Scientific Name: Desmodium gunnii
Common Name: southern ticktrefoil
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Fabaceae
Threatened Species Status: Vulnerable
Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.
Form Description: Perennial herb with woody rootstock and slender branches, sometimes prostrate.
Height (m): 0.15 – 0.5
Flowers: Small pea flowers, arranged singly or in pairs on terminal, unbranched stems. Petals blue or lilac 5-6mm long.
Fruit: Seed pod – flattened, lightly hairy, constricted into 2-6 one-seeded parts. Seed with hard coat.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Found on the north-west coast.
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Treatment Method
Hot Water Hot water is used to soften the hard seed case of some species. This replicates the weathering process. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the seeds and allow them to soak for 4-12 hours.
Seed Treatment Notes
Nicking the seed has the best results, however it is tedious and time consuming. Soak in hot water (just off the boil) for a few hours before sowing. Seed should be dried after soaking.