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tropical ticktrefoil
Scientific Name: Desmodium cajanifolium
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Tropical Ticktrefoil (Desmodium cajanifolium)
Desmodium cajanifolium, commonly known as Tropical Ticktrefoil, is a perennial subshrub or shrub belonging to the Fabaceae (pea) family.
Considerations for Pets
- Plants in the Desmodium genus are known for having sticky pod sections or loments, which may attach to animal fur.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Desmodium cajanifolium (Kunth) DC.
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
- Rank: Species
- Nomenclatural Reference: Prodr. A. P. de Candolle 2: 331. 1825 mid Nov 1825
- Synonyms: Desmodium pendulum sensu Bojer, Desmodium walkeri Arn.
Common Names
- Tropical Ticktrefoil
- Creeping Tick Trefoil
- Three-flower Beggarweed
- Matty Desmodium
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to tropical America.
- Also found in the Old World tropics and subtropics.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Growth Habit: Subshrub, Shrub
- Duration: Perennial
- Leguminous plant with trifoliate leaves.
- Clusters of small purplish or white flowers.
Ecological Role
- Used as a cattle forage crop in tropical regions.
- Nitrogen-fixing properties.
Traditional Uses
- Latex has been used for treating ringworm, dandruff, and boils.
Related Species
- Desmodium cinerascens (Spiked Ticktrefoil)
- Desmodium intortum (Greenleaf Ticktrefoil)
- Desmodium angustifolium (Narrowleaf Ticktrefoil)
- Desmodium batocaulon (San Pedro Tick Trefoil)
- Desmodium canadense (Showy Tick-trefoil)
Further Resources
- Discover Life: Information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
- Dave's Garden: Tips and ideas for gardens, seeds, and plants.