SafePlants

Desmodium heterocarpon: Asian Ticktrefoil

Desmodium heterocarpon, commonly known as Asian ticktrefoil, is a subshrub or shrub belonging to the genus Desmodium.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC.
• Synonyms:
  • Desmodium buergeri Miq.
  • Desmodium buergeri var. patulepilosum Ohwi
• Common Names: Asian ticktrefoil, English ticktrefoil, tick trefoil, tickclover, Carpon Desmodium
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Rank: Species, Variety (e.g., Desmodium heterocarpon var. strigosum van Meeuwen)

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in northern Australia from near sea level up to 500m.
• Also occurs in Africa, Asia, Malesia, and the Pacific Islands.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial duration.
• Can reach a height of 1.8 meters.
• Ascending undershrubs with creeping root stock.
• Branches are adpressed hairy.
• Leaves are 3-foliolate with leaflets measuring 1.5-4 x 1-2.2.
• Habit: Herbs, shrubs or subshrubs, rarely trees, mostly erect or ascendent, but frequently decumbent or subclimbing

Considerations for Pets

• Mentioned as having 'tick' in the name, and that the plant's leaves may stick to clothing, fur, or other surfaces.

Traditional Uses

• In East Asia, it has been traditionally used for fevers, ulcers, ringworm, and scabies.

Ecological Role

• The plant is a perennial tropical legume.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Up to 50% of goats' diets can consist of leaves from Tick Trefoil trees.

Related Species

• Desmodium cuspidatum (LARGEBRACT TICKTREFOIL)
• Desmodium illinoense (Illinois Ticktrefoil)
• Desmodium floridanum (Florida Ticktrefoil)
• Desmodium gramineum (Grassleaf Ticktrefoil)
• Desmodium canadense (Canada Tick-trefoil)
• Desmodium ciliare (Littleleaf Tick-trefoil)
• Desmodium glabellum (Ovate Tick-trefoil)
• Desmodium laevigatum

Further Resources

• Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.