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Description
Astragalus Australis, also known as southern milk vetch, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Australia and commonly found in the southern regions of the country. The plant grows up to 1 meter in height and has a woody base with numerous branches. The leaves are pinnate, with 7-15 leaflets, and the flowers are purple or pink in color. The plant blooms from August to November, and the fruits are long, narrow pods.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
| Species | Australis |
Appearance
Astragalus Australis has a unique appearance with a woody base and numerous branches. The leaves are pinnate, with 7-15 leaflets that are dark green in color. The flowers are purple or pink, with a white center, and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The plant blooms from August to November, and the fruits are long, narrow pods that are green when young and turn brown when mature. The pods contain numerous seeds that are dispersed by wind or animals.
Care Guide
Astragalus Australis is a low maintenance plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. Here are some care tips:
Water
The plant prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer once a year during the growing season.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Hardiness Zones
Astragalus Australis can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Australis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. It is also important to watch for aphids, which can feed on the plant’s sap and cause stunted growth.
Habitat
Astragalus Australis is native to Australia and commonly found in the southern regions of the country. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and open forests. The plant is also found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Astragalus Australis toxic?
A: No, Astragalus Australis is not toxic to humans or animals.
Q: Can Astragalus Australis be grown indoors?
A: No, Astragalus Australis is a perennial plant that requires full sun to partial shade and is not suitable for indoor growing.
Q: Can Astragalus Australis be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Astragalus Australis can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or fall.
Q: How long does it take for Astragalus Australis to reach maturity?
A: Astragalus Australis can take 2-3 years to reach maturity and start blooming.
Related Plants
- Astragalus lentiginosus
- Astragalus membranaceus
- Astragalus sinicus
- Astragalus tragacanthoides
References
- “Astragalus Australis.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), 2021, https://anpsa.org.au/a-aus.html#astra.
- “Astragalus Australis.” Florabank, 2021, https://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Astragalus_australis.htm.
- “Astragalus Australis.” PlantNET – NSW Flora Online, 2021, https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Astragalus~australis.
