Contents
Description
Krameria Grayi, also known as White Rhatany or Pima Rhatany, is a low-growing shrub that is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, California, and Sonora, Mexico. This plant belongs to the Krameriaceae family and is a popular medicinal herb among Native American tribes.The roots of Krameria Grayi contain high concentrations of tannins, which have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant has been traditionally used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and sore throats. Recent studies have also shown that Krameria Grayi has potential as an antioxidant and anticancer agent.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Zygophyllales |
| Family | Krameriaceae |
| Genus | Krameria |
Appearance
Krameria Grayi is a small, woody shrub that grows up to 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide. It has silver-gray leaves that are oblong and about 1 inch long. The plant produces small pink or magenta flowers in the spring and summer, which are followed by small, fuzzy fruits that contain the seeds.
Care Guide
Krameria Grayi is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive on very little water. It is best to water it sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry.- Fertilization: Krameria Grayi does not need to be fertilized. In fact, too much fertilizer can harm the plant.- Soil: This plant prefers sandy or rocky soil that is well-draining. It is important to avoid soil that is heavy or clay-like.- Sunlight: Krameria Grayi thrives in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This plant can survive in USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
Krameria Grayi is a relatively pest-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered. It is important to avoid watering the plant too much, as this can cause the roots to become waterlogged and eventually rot.
Habitat
Krameria Grayi is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, California, and Sonora, Mexico. It grows in sandy or rocky soil and can be found in arid or semi-arid regions. The plant is well-adapted to hot, dry climates and can survive on very little water.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Krameria Grayi?
A: The roots of Krameria Grayi contain high concentrations of tannins, which have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant has been traditionally used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and sore throats. Recent studies have also shown that Krameria Grayi has potential as an antioxidant and anticancer agent.
Q: How often should I water my Krameria Grayi?
A: This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive on very little water. It is best to water it sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry.
Q: What kind of soil does Krameria Grayi prefer?
A: This plant prefers sandy or rocky soil that is well-draining. It is important to avoid soil that is heavy or clay-like.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Krameria Grayi?
A: This plant can survive in USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b.
Related Plants
– Krameria erecta- Krameria lappacea- Krameria bicolor- Krameria ixine- Krameria cytisoides
References
– “Krameria Grayi.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Accessed 15 Sept. 2021, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=KRGR.- Moore, Michael. Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West. Museum of New Mexico Press, 1989.- “Krameria Grayi.” University of Arizona Herbarium, Accessed 15 Sept. 2021, https://herbarium.arizona.edu/species.php?rid=2385.- Diallo, Madiassa et al. “Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Krameria Grayi Roots.” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine vol. 7,1 1-8. 22 Dec. 2015, doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.03.002.
