Contents
Description
Psoralea Aculeata is a flowering plant that belongs to the pea family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly known as the Blue-flowered Scurf-pea. This plant is a perennial herb that typically grows up to 1 meter tall. It has a single stem with branches that produce leaves and flowers. The leaves are compound, with 3-5 leaflets that are lance-shaped and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are blue or purple, and they grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit of this plant is a pod that contains several seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Psoralea |
Appearance
The Blue-flowered Scurf-pea is an attractive plant with blue or purple flowers that bloom from spring to fall. The leaves are green, and the stem is a light green color. This plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and has a spread of about 0.5 meters. It has a single stem with branches that produce leaves and flowers. The leaves are compound, with 3-5 leaflets that are lance-shaped and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit of this plant is a pod that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Psoralea Aculeata is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you take care of this plant:
- Water: Water this plant regularly, but make sure that the soil is well-draining.
- Fertilization: Fertilize this plant once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Plant this in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Psoralea Aculeata is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, it is susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. If you notice any signs of root rot, such as wilting or yellowing leaves, remove the affected plant and improve the soil drainage.
Habitat
Psoralea Aculeata is native to South Africa and is commonly found in grasslands and open areas. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Psoralea Aculeata toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that suggests that this plant is toxic to pets. However, it is always best to keep pets away from plants to avoid any potential harm.
Q: Can Psoralea Aculeata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Psoralea Aculeata be fertilized?
A: This plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the best time to plant Psoralea Aculeata?
A: This plant can be planted in the spring or fall. It is best to avoid planting during the hot summer months.
Related Plants
- Psoralea Corylifolia
- Psoralea Pinnata
- Psoralea Grandiflora
- Psoralea Linearifolia
References
- “Psoralea Aculeata.” Plantz Africa, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2021, www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/psoraleaacul.htm.
- “Psoralea Aculeata.” Dave’s Garden, 2021, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/122777/.
- “Psoralea Aculeata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278222.
