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Description
Astragalus Preussii, commonly known as Preuss’s milkvetch, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to East Africa and is found in dry, rocky places at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters. The plant has a strong taproot that can reach up to 60 cm in length.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
The leaves of this plant are pinnate, with 7-11 leaflets that are narrow and up to 10 cm long. The flowers are purple and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit is a pod that has a curved shape and is covered with fine hairs. The plant can reach a height of up to 50 cm.
Care Guide
Water
Astragalus Preussii requires moderate watering. It is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. The plant should be watered once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for this plant as it can grow in poor soil conditions.
Soil
This plant can grow in poor soil conditions, but it prefers well-draining soil. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0.
Sunlight
Astragalus Preussii requires full sunlight to grow properly.
Hardiness Zones
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
This plant is not commonly affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
This plant is native to East Africa and is found in dry, rocky places at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Astragalus Preussii a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Astragalus Preussii has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as respiratory infections and kidney diseases.
Q: Can Astragalus Preussii be grown indoors?
A: No, this plant requires full sunlight and is best grown outdoors in well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I water Astragalus Preussii?
A: This plant should be watered once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Astragalus Preussii?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Astragalus adscendens
- Astragalus alpinus
- Astragalus bibullatus
- Astragalus cicer
- Astragalus contortuplicatus
References
- https://www.gbif.org/species/3030366
- https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Preuss%27s%20Milk-vetch.html
- https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2011-01/astragalus-root-medicine-future
