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Description
Astragalus Allochrous, also known as the Ivory Milk Vetch, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the pea family Fabaceae. It is native to the arid regions of Central Asia, including the Himalayas, Tibet, and Xinjiang. The plant grows up to 60 cm tall and has a woody stem covered with fine hairs. The leaves are pinnate, with 9 to 15 leaflets that are lance-shaped and gray-green in color. The flowers are small, white, and arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. The plant blooms from June to August, and the fruits are small, brown pods that contain several seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Allochrous is a beautiful plant that can add visual interest to any garden. Its stems are woody and covered with fine hairs, and its leaves are gray-green and pinnate, with 9 to 15 leaflets that are lance-shaped. The plant produces small, white flowers that are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence, and its fruits are small, brown pods that contain several seeds. Overall, the plant has a delicate, airy appearance that can complement a variety of landscaping styles.
Care Guide
Astragalus Allochrous is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy and thriving:- Water: The plant prefers dry soil and can tolerate drought, so it’s best to water it sparingly. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require frequent fertilization, but you can give it a boost with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate high temperatures and direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Allochrous is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if it’s overwatered. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid watering too frequently. Additionally, the plant can attract aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Astragalus Allochrous is native to the arid regions of Central Asia, including the Himalayas, Tibet, and Xinjiang. It grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, meadows, and shrublands. The plant is adapted to survive in harsh environments with limited water and nutrients.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Astragalus Allochrous a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Astragalus Allochrous has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to have immune-boosting properties and may be helpful in treating respiratory infections and other ailments.
Q: Can Astragalus Allochrous grow in containers?
A: Yes, Astragalus Allochrous can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Is Astragalus Allochrous a good plant for xeriscaping?
A: Yes, Astragalus Allochrous is a good plant for xeriscaping because it is adapted to survive in arid environments with limited water.
Q: How often should I fertilize Astragalus Allochrous?
A: You only need to fertilize Astragalus Allochrous once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
– Astragalus Membranaceus- Astragalus Mongholicus- Astragalus Sinicus- Astragalus Propinquus
References
– “Astragalus Allochrous” Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=289609- “Astragalus Allochrous” Flora of China. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200011550- “Astragalus Allochrous” PlantZAfrica. Retrieved from http://pza.sanbi.org/astragalus-allochrous
