Contents
Description
Lotus Tetragonolobus, commonly known as the “Square-podded bird’s-foot-trefoil,” is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It grows up to 30-60 cm tall and has a sprawling growth habit. The plant produces small, yellow flowers arranged in clusters, which bloom from June to August. The flowers are followed by square-shaped seedpods that are about 2-3 cm long and contain four to six seeds each. The plant is native to Europe and western Asia and is widely cultivated as a fodder crop and ornamental plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lotus |
Appearance
The Lotus Tetragonolobus has a sprawling growth habit and produces thin stems that are green in color. The leaves are compound, with three leaflets that are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaflets are oval-shaped and have a smooth texture. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters on long stalks. The flowers have five petals and a prominent central boss of stamens. After flowering, the plant produces square-shaped seedpods that are about 2-3 cm long and contain four to six seeds each.
Care Guide
To care for the Lotus Tetragonolobus, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and consider its hardiness zones. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. The plant can tolerate a range of soil pH levels but prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize the plant during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Lotus Tetragonolobus is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to a few issues such as aphids, snails, slugs, and powdery mildew. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with a soapy water solution. Snails and slugs can be removed by handpicking or using bait traps. Powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring adequate air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
The Lotus Tetragonolobus is native to Europe and western Asia and can be found growing in meadows, pastures, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. The plant is often grown as a fodder crop and ornamental plant in gardens.
Question and Answer
Q1: Can the Lotus Tetragonolobus grow in shade?
A1: No, the Lotus Tetragonolobus requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive.
Q2: What is the hardiness zone for the Lotus Tetragonolobus?
A2: The Lotus Tetragonolobus is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Q3: How often should I water the Lotus Tetragonolobus?
A3: Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q4: What is the ideal soil pH for the Lotus Tetragonolobus?
A4: The Lotus Tetragonolobus can tolerate a range of soil pH levels but prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Related Plants
- Lotus corniculatus
- Lotus uliginosus
- Lotus scoparius
- Lotus tenuis
- Lotus purshianus
References
- “Lotus tetragonolobus.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 12 May 2021. www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:501074-1
- “Lotus tetragonolobus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 12 May 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286259
- “Lotus tetragonolobus.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 12 May 2021. www.rhs.org.uk/plants/47474/lotus-tetragonolobus/details
