Contents
Description
Desmodium Cuspidatum is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is also known as tick-trefoil or pointed-leaved tick-trefoil due to the shape of its leaves. This plant is found in various regions around the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Its leaves and roots have been used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
Appearance
Desmodium Cuspidatum is a small shrub that can grow up to 1 meter in height. Its leaves are trifoliate and have a pointed shape, with a length of about 6-10 cm. The plant produces flowers that are pink or purple in color and grow in clusters. The fruit is a thin, elongated pod that contains several seeds. The plant has a bushy appearance and can be grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Care Guide
Desmodium Cuspidatum is easy to care for and can be grown in most types of soil. It requires moderate watering and should be fertilized every 2-3 months during the growing season. The plant prefers full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown as an annual in colder regions. Pruning can be done to maintain the plant’s shape and size.
Common Pests & Diseases
Desmodium Cuspidatum is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, leafhoppers, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled by using insecticides or by wiping the leaves with a soapy water solution. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, which can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Desmodium Cuspidatum is native to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The plant is often used as a cover crop in agriculture due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. It is also used for erosion control and as a forage crop for livestock.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Desmodium Cuspidatum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown indoors in a well-lit area.
Q: How often should Desmodium Cuspidatum be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Q: Is Desmodium Cuspidatum toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that this plant is toxic to pets.
Q: How tall can Desmodium Cuspidatum grow?
A: This plant can grow up to 1 meter in height.
Related Plants
- Desmodium Canadense
- Desmodium Gyrans
- Desmodium Motorium
- Desmodium Incarnatum
References
- “Desmodium cuspidatum (Thunb.) DC.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:491385-1
- “Desmodium cuspidatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275412&isprofile=0
- “Desmodium cuspidatum.” NC State Extension. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/desmodium-cuspidatum/
