Status:
valid
Authors:
Peyr.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1859
Citation Micro:
Linnaea30: 79 (1859)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000170300
Common Names
- Heller's Ticktrefoil
- Heller's Desmodium
- Heller Ticktrefoil
Synonyms
- Meibomia helleri Kuntze [valid]
Description
Desmodium helleri (also called Heller's Tick-trefoil, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Central America. It has small, oval-shaped leaves and small, white flowers. It typically grows in moist, well-drained soils in open woods and meadows.
Uses & Benefits
Desmodium helleri is used as an ornamental plant, for erosion control, and as a soil stabilizer. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating fever, malaria, and other ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Desmodium helleri has small, white flowers that are about 1/2 inch in diameter. The seeds are small, dark brown, and have a hard outer shell. The seedlings are slender with long, thin leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Desmodium helleri can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist until the cuttings have rooted.
Where to Find Desmodium helleri
Desmodium helleri can be found in Mexico and Central America.
Desmodium helleri FAQ
What is the growth rate of Desmodium helleri?
Desmodium helleri has a moderate growth rate.
What is the soil type suitable for Desmodium helleri?
Desmodium helleri prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
What is the ideal temperature for Desmodium helleri?
Desmodium helleri prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Species in the Desmodium genus
Desmodium affine,
Desmodium ambiguum,
Desmodium amplifolium,
Desmodium angustatum,
Desmodium angustifolium,
Desmodium arechavaletae,
Desmodium arizonicum,
Desmodium batocaulon,
Desmodium bellum,
Desmodium bioculatum,
Desmodium bridgesii,
Desmodium callilepis,
Desmodium campyloclados,
Desmodium canaliculatum,
Desmodium chartaceum,
Desmodium chiapense,
Desmodium cinerascens,
Desmodium coloniense,
Desmodium conzattii,
Desmodium cordistipulum,
Desmodium crassum,
Desmodium cubense,
Desmodium cuneatum,
Desmodium delotum,
Desmodium densiflorum,
Desmodium denudatum,
Desmodium fernaldii,
Desmodium floridanum,
Desmodium foliosum,
Desmodium ghiesbreghtii,
Desmodium glabrescens,
Desmodium gracile,
Desmodium grahamii,
Desmodium guadalajaranum,
Desmodium hartwegianum,
Desmodium hassleri,
Desmodium helleri,
Desmodium illinoense,
Desmodium infractum,
Desmodium intermedium,
Desmodium jaliscanum,
Desmodium johnstonii,
Desmodium lamprocarpum,
Desmodium lavanduliflorum,
Desmodium leptoclados,
Desmodium limense,
Desmodium lindheimeri,
Desmodium longiarticulatum,
Desmodium luteolum,
Desmodium macrodesmum,
Species in the Fabaceae family