Desmodium Triflorum
Contents
Description
Desmodium Triflorum is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as three-flower beggarweed or tick-trefoil. This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and America. It has a creeping stem that can grow up to 60 cm long and produces trifoliate leaves with serrated edges. The flowers are small and pink in color, and the fruit is a small pod that contains several seeds. Desmodium Triflorum is a common weed in agricultural land and can be used as fodder for livestock.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
| Species | Desmodium Triflorum |
Appearance
The three-flower beggarweed has a slender and creeping stem that can grow up to 60 cm long. The leaves are trifoliate and have serrated edges. The flowers are small and pink in color and are arranged in clusters of three on short stalks. The fruit is a small pod that contains several seeds. The roots are shallow and fibrous, allowing the plant to thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clayey soils.
Care Guide
Desmodium Triflorum is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clayey soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Desmodium Triflorum is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The three-flower beggarweed is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to the following:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stems of the plant, causing wilting and death.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and the plant to wilt and die.
Habitat
Desmodium Triflorum is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and America. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, meadows, and along roadsides. It is also a common weed in agricultural land and can be used as fodder for livestock.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Desmodium Triflorum poisonous?
A: No, Desmodium Triflorum is not toxic to humans or animals.
Q: How fast does Desmodium Triflorum grow?
A: Desmodium Triflorum is a fast-growing plant and can grow up to 60 cm in a year.
Q: Can Desmodium Triflorum be grown indoors?
A: No, Desmodium Triflorum is an outdoor plant that requires full sun to grow.
Q: Can Desmodium Triflorum be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Desmodium Triflorum has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and inflammation.
Related Plants
- Desmodium Gyrans
- Desmodium Gangeticum
- Desmodium Adscendens
References
- “Desmodium Triflorum (L.) DC.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 15 Feb. 2022.
- Bajpai, S., Kumar, S., & Singh, K. (2015). Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC.: A review on its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological profile. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 164, 238-264.
- “Desmodium Triflorum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 Feb. 2022.
