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Description
Astragalus Lentiginosus Var. Nigricalycis, also known as black-sepaled milkvetch, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to California deserts, particularly in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. This plant species can grow up to 1 foot tall and has an upright stem covered in fine hairs. Its leaves are composed of several small leaflets that are oblong-shaped and also covered in fine hairs. The unique feature of this plant species is its black calyces, which surround the flowers and give them a distinct appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Lentiginosus Var. Nigricalycis has an upright stem covered in fine hairs that can grow up to 1 foot tall. Its leaves are composed of several small leaflets that are oblong-shaped and also covered in fine hairs. The flowers of this plant species are small and white, and they are surrounded by unique black calyces. These black calyces give the plant a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other milkvetch species.
Care Guide
To care for Astragalus Lentiginosus Var. Nigricalycis, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. This plant species is adapted to the hot and dry conditions of California deserts, so it does not require a lot of water. In fact, overwatering can be detrimental to its growth. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth. This plant species is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Lentiginosus Var. Nigricalycis is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by root rot if it is overwatered or grown in poorly-draining soil. To prevent root rot, it is important to provide the plant with well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Astragalus Lentiginosus Var. Nigricalycis is native to California deserts, particularly in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. It can be found growing in dry, rocky soils and is adapted to hot and dry conditions. This plant species is an important part of the desert ecosystem and provides food and habitat for a variety of desert wildlife.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the unique feature of Astragalus Lentiginosus Var. Nigricalycis?
A: The unique feature of this plant species is its black calyces, which surround the flowers and give them a distinct appearance.
Q: Where is Astragalus Lentiginosus Var. Nigricalycis native to?
A: This plant species is native to California deserts, particularly in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Q: How much water does Astragalus Lentiginosus Var. Nigricalycis require?
A: This plant species does not require a lot of water and is adapted to hot and dry conditions. Overwatering can be detrimental to its growth.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Astragalus Lentiginosus Var. Nigricalycis?
A: This plant species is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plant species in the Astragalus genus:
- Astragalus Membranaceus
- Astragalus Mongholicus
- Astragalus Sinicus
References
- “Astragalus Lentiginosus.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=382 (accessed October 11, 2021).
- “Astragalus Lentiginosus var. nigricalycis.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASLEN (accessed October 11, 2021).
- “Black-sepaled Milk-vetch.” California Native Plant Society. https://www.cnps.org/give/plant-science/plant-profiles/black-sepaled-milk-vetch (accessed October 11, 2021).
