problem for Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. To manage these pests, remove any debris or hiding places around the plant and use physical barriers such as copper tape or a ring of diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management is important for the healthy growth and productivity of Lotus dichotomus Delile ex Walp. Removing affected plant parts, improving air circulation and drainage, and using appropriate fungicides and insecticides can effectively manage common diseases and pests that may affect the plant.
