Argyrolobium

Description

Argyrolobium is a genus of plants that belong to the Fabaceae family. It consists of about 50 species, all of which are native to the Mediterranean region. The name “Argyrolobium” comes from the Greek words “argyros” meaning silver and “lobos” meaning pod, referring to the silver-colored seed pods of some species.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Argyrolobium plants are typically shrubs or subshrubs that grow up to 1 meter in height. They have pinnately compound leaves with 5-15 leaflets that are gray-green or silvery in color. The flowers are pea-shaped, with colors ranging from yellow to purple. The seed pods are flattened, oblong, and silver-colored.

Care Guide

Water: Argyrolobium plants prefer well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Water them deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.

Fertilization: Fertilize Argyrolobium plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Soil: Argyrolobium plants prefer well-draining soil with a neutral pH. They can tolerate some salt in the soil.

Sunlight: Argyrolobium plants prefer full sun to partial shade.

Hardiness Zones: Argyrolobium plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Argyrolobium plants are generally pest and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil.

Habitat

Argyrolobium plants are native to the Mediterranean region, where they grow in dry, rocky habitats such as hillsides and coastal cliffs.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Argyrolobium plants tolerate drought?

A: Argyrolobium plants can tolerate some drought, but they prefer consistently moist soil.

Q: How often should I fertilize Argyrolobium plants?

A: Fertilize Argyrolobium plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: Are Argyrolobium plants poisonous?

A: There is no evidence that Argyrolobium plants are poisonous to humans or animals.

Q: Can Argyrolobium plants be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, Argyrolobium plants can be propagated from cuttings taken in the summer.

Related Plants

• Anthyllis vulneraria
• Cytisus scoparius
• Genista tinctoria
• Lathyrus odoratus

References

• Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Argyrolobium. Retrieved from https://eol.org/pages/50269
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. (n.d.). Argyrolobium. Retrieved from http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30017338-2
• The Plant List. (2013). Argyrolobium. Retrieved from http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Leguminosae/Argyrolobium/