Contents
Description
Desmodium Paniculatum is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical Asia and is commonly found in the Indian subcontinent, China, and Southeast Asia. The plant has many common names such as tick clover, panicled tick trefoil, and creeping tick trefoil. This plant has a long history of being used in traditional medicine in Asia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
Appearance
Desmodium Paniculatum is a sprawling plant that can grow up to 2 meters long. It has trifoliate leaves that are oval-shaped, with pointed tips and serrated edges. The leaves are about 4-10 cm long, and the stem is thin and hairy. The flowers of this plant are pink or purple and are arranged in a panicle. The fruit of the plant is a pod, which contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Desmodium Paniculatum is a low-maintenance plant that requires little attention. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once in the spring and again in the fall with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Desmodium Paniculatum grows in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Desmodium Paniculatum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, keep the plant clean and free from debris. If infestation occurs, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Desmodium Paniculatum is a tropical plant that grows in moist, well-drained soil. It is commonly found in open fields, forests, and along roadsides in Southeast Asia, China, and India.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Desmodium Paniculatum toxic to pets?
A: No, Desmodium Paniculatum is not toxic to pets.Q: How often should I fertilize Desmodium Paniculatum?
A: Fertilize the plant once in the spring and again in the fall with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Can Desmodium Paniculatum grow in full shade?
A: No, Desmodium Paniculatum prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.Q: How tall can Desmodium Paniculatum grow?
A: Desmodium Paniculatum can grow up to 2 meters long.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Desmodium Paniculatum:
- Desmodium Gyrans
- Desmodium Adscendens
- Desmodium Gangeticum
References
- “Desmodium paniculatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 21, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287186&isprofile=0&.
- “Desmodium Paniculatum.” Plant Village. Accessed July 21, 2021. https://www.plantvillage.org/en/topics/desmodium-paniculatum.
- “Desmodium Paniculatum.” World Agroforestry. Accessed July 21, 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Desmodium_paniculatum.PDF.
