SafePlants

Desmodium podocarpum

Desmodium podocarpum is a flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the presence of chalcones within Desmodium podocarpum.
• The plant is described as an erect herb, growing to a height of 30-150cm.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Desmodium podocarpum DC.
• Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Leguminosae and Papilionaceae)
• Genus: Desmodium
• Section: Podocarpium Benth.
• Synonyms:
  • Hylodesmum podocarpum (DC.) H. Ohashi & R.R.Mill
  • Desmodium racemosum (Thunb.) DC.
• Subspecies and Varieties:
  • Desmodium podocarpum subsp. oxyphyllum (DC.) H. Ohashi
  • Hylodesmum podocarpum subsp. oxyphyllum (DC.)H.Ohashi & R.R.Mill
  • Desmodium podocarpum var. indicum Maxim.
  • Desmodium podocarpum subsp. oxyphyllum var. japonicum (Miq.)
  • Desmodium podocarpum subsp. oxyphyllum var. mandshuricum

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is found in Asia, including China and Pakistan.
• Altitude range is between 1200 meters.

Morphological Characteristics

• Erect herb, typically growing to a height of 30-150cm.
• Leaves are 3-foliate (three leaflets per leaf).
• Leaflets are ovate-elliptic in shape, measuring 4-9.5 x 1.5-3.5cm.
• Leaflets have an acuminate (tapering to a point) apex.
• Leaflet base is rounded or cuneate (wedge-shaped).
• Leaflet margins are entire (smooth).

Traditional Uses

• In folk medicine, Desmodium podocarpum has been used to treat febrile conditions.
• In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used to treat colds and coughs.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Bees collect pollen from this plant.

Resources and Further Information

• Tropicos
• IPCN (International Plant Names Index)
• ILDIS World Database of Legumes in the Catalogue of Life
• NCBI taxonomy database (NCBI: 53867)
• Wikimedia Commons
• ResearchGate
• Discover Life