Origin
Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber Ottley is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the western United States and northern Mexico, specifically found in dry and rocky areas of California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including smooth deervetch, smooth bird-foot trefoil, and smooth lotus.
Uses
L. stipularis var. subglaber is used in the restoration of degraded lands and as an ornamental plant. It is also known to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it useful for soil conservation. Native Americans used the seeds of the plant for food, and the Pima tribe used the leaves and stems for medicinal purposes.
General Appearance
The plant has a prostrate growth habit with stems that grow up to 50 cm long. It has pinnate, greyish-green leaves that are about 3-5 cm long. The inflorescence is a cluster of 2-6 flowers that range in color from yellow to orange. The fruit is a small, hairy, brown legume that is about 1 cm long.
Growth conditions for Lotus stipularis var. subglaber
Light: Lotus stipularis var. subglaber requires full sunlight exposure for at least six hours per day to thrive. Lack of enough light may result in weak growth and diminished flowering. A south-facing location is the best position for this plant in areas with hot summers because it can tolerate full sun well.
Temperature: This plant species grows well in a temperature range of 60-85°F (16-29°C). It prefers warm temperatures and does not tolerate freezing temperatures. Intense heat does not affect its growth, and it can withstand high temperatures provided it gets enough water.
Soil: Lotus stipularis var. subglaber requires well-drained soils that are fertile and slightly acidic. Silt loam soil is ideal for optimum growth, but sandy soils are also acceptable. The soil's pH should range between 6-7.5. It is important to ensure the soil is not salty or too heavy as this may affect the plant's growth. Adding organic matter to the soil enhances its quality and fertility and works best in improving soil quality.
Water: The plant requires moderate amounts of water. The soil should be kept moist during its active growth period, but it should not be waterlogged as this may promote root rot. In areas with adequate rainfall, it may not require supplementary watering. In dry areas, it will require extra watering to maintain its foliage and flowering.
Cultivation methods for Lotus stipularis var. subglaber Ottley
Lotus stipularis var. subglaber Ottley can be propagated from seeds, root cuttings, or by division. If you're starting from seed, germination will usually take place in the spring when temperatures begin to warm up. You can scarify the seeds with sandpaper or soak them in water for a day to help with germination. Seeds can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors and transplanted outdoors once the weather warms up. The ideal planting time is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
Watering needs for Lotus stipularis var. subglaber Ottley
Lotus stipularis var. subglaber Ottley prefers slightly moist soil. You should water your plants once or twice a week if there hasn't been any rainfall. Keep an eye on the leaves and if they appear wilted or droopy, it's a sign that the plant needs more water. Always water at the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves.
Fertilization for Lotus stipularis var. subglaber Ottley
Lotus stipularis var. subglaber Ottley is a light feeder, and too much fertilizer can harm the plant. You can give your plants a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer. Alternatively, you can use compost or well-rotted manure to amend the soil before planting.
Pruning for Lotus stipularis var. subglaber Ottley
Pruning can help keep your Lotus stipularis var. subglaber Ottley looking neat and tidy. You can deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage new blooms. In the fall, you can prune back the plant to two or three inches above the soil to promote healthy growth in the spring. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves or stems promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber Ottley
Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber Ottley, commonly known as silky lotus or silky lupine, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to western North America and is commonly found in dry meadows, rocky slopes, and open woods.
Propagation Methods
The most common methods of propagating Lotus stipularis are through seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation: Silky lupine seeds are easy to collect in the fall when the seed pods dry out and turn brown. Collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place until ready for planting. Scarify the seeds before planting by scratching the hard outer seed coat with a knife or sandpaper. This will allow water to penetrate into the seed, helping to speed up the germination process. Plant the seeds in a well-drained soil mix, cover with a thin layer of soil, and water. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge, which can take up to three weeks. Thin the seedlings to 10-12 inches apart when they have their second set of leaves.
Vegetative Propagation: Vegetative propagation is a great way to multiply a plant that you already have. Silky lupine can be propagated vegetatively by cutting the root or stem and planting it directly in soil or in a rooting hormone. Take a cutting from a healthy plant in the spring before it starts to flower. Cut a 4 to 6-inch section of the stem with leaves or a section of the root. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the plant in a warm, sunny location. Rooting should occur within 2-3 weeks, and the plant can be transplanted into its permanent location once it's established.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber Ottley
Lotus stipularis (Benth.) Greene var. subglaber Ottley, commonly known as the smooth deervetch, is a beautiful, perennial leguminous plant with yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. Such plants are susceptible to diseases and pests that can cause damage if not managed well. Therefore, it is essential to understand the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most prevalent diseases affecting Lotus stipularis is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that results in white-gray powder, particularly on the leaves. To control this condition, one should avoid excessively wetting the foliage, which can result in the rapid spread of the disease. Additionally, using fungicides or neem oil can assist in controlling the disease.
Another common disease affecting the plant is Root Knot Nematodes (RKN). RKNs are parasitic pests that penetrate the roots of plants, causing galls to develop on them, leading to poor nutrient uptake and eventual plant withering. To manage RKN in Lotus stipularis, crop rotation and cultivating soil that is free of nematodes should be done. Nematicides can also be used to suppress their growth, but caution should be taken with these chemicals.
Common Pests
One of the most significant pests affecting Lotus stipularis is the legume pod borer. Its larvae damage the pods, causing yield loss. Controlling this pest can be done by removing and destroying the affected pods and applying insecticides that are safe to use on leguminous crops, such as neem oil or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Another significant pest affecting the plant is the Bean Leaf Beetle. It feeds on the foliage and flowers, leading to complete defoliation, stunted growth and yield losses. To manage beetles, one can use insecticides, including malathion or carbaryl, multiple times during the growing season, or even introducing natural predators, such as parasitic wasps, to the farm.
Conclusion
Lotus stipularis is a beautiful plant that is vulnerable to diseases and pests. Therefore, proper management measures, such as adopting crop rotation, using pesticides, neem oil, or nematicides, timely removal of affected pods, and careful control of soil moisture levels, should be implemented to reduce pest and disease-related stresses. Following these steps will help to maintain plant health, and as a result, the highest possible yield.
