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Description
Astragalus Boeticus, also known as Astragalus bombycinus, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, specifically in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. This plant is commonly used in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Astragalus Boeticus has small, yellow flowers that bloom from May to June and has a strong root system that can grow up to 1 meter in depth.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Boeticus has a woody stem that can reach up to 80 centimeters in height. It has alternate, pinnately compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets. The leaflets are oblong and have a smooth surface with a length of 10-30 millimeters. The flowers are small, yellow, and grow in clusters at the end of the stem. The fruit is a pod that is 2-3 centimeters long and contains several seeds. The roots are strong and can grow up to 1 meter in depth, allowing the plant to survive in arid climates.
Care Guide
Astragalus Boeticus is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips to help you take care of this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant Astragalus Boeticus in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Astragalus Boeticus is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Boeticus is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can damage the leaves and cause them to turn yellow or brown.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating to appear on the leaves, stunting growth and reducing flower production.
Habitat
Astragalus Boeticus is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. It is commonly found in dry, rocky soils, on hillsides, and in open woodlands. This plant is adapted to arid climates and has a strong root system that allows it to survive in drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Astragalus Boeticus be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Astragalus Boeticus can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space for its root system to grow.
Q: How often should I fertilize Astragalus Boeticus?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Astragalus Boeticus an edible plant?
A: While Astragalus Boeticus has been used in traditional medicine, it is not commonly eaten as a food.
Q: How tall can Astragalus Boeticus grow?
A: Astragalus Boeticus can reach up to 80 centimeters in height.
Related Plants
- Astragalus membranaceus
- Astragalus propinquus
- Astragalus gummifer
References
- “Astragalus bombycinus Boiss.” Plants of the World Online. Kew Science, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2021.
- “Astragalus bombycinus.” Flora of Morocco. Vol. 2, Fasc. 4. Missouri Botanical Garden Press, 1983. 127-128. Print.
- “Astragalus bombycinus.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2021.
