Practical
Plants

Adesmia lotoides

a perennial member of the Adesmia genus in the family Leguminosae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Adesmia
Life cycle
perennial
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Rhizome[2]. No further details.

Plant part
Root

Ecology and functions

Nitrogen fixer

Environment

Range
Southern S. America - Argentina, Chile.
Habitat
Open soil and sand, coastal scrub to 40 metres in Tierra Del Fuego and north to 50° in Chile and 41° in Argentina[2].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sowing it in a greenhouse in spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow the plants on for at least the first winter in a greenhouse and then plant them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. Judging by its native habitat, it is likely to need a well-drained light soil in a sunny position and to be tolerant of maritime exposure[K]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[1].

References

  1. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩

  2. Moore. D. M. Flora of Tierra del Fuego. Anthony Nelson. 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-904614-05-0

    ↩1↩2

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