Contents
Description
Astragalus Sinicus, also known as Chinese milk vetch, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the legume family. This plant is commonly found in China, Korea, and Japan. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years due to its potential health benefits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Sinicus has a distinctive appearance with its upright stems that can grow up to 1 meter tall. The leaves of this plant are compound, with a length of 5-10 cm and a width of 3-6 cm. The flowers of this plant are small and white, with a length of 0.5-1 cm. The fruit of this plant is a pod that contains small seeds.
Care Guide
Astragalus Sinicus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
Water: This plant requires moderate watering. It is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilization: Astragalus Sinicus does not require much fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season.
Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. Adding some perlite or sand to the soil can improve drainage.
Sunlight: Astragalus Sinicus prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Sinicus is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, some common pests that can affect this plant include aphids and spider mites. To prevent these pests, it is important to keep the plant clean and free from dust. Some common diseases that can affect this plant include root rot and powdery mildew. These can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and good air circulation.
Habitat
Astragalus Sinicus is commonly found in China, Korea, and Japan. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and rocky areas. This plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Astragalus Sinicus be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives adequate sunlight.
Q: Is Astragalus Sinicus a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, this plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its potential health benefits.
Q: How often should I fertilize Astragalus Sinicus?
A: This plant does not require much fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Astragalus Sinicus?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Related Plants
- Astragalus Membranaceus
- Astragalus Mongholicus
- Astragalus Propinquus
References
- China Plant Biodiversity Information and Research Center. (2021). Astragalus sinicus. Flora of China. Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
- Wang, Y., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, X. (2019). Chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and clinical applications of Astragalus membranaceus. Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, 17(6), 401-412.
- Zhao, X., Guo, L., Li, Y., Li, G., Li, B., Li, H., & Du, G. (2017). Astragalus polysaccharides attenuate PCV2 infection-induced liver injury by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2017, 1-12.
