Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd.

Taxonomic Identity and Growth Form

Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd. is a woody perennial herb or shrub that can reach heights of 1.5 to 3 meters.

Drought Response

During periods of dry conditions, its above-ground herbage dies back to the woody taproot, and it sprouts again once adequate moisture becomes available.

Stem Count and Form

A single individual can grow up to 50 stems, developing a quite robust form.

Stem Appearance

Older stems are brown to red, shiny, and hairless.

Leaf Structure

Its leaves are bipinnate, divided into a small number of primary leaflet pairs, with each primary leaflet further subdivided into smaller leaflets that measure up to 7 to 9 millimeters long.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence is a rounded head holding between 11 and 22 flowers.

Flower Types

This plant produces three types of flowers: perfect, male, and sterile.

Flower Color

The flowers are white to yellowish.

Pod Characteristics

A short stalk can hold up to 11 linear legume pods, which are dark red to blackish and up to 8.5 to 9 centimeters long.

Seed Release

Each pod dehisces along both edges to release between 26 and 30 seeds.

Reproductive Period

In tropical areas with sufficient water, the plant produces flowers and fruits year-round; outside the tropics, it reproduces mainly during spring and summer.

Habitat Types

This species grows in open habitat types, and readily colonizes disturbed areas including roadsides and quarries.

Soil and Altitude Preferences

It grows in both clay and sandy soils, and is most common at lower altitudes.

Stress Tolerance

Its ability to die back to the root crown allows it to withstand drought, frost, fire, and grazing, and it resprouts once harsh conditions improve.

Shade Intolerance

However, it cannot tolerate shade and does not thrive under tree canopies.

Native and Introduced Range

It is native to the southern United States, parts of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, and has been introduced to areas outside its native range both intentionally and accidentally.

United States Distribution

In the United States, it is considered native to Texas, and also grows in Florida, where its native status is uncertain.

Louisiana Occurrence

It was first reported in Louisiana in 2011, when it was found sprouting in a vacant lot in Shreveport.

Naturalized Range

It is naturalized in several African countries including Senegal, Zambia, and South Africa, as well as Pacific Islands including New Caledonia and Hawaii, and additionally in Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Australia.

Weed Status

It is considered a weed in many regions.

Livestock Palatability

Common name prostrate bundleflower, this species is palatable to livestock, non-toxic, and high in protein.

Cattle Feed Performance

It has been observed to help cows gain weight.

Livestock Feed Suitability

It works well as a food source for cattle, but is not a promising feed option for pigs.

Ecosystem Benefits

The plant helps control erosion and fixes nitrogen to improve soil quality.

Fodder Cultivation Traits

It can be cut for fodder or grown in open fields, as it is very tolerant of grazing.

Grazing Response

Grazing actually stimulates the plant, and more seedlings survive under grazing pressure.

Seed Dispersal

Livestock such as sheep help disperse the plant's seeds across rangeland, since the seeds survive passage through animal guts.

Commercial Cultivars

Several cultivars have been released commercially, including 'Marc' and 'Balli Germplasm'.