Origin and Common Names
Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. is a small perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions in Africa and Madagascar but is now found in many parts of the world including Asia, North and South America, and Australia. Some of the common names of this plant include hairy zornia, wild-bean, and tick-bean.
General Appearance
Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. has a small, prostrate growth habit with hairy stems. The leaves are trifoliate, arranged alternately on the stem, and the leaflets are oblong to elliptical and have hairy undersides. The flowers are small, yellow, and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit is a small, indehiscent, one-seeded pod that is covered in short and fine hairs.
Uses
Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. has various medicinal uses in traditional African medicine, where it is used to treat infections, fevers, stomach problems, and snakebites. In some parts of the world, it is used as animal feed and as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility. It also has potential uses in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture due to its nitrogen-fixing ability.
Growth conditions for Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh.
Light: Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and can tolerate up to 50% shade.
Temperature: Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. is native to tropical and subtropical regions and prefers warm temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Soil: Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. prefers well-draining sandy loam or clay loam soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. However, it can also grow in acidic and alkaline soils. It cannot tolerate waterlogging or saline soils.
Water: Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate short periods of drought but prolonged drought can lead to plant stress and reduced growth.
Fertilizer: Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be applied once a month during the growing season to promote optimal growth.
Cultivation methods for Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh.
Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. is a low-growing, drought-tolerant plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It can be grown in a variety of soils, including clay, loam and sandy soil, as long as they have good drainage. This plant requires full sun to thrive, so it should be planted in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
It is recommended to plant Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. from seed in the spring, after the last frost has passed. The seeds should be sunk half an inch in the soil and spaced about 6-8 inches apart. Germination typically takes about one to two weeks, and the plants will begin to flower after 6-8 weeks.
Watering needs of Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh.
Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering. It can survive periods of drought, but regular watering is recommended for optimal growth and flowering.
The plant should be watered deeply, about once a week, rather than frequent shallow watering. This allows for water to penetrate deeply into the soil, encouraging the plant to develop a deeper root system. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh.
A balanced fertilizer can be used on Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilizer should be added to the soil once every 4-6 weeks.
It is important to use a fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth and may negatively impact the plant's overall health.
Pruning Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh.
Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. does not require regular pruning, but occasional pruning may be necessary to maintain its appearance or to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems.
Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is best to avoid heavy pruning during the winter, when the plant is in a more dormant state.
To prune, simply remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems using a clean pair of pruning shears or scissors.
Propagation of Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh.
Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. is a herbaceous plant that is commonly found in Africa. It is a legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family.
The plant can be propagated through different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division of root clumps.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. can be collected from the plant during the blooming period. They should be sown immediately in a seedbed or potting mix, covering them lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist and the temperature should be around 20-25°C for optimal germination. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have developed 2-3 true leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Softwood stem cuttings can be taken during the growing season and should be inserted into a rooting hormone and potting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded and humid environment until they have rooted and can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by Division of Root Clumps
Zornia pratensis Milne-Redh. subsp. barbata J.Léonard & Milne-Redh. can be propagated by division of root clumps in the spring or fall. The clumps should be carefully separated into smaller portions, ensuring that each segment has a good root system. The separated segments can then be transplanted to their permanent location.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the young plants well-watered and protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Disease Management
Zornia pratensis is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Some common diseases include:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the plant's leaves. To manage it, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide to the plant.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the plant's roots, leading to rotting and poor growth. To manage it, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Virus diseases: Viral diseases can stunt the plant's growth and cause yellowing of the leaves. There is no cure for viral diseases, so the best way to manage them is to remove and destroy infected plants.
Pest Management
Zornia pratensis can also be affected by various pests that can damage the plant's leaves, stems, and roots. Common pests include:
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the plant's stems at night, cutting them off and causing the plant to wilt. To manage them, handpick and destroy the caterpillars or use an organic pesticide.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can distort the plant's leaves and stunt its growth. To manage them, use a strong spray of water to knock them off the plant or use an insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause yellowing and wilting of the plant's leaves. To manage them, spray the plant with water to increase humidity or use an insecticidal soap or miticide.
