Ctenodon falcatus

Tilcayo Cats original · Plants · Sources and editorial assessment · Originals retention rule

Ctenodon falcatus is a low-growing legume native to parts of Central and South America. It is widely described in agricultural literature as Aeschynomene falcata, or jointvetch. Kew accepts the combination in Ctenodon, published in 2020, and recognises three varieties: falcatus, hassleri and minor. This account concerns the species as a whole.

Appearance

The Tropical Forages profile describes a perennial with a strong taproot and slender, hairy stems that spread along the ground before rising. Leaves usually have five to seven small leaflets, sometimes nine, with hairs on both surfaces. The curved pods are divided into several segments and contain small seeds.

Habitat and growth

Kew records the species mainly in seasonally dry tropical vegetation, with introductions in Queensland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In Goiás, Brazil, a 2018 flora recorded it along roadsides and in open Cerrado on clay or sandy-clay soils, from five hundred to one thousand metres. Collections there carried flowers and fruit throughout the year.

The forage profile reports tolerance of relatively infertile soils and drought. It favours good drainage but can withstand brief waterlogging.

Use in pasture

Jointvetch has been sown as a legume component of low-input pasture. The Australian cultivar 'Bargoo', released in 1973, originated from Paraguayan material. Under heavy grazing the plant can remain low and still set seed, while livestock can disperse the seeds. The forage profile nevertheless describes generally modest herbage yields and difficulties with seed production.

Botanical names

Kew lists Hedysarum falcatum, published by Poiret in 1805, and Aeschynomene falcata among the synonyms. The newer genus name therefore connects to a long history of botanical and agricultural observations.