Contents
Description
Desmodium Perplexum, also known as Perplexing Tick Trefoil, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand and Vietnam. The plant is an herbaceous perennial and can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has a slender stem with leaves that are trifoliate and oval-shaped. The flowers are small and pinkish-purple in color, and they bloom from July to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
| Species | Perplexum |
Appearance
Desmodium Perplexum has trifoliate leaves that are dark green and oval-shaped. The flowers are small and pinkish-purple in color, and they bloom from July to September. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and has a slender stem. The branches are widely spreading, and the plant can form dense thickets. The roots are fibrous and shallow.
Care Guide
Desmodium Perplexum is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are a few tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but make sure that the soil does not get waterlogged. The plant prefers moist but well-draining soil.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
- Hardiness Zones: Desmodium Perplexum is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Desmodium Perplexum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Common pests that can affect the plant include aphids and spider mites. If you notice any signs of pest infestation or disease, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Desmodium Perplexum is native to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand and Vietnam. It grows in open woodlands, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas. The plant prefers moist soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Desmodium Perplexum toxic to pets?
A: No, Desmodium Perplexum is not toxic to pets.
Q: Can Desmodium Perplexum tolerate drought?
A: No, Desmodium Perplexum prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.
Q: Can Desmodium Perplexum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Desmodium Perplexum can be grown indoors as long as it receives adequate sunlight and moisture.
Q: How often should Desmodium Perplexum be fertilized?
A: Desmodium Perplexum should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Desmodium Gyrans
- Desmodium Canadense
- Desmodium Gangeticum
- Desmodium Adscendens
References
- Flora of China. (2021). Desmodium Perplexum. Flora of China. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=250094410
- Mansfeld’s World Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops. (2021). Desmodium Perplexum. Mansfeld’s World Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops. https://mansfeld.ipk-gatersleben.de/pls/htmldb_pgrc/f?p=185:46:1754200106724018::NO::module,source,status,status_comment,origin,seasonality,life_form,comname,taxonomic_identifier,authorship,display_image,reference_details,remark,priority,publication_date,common_names,uses,other_info,geographical_distribution,genus,species,epithet,crop_type,crop_info&id=38179
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Desmodium Perplexum. Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c627
