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Description
Macroptilium Atropurpureum, commonly known as Siratro, is a perennial legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, and is widely cultivated for its forage and soil improvement properties. Siratro has a spreading growth habit and can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has purple flowers that form in clusters, and produces small, flattened pods that contain up to 20 seeds each.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Macroptilium |
Appearance
Siratro has a sprawling growth habit and can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has a taproot system and produces numerous stems that branch out from the base. The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they consist of three leaflets, and are oval or elliptical in shape. The leaflets are smooth and up to 6 centimeters in length. Siratro produces purple flowers that form in clusters, and each flower is about 1 centimeter long. The flowers are followed by small, flattened pods that contain up to 20 seeds each. The seeds are small and oval-shaped, and are about 2 millimeters in length.
Care Guide
Water: Siratro prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It requires regular watering during dry periods, but can be tolerant of drought once established.
Fertilization: Siratro does not require high levels of fertilization, but can benefit from a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Soil: Siratro prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5) and is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Siratro requires full sun to grow and thrive.
Hardiness Zones: Siratro is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Siratro is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases in wet conditions. It can also be affected by weevils and other insect pests.
Habitat
Siratro is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, and is widely cultivated for its forage and soil improvement properties. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and is rich in organic matter. Siratro requires full sun to grow and thrive, and is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Siratro a perennial or annual plant?
A: Siratro is a perennial plant.
Q: What is the optimal pH range for Siratro?
A: Siratro prefers soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Siratro?
A: Siratro is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Q: What is the growth habit of Siratro?
A: Siratro has a sprawling growth habit and can grow up to 1 meter tall.
Related Plants
- Macroptilium Lathyroides
- Macroptilium Pachyrrhizum
- Macroptilium Bracteatum
References
- USDA Plants Database: Macroptilium Atropurpureum
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Siratro
- University of Hawaii at Manoa: Macroptilium Atropurpureum
