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variable-leaf ticktrefoil

Scientific Name: Desmodium heterophyllum

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Variable-leaf Ticktrefoil (Desmodium heterophyllum)

Desmodium heterophyllum, commonly known as Variable-leaf Ticktrefoil or Spanish Clover, is a perennial forb/herb and vine belonging to the Fabaceae (pea) family.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a vine with potential for spreading.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is a vine with potential for spreading.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Desmodium heterophyllum (Willd.) DC.
  • Synonyms:
    • Meibomia heterophylla Willd.
    • Hedysarum heterophyllum Willd
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
  • Group: Dicot
  • Genus: Desmodium Desv. (ticktrefoil, tick clover)

Common Names

  • Variable-leaf Ticktrefoil
  • Spanish Clover
  • Hetero

Other common names in various languages include senivakacegu, wakutu (Fiji); sisik betook, heuheulangan, sukut jareman (Indonesia); Yi ye shan ma huang (China).

Distribution and Habitat

The plant is native to HI (Hawaii) and occurs in variable locations, including open and forested areas, depending on the species.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is described as a vine forb/herb.
  • It has red foliage and red flowers.
  • Leaves are compound, alternate along the stems, and trifoliate.
  • Leaves 3-foliolate, often intermixed with 1-foliolate leaves on lower part petiole.
  • Leaves are variable, but always with a fairly long petiole and each leaflet much longer than wide.

Ecological Role

  • It serves as a host plant for the bean leaf beetle, which may migrate to it from other plants like alfalfa and clover.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Bean leaf beetles feed on this plant.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for garden tips and ideas.
  • Garden Guides offers information on gardening, including on tick trefoil species.