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Description
Desmodium Uncinatum, also known as Silverleaf Desmodium, is a perennial legume plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, but it is also found in other parts of the world. This plant is commonly used as a forage crop, but it also has medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
Appearance
Desmodium Uncinatum can grow up to 2 meters in height and has a spreading growth habit. The leaves are alternate and trifoliate, with each leaflet being elliptic to ovate-shaped, measuring about 2.5 to 6 cm long and 1.5 to 4 cm wide. The upper surface of the leaves is green, while the underside is silvery-white. The flowers are pink to purple in color and are arranged in dense racemes that are about 5 to 10 cm long. The fruits are flattened pods that are 2 to 4 cm long and contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Desmodium Uncinatum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. However, to ensure optimal growth and health, here are some care tips to keep in mind:- Water: This plant prefers moist soil but can also tolerate periods of drought. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods.- Fertilization: Desmodium Uncinatum is a legume that can fix nitrogen from the air, so it does not require additional fertilization. However, adding organic matter to the soil can improve its overall health.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey.- Sunlight: Desmodium Uncinatum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow in areas that receive as little as 4 hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Desmodium Uncinatum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. In addition, the plant can be damaged by grasshoppers, caterpillars, and other chewing insects. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help prevent pest and disease problems.
Habitat
Desmodium Uncinatum is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, but it is also found in other parts of the world, including Asia, Australia, and the Americas. It grows in a range of habitats, from grasslands and savannas to forest edges and disturbed areas. It is commonly used as a forage crop, especially in areas with low soil fertility.
Questions and Answers
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Desmodium Uncinatum?
A: Desmodium Uncinatum has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections, liver problems, and snakebites. It contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects.
Q: Can Desmodium Uncinatum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Desmodium Uncinatum can be grown in containers, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s spreading growth habit. Use a well-draining potting mix and water the plant regularly.
Q: Is Desmodium Uncinatum a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, Desmodium Uncinatum has a deep root system that can help prevent soil erosion. It also has a spreading growth habit that can help stabilize slopes and embankments.
Q: How often should Desmodium Uncinatum be pruned?
A: Desmodium Uncinatum does not require regular pruning. However, if the plant becomes too bushy or leggy, it can be pruned in late winter or early spring to promote new growth and maintain its shape.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Desmodium genus:- Desmodium Adscendens- Desmodium Gyrans- Desmodium Incarnatum- Desmodium Intortum- Desmodium Ovalifolium
References
– “Desmodium Uncinatum.” Feedipedia. Accessed May 20, 2021. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/289.- “Desmodium Uncinatum.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed May 20, 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:506912-1.- “Silverleaf Desmodium.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed May 20, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=DEUN2.
