Contents
Description
Alysicarpus Vaginalis, commonly known as the Indian jointvetch, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. The plant is an annual or perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter tall. The stems are slender, hairy, and branching. The leaves are pinnately compound with 3-9 leaflets that are oblong or elliptic in shape. The flowers are small and pink or purple in color, arranged in clusters. The fruits are small pods that are hairy and contain one or two seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Alysicarpus |
Appearance
The Alysicarpus Vaginalis plant has a slender, hairy stem with pinnately compound leaves. The leaflets are oblong or elliptic in shape and have a smooth texture. The flowers are small and pink or purple in color, arranged in clusters. The fruits are small pods that are hairy and contain one or two seeds. The plant grows up to 1 meter tall and has a bushy appearance.
Care Guide
Alysicarpus Vaginalis prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. The plant requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilizer can be applied to promote healthy growth and flowering. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alysicarpus Vaginalis is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Fungicides can be used to treat these diseases.
Habitat
Alysicarpus Vaginalis is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. It grows in open fields, pastures, and disturbed areas. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Alysicarpus Vaginalis a perennial or annual plant?
A: Alysicarpus Vaginalis can be an annual or perennial herb.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Alysicarpus Vaginalis?
A: Alysicarpus Vaginalis is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, powdery mildew, and rust.
Q: What kind of soil does Alysicarpus Vaginalis prefer?
A: Alysicarpus Vaginalis prefers well-drained soil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Alysicarpus Vaginalis?
A: Alysicarpus Vaginalis is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Alysicarpus Bupleurifolius
- Alysicarpus Heterophyllus
- Alysicarpus Longifolius
- Alysicarpus Reticulatus
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ALVA3
- Flowers of India. (n.d.). Alysicarpus vaginalis. Retrieved from https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Indian%20Joint%20Vetch.html
- Goyal, P., & Verma, R. (2013). Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC.: A review on its ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 148(2), 513-522. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.04.033
