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Description
Desmodium Strictum, also known as tick clover or tick trefoil, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Asia and Africa, but it can be found worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is known for its ability to attract ticks, hence the name tick clover. Its leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring about 1-3 cm long. The plant produces beautiful pink or purple flowers that bloom from July to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
Appearance
Desmodium Strictum is a beautiful plant that can add a pop of color to any garden. The plant can grow up to 2 meters tall, with a spread of 1 meter. Its leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring about 1-3 cm long. The plant produces beautiful pink or purple flowers that bloom from July to September. The flowers are about 1 cm long and grow in clusters. The plant’s seed pods are about 2-3 cm long and are covered in tiny hairs, giving them a velvety texture.
Care Guide
Desmodium Strictum is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require much fertilizer. However, you can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its quality.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as well.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Desmodium Strictum is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by spider mites and aphids. If you notice any of these pests, you can treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if it’s overwatered.
Habitat
Desmodium Strictum is native to Asia and Africa, but it can be found worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It can grow in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wastelands.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Desmodium Strictum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors, but it requires bright, indirect light and moist soil.Q: Does Desmodium Strictum have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, cough, and asthma.Q: When is the best time to plant Desmodium Strictum?
A: The best time to plant the plant is in the spring when the soil has warmed up.Q: Can Desmodium Strictum be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Desmodium Strictum:- Desmodium Gyrans- Desmodium Adscendens- Desmodium Intortum- Desmodium Viridiflorum- Desmodium Gangeticum
References
– “Desmodium Strictum” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287454. Accessed 12 May 2021.- “Desmodium Strictum” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:516848-1. Accessed 12 May 2021.- “Desmodium Strictum” iNaturalist, www.inaturalist.org/taxa/586122-Desmodium-strictum. Accessed 12 May 2021.
