Adesmia lotoides
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Adesmia lotoides is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Open soil and sand, coastal scrub to 40 metres in Tierra Del Fuego and north to 50° in Chile and 41° in Argentina.
Southern S. America - Argentina, Chile.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Rhizome. No further details.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
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. 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.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist