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Desmodium cinereum

Scientific Name: Desmodium cinereum

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Desmodium cinereum

Desmodium cinereum, also known as Desmodium rensonii and commonly referred to as "Acid Ipil-ipil" or "Rensonii," is a short-lived shrub belonging to the ticktrefoil genus.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a shrub with erect stems that tend to become woody.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Desmodium cinereum (Kunth) DC.
  • Family: Leguminosae (also referred to as Fabaceae)
  • Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
  • Class: Rosopsida (higher dicots)
  • Synonyms: Desmodium luteocanescens M.E.Jones, Hedysarum cinereum (Kunth). The text indicates that Desmodium rensonii is another name used, but is considered to be synonymous with Desmodium cinereum.
  • Nomenclature: Initially described by Karl Sigismund Kunth, and later given its current accepted name by DC. (Augustin Pyramus de Candolle).

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to areas including the western part of Mexico and Central America.
  • Reported naturalizations in Queensland, Australia.
  • Specimens have been found in Belize, based on records in the Collection database.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A short-lived erect shrub, typically living for 2-3 years.
  • Reaches a height of 1-3 meters.
  • Erect stems with few branches that tend to become woody.
  • Leaves are trifoliate (having three leaflets).

Ecological Role

  • A legume, used as ruminant feed.
  • Studies have examined the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation on its growth and copper uptake.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Forms associations with mycorrhizal fungi in its roots.

Resources and Further Information

  • Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
  • Encyclopedia of Life.
  • Tropicos database.
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K).
  • SINGER database.
  • iNaturalist.org