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Description
Medicago Ruthenica, commonly known as Ruthenian alfalfa or Russian alfalfa, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to Central Asia and Europe but is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including North America, South America, and Australia. This plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and has trifoliate leaves with a distinct white or yellowish crescent on each leaflet. The flowers are typically blue or purple and are arranged in clusters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Medicago |
Appearance
Medicago Ruthenica has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other alfalfa varieties. The leaves are dark green and have a distinct white or yellowish crescent on each leaflet. The flowers are typically blue or purple and are arranged in clusters. The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a dense, bushy growth habit.
Care Guide
Medicago Ruthenica is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:Water: This plant prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Medicago Ruthenica does not require much fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH.Sunlight: Medicago Ruthenica prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Medicago Ruthenica is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Some pests that may attack this plant include aphids, leafhoppers, and spider mites. Diseases that may affect this plant include root rot, powdery mildew, and rust.
Habitat
Medicago Ruthenica is native to Central Asia and Europe but is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world. It can grow in a variety of habitats, including fields, pastures, and meadows. This plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures and growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Medicago Ruthenica a good plant for forage?A: Yes, Medicago Ruthenica is commonly grown as a forage crop for livestock.Q: Can Medicago Ruthenica be grown in containers?A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.Q: How often should I fertilize Medicago Ruthenica?A: You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.Q: How do I propagate Medicago Ruthenica?A: This plant can be propagated by seed or by dividing the roots in the spring.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may be interested in:
- Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa)
- Medicago Lupulina (Black medic)
- Medicago Polymorpha (Bur clover)
- Medicago Minima (Little bur clover)
References
- “Medicago Ruthenica.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed July 8, 2021.
- “Ruthenian alfalfa.” Feedipedia. Accessed July 8, 2021.
- “Medicago Ruthenica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 8, 2021.
