Contents
Description
Saussurea Amara, also known as the bitter wormwood or wild wormwood, is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to Central Asia, including parts of China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Russia. It is known for its strong aroma and bitter taste, which makes it an essential ingredient in traditional medicines, especially in Mongolia and China.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus| Species|| :———:|:———:|:———–:|:———–:|:———–:|:———–:|:———–:|:———–:|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Spermatophyta| Magnoliopsida| Asterales| Asteraceae| Saussurea| S. amara|
Appearance
Saussurea Amara grows up to 2 meters tall and forms a bushy clump with multiple stems. The leaves are lance-shaped, deeply lobed, and covered with fine hairs, giving them a silvery-gray appearance. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and bloom in clusters at the top of each stem. The plant produces a strong, pungent odor that repels insects and animals.
Care Guide
Saussurea Amara is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some care tips:- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Saussurea Amara does not require frequent fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season.- Soil: This plant can grow in various soil types, but prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.- Sunlight: Saussurea Amara prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may become leggy if grown in too much shade.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Saussurea Amara is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew, aphids, and spider mites. To prevent these problems, ensure proper air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. In case of an infestation, treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Habitat
Saussurea Amara is native to Central Asia and can be found in the Altai Mountains and the Sayan Mountains. It grows in rocky areas, forest edges, and alpine meadows at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 meters above sea level.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Saussurea Amara edible?
A: Although Saussurea Amara is used in traditional medicine, it is not recommended for consumption due to its bitter taste and potential toxicity.Q: Can Saussurea Amara grow in containers?
A: Yes, Saussurea Amara can be grown in containers as long as they are deep enough to accommodate its long taproot.Q: Does Saussurea Amara have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Saussurea Amara is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including digestive disorders, fever, and inflammation.Q: How can I propagate Saussurea Amara?
A: Saussurea Amara can be propagated by seed or division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
– Saussurea costus- Saussurea lappa- Artemisia absinthium- Artemisia annua- Tanacetum vulgare
References
– “Saussurea amara.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=294874.- “Saussurea amara.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:247984-1.
