Contents
Description
Uraria is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It consists of about 70 species that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. The plants are known for their ornamental value and medicinal properties. Uraria has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, asthma, and diarrhea.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Uraria |
Appearance
Uraria plants are typically erect or climbing shrubs that can grow up to 2-3 meters in height. The leaves are pinnately compound and have 3-7 leaflets that are ovate or elliptic in shape. The flowers are borne in axillary and terminal racemes and are usually pink or purple in color. The fruits are linear pods that contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Uraria plants require regular watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Uraria plants can benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Soil: Uraria plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Uraria plants require full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
Hardiness Zones: Uraria plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Uraria plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases if the soil is too moist or poorly drained.
Habitat
Uraria plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. They grow in a variety of habitats, including open grasslands, forests, and wetlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Uraria plants tolerate drought?
A: No, Uraria plants require regular watering and do not tolerate drought well.
Q: Can Uraria plants be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Uraria plants can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light.
Q: How often should Uraria plants be fertilized?
A: Uraria plants can benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Q: Can Uraria plants be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Uraria plants can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Related Plants
- Desmodium
- Crotalaria
- Pueraria
- Indigofera
References
- Wu, T. L., & Lin, C. C. (2013). Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC. In Handbook of Chinese medicinal plants (pp. 1255-1257). World Scientific.
- Mohamed Zulkifli, R., Nor Azah, M. A., & Abdullah, N. R. (2019). Phytochemical and pharmacological overview of Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 9(5), 139-146.
- Li, X. M., & Tao, Y. D. (2015). Chemical constituents of Uraria picta. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi= Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi= China journal of Chinese materia medica, 40(20), 4021-4025.
