Desmodium — 4 species
Botanical species in the genus Desmodium recorded in the PlantPeers database.
Desmodium axillare
Desmodium axillare
Family: Fabaceae
Cultivation
Because of the abundant small uncinate hairs on most species, the seedpods cling most tenaciously to clothing, to any part of the human body, and also to the feathers and hair of various animals, thus ensuring a wide dispersal of the plants. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
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Desmodium guianense
Desmodium guianense
Family: Fabaceae
Cultivation
Because of the abundant small uncinate hairs on most species, the seedpods cling most tenaciously to clothing, to any part of the human body, and also to the feathers and hair of various animals, thus ensuring a wide dispersal of the plants.
Full cultivation guide →
Desmodium incanum
Desmodium incanum
Family: Fabaceae
Cultivation
A plant of the moist tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,700 metres, though it does best below 300 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 25 - 32°c, but can tolerate 7 - 36°c. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -13°c, but young growth can be severely damaged at -1°c.
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Desmodium tortuosum
Desmodium tortuosum
Family: Fabaceae
Cultivation
Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. Because of the abundant small uncinate hairs on most species, the seedpods cling most tenaciously to clothing, to any part of the human body, and also to the feathers and hair of various animals, thus ensuring a wide dispersal of the plants. This species is known to have escaped from cultivation and become naturalized - it is classified as invasive in many areas.
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