Zarzabacoa Comun: A Resilient Ground Cover for Warm Climate Gardens
If you’re searching for a hardy, low-maintenance ground cover that can handle tough conditions, zarzabacoa comun (Desmodium incanum) might catch your attention. Also known as kaimi clover, this perennial herb has made itself at home in warm regions across the southern United States and Pacific territories, though it originally hails from the Caribbean.
Where Does Zarzabacoa Comun Come From?
This adaptable plant is native to the Caribbean region, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Navassa Island. However, it has established itself well beyond its original home, now growing in Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Texas, and several Pacific territories including Guam and Palau. As a non-native species in most of these areas, it has successfully naturalized and reproduces on its own without human intervention.
What Does It Look Like?
Zarzabacoa comun is a charming little forb that stays relatively compact, reaching about 4 feet tall at maturity with a semi-erect, spreading growth habit. Here’s what makes it visually appealing:
- Small purple flowers that add subtle color to the landscape
- Medium-textured green foliage that stays attractive year-round
- Stoloniferous growth pattern, meaning it spreads via underground runners
- Brown seed pods that aren’t particularly showy but indicate successful reproduction
The plant has a moderate growth rate and can live for several years, though it’s considered to have a relatively short lifespan compared to woody plants.
Garden Uses and Design Role
This versatile ground cover works well in several landscape situations:
- Erosion control on slopes or disturbed areas
- Naturalized garden spaces where a wild, informal look is desired
- Areas where you need quick coverage with minimal maintenance
- Mixed plantings where nitrogen-fixing capability is beneficial
Keep in mind that zarzabacoa comun spreads rapidly both by seed and vegetatively, so it’s best suited for areas where you don’t mind it filling in aggressively.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the biggest selling points of this plant is its tough-as-nails nature. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and can handle challenging conditions that would stress other plants:
- Soil: Adapts to both coarse and fine-textured soils with pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.0
- Water: Highly drought tolerant once established, with medium moisture requirements
- Sun: Needs full sun and doesn’t tolerate shade well
- Fertility: Low fertility requirements make it perfect for poor soils
- Salt: Cannot tolerate salty conditions
The plant shows facultative wetland status in different regions, meaning it can handle both wet and dry conditions, though it typically prefers upland sites.
Planting and Propagation
Getting zarzabacoa comun established is refreshingly easy:
- Seeds are readily available and germinate with high vigor
- Can be propagated by cuttings, sod, or sprigs
- Plant density can range from 320 to 1,280 plants per acre
- Spreads rapidly once established
- Shows excellent regrowth after cutting or disturbance
The plant is spring-active and blooms throughout the growing season, producing abundant seeds that ensure natural reproduction.
Wildlife and Environmental Benefits
As a member of the legume family, zarzabacoa comun provides some nitrogen fixation, though at relatively low levels. The purple flowers likely attract small pollinators, though specific wildlife benefits aren’t well documented for this species.
Should You Plant It?
Zarzabacoa comun offers excellent drought tolerance and low-maintenance appeal, making it suitable for challenging sites in warm climates. However, since it’s non-native to most areas where it now grows, consider these factors:
Good choice if: You need quick coverage for erosion control, want a low-maintenance ground cover for poor soils, or are creating a naturalized area where aggressive spreading won’t be problematic.
Consider alternatives if: You prefer native plants that support local ecosystems more directly. Look into native ground covers and legumes that are indigenous to your specific region.
While zarzabacoa comun isn’t considered invasive, its rapid spreading habit means you should plant it thoughtfully. It’s particularly well-suited for areas where you want nature to take the lead rather than maintaining a highly managed landscape.
Remember that this plant requires a long frost-free period (at least 269 days) and cannot tolerate temperatures below 6°F, making it strictly a warm-climate option.
