Origin
Lotus mearnsii var. equisolensis, also known as Equatorial Bird's Foot Trefoil, is a species of perennial legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
Common Names
Aside from Equatorial Bird's Foot Trefoil, Lotus mearnsii var. equisolensis is also known by several other common names such as Cameroonian Bird's Foot Trefoil, Ganolea, and Kapitala.
Uses
The leaves, seeds, and roots of Lotus mearnsii var. equisolensis have several medicinal uses, particularly in the treatment of abdominal pains, dysentery, and fever. The seeds are also used in traditional medicine to treat snake bites.
In agriculture, this plant is used to improve soil fertility as it is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Additionally, it is an excellent forage crop for animals such as cattle and goats.
General Appearance
Lotus mearnsii var. equisolensis is a climbing or creeping plant that has stems that can reach up to 2.5 meters in length. It has trifoliate leaves that are dark green and have slightly serrated margins.
The plant produces yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters on top of an elongated peduncle. The fruit is a long, narrow pod that contains 6 to 8 seeds that are brown or black in color.
Growth Conditions for Lotus mearnsii var. equisolensis
Light: The plant species prefers to grow in full sunlight or partial shade conditions. In areas with high temperatures, it prefers some shade to prevent the leaves from scorching due to excessive exposure to direct sunlight.
Temperature: The plant species thrives well in warm, humid regions, with an average temperature range of 20°C to 30°C. Frost and cold temperatures are detrimental to its growth, and they should be avoided.
Soil Requirements: The plant species prefers well-drained soils with a moderate nutrient level. Sandy soils are highly recommended, as they provide ideal conditions for the plant to establish and grow. It also prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.2. The plant can tolerate high levels of salinity, making it ideal for planting in coastal regions.
Water: The plant species requires a constant supply of moisture to establish and grow properly. Adequate irrigation should be provided, especially in areas with low rainfall. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization: The plant species requires moderate fertilization levels. A balanced fertilizer with a 14-14-14 N-P-K nutrient ratio is recommended. Overfertilization should be avoided, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and a decrease in seed production.
Propagation: Propagation of this plant can be done through seed germination, cuttings, or division of mature plants. Seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, and cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants. Division of mature plants should be done during the dormant season when the plants are not actively growing.
Cultivation
Lotus mearnsii (Britt.) Greene var. equisolensis J.L. Anderson, commonly known as Equatorial lotus, is a hardy plant that thrives in different soil types. It requires full sunlight to grow and bloom properly. Ideally, this plant should be cultivated in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
When planting, it's important to ensure that the soil is moist, and the roots are well established. This can be achieved by watering the plant thoroughly before planting and applying mulch to retain moisture.
Equatorial lotus can be grown in pots or beds, depending on the cultivation method that suits your preference.
Watering Needs
Equatorial lotus requires regular watering to thrive, especially during the growing season. Watering should be done deeply and often to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Inadequate watering can lead to stunted growth and poor blooms.
In areas with hot and dry climates, it's essential to water the plant more frequently to avoid dehydration. On the other hand, in areas with high rainfall, watering should be reduced to prevent overwatering which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Equatorial Lotus requires periodic fertilization to maintain proper growth and ensure good blooms. It responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost and manure. During the growing season, you can apply fertilizer once a month, starting from the first month of planting.
It's essential to note that over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms. Therefore, follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for the right type and amount of fertilizer to apply.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential cultivation and care practice for the Equatorial Lotus. It involves removing spent flowers and dead leaves to promote vegetative growth and encourage more blooms. Besides, pruning also helps to maintain the plant's shape and size.
The best time for pruning is after the blooming season when the flowers have wilted and the foliage starts to die off. Should there be any damaged or disease-infected stems, prune them immediately to prevent the infection from spreading. Use sharp shears to cut the stem just above a healthy leaf node.
Propagation of Lotus mearnsii var. equisolensis
Lotus mearnsii var. equisolensis J.L. Anderson is a shrub that is native to Chile and can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Lotus mearnsii var. equisolensis can be collected when they are mature and dried. After that, they can be stored in a cool and dry place until the next planting season. Before planting, the seeds should be scarified to break their hard seed coat and enhance germination. Scarification can be done mechanically or chemically. Mechanical scarification can be done by filing the seed coat with a nail file or using sandpaper. Chemical scarification can be done by soaking the seeds in warm water or concentrated sulfuric acid for a few minutes. After scarification, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight to enhance germination. The seeds can then be sown in a mixture of sand and loam in an area with partial shade. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to two months.
Propagation through cuttings
Another method of propagating Lotus mearnsii var. equisolensis is through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings that are about 10–15 cm long can be taken from the current season's growth. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, pest-free plants and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before inserting them into a well-draining soil mixture that is kept moist. The cuttings can be covered with a plastic bag or a glass jar to maintain humidity. The rooting process takes about four to six weeks. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted into containers or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Lotus mearnsii (Britt.) Greene var. equisolensis J.L. Anderson is susceptible to several diseases that can impact its growth and yield. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Rust: Rust is caused by the fungal pathogen Uromyces loti. It appears as small, round, rusty spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage rust, affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the infection.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by several fungi that thrive in wet soils and poorly drained areas. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and plant death. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure proper soil drainage.
- Mildew: Mildew is caused by several fungal pathogens that thrive in humid conditions. Symptoms include white or gray powdery patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage mildew, affected plant parts should be removed, and fungicides can be used to control the infection.
Pest Management
Lotus mearnsii (Britt.) Greene var. equisolensis J.L. Anderson is also vulnerable to attacks by several pests, including:
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wither. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soaps or oils to suffocate and kill them.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of several species of moths. They feed on the stems of the plant at night, causing the plants to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, use biological controls, such as nematodes, or insecticides to kill the larvae.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of several species of moths and butterflies. They feed on the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage caterpillars, use biological controls, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, or insecticides to kill the larvae.
Regular monitoring and early detection are crucial for effective disease and pest management. Proper sanitation, good cultural practices, and the use of resistant cultivars can also help prevent disease and pest problems. When using pesticides, always follow label instructions carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects and the environment.
