Psoralea macrostachya
| Psoralea macrostachya | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Nitrogen Fixer | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Psoralea macrostachya (common name: large leather root)
Propagation: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early to mid spring in a greenhouse. Either sow the seed in individual pots or pot up the young seedlings as soon as possible in order to avoid root disturbance. Grow them on in the pots until planting out in their final positions. It is usually impossible to transplant this species without fatal damage to the root[1].
Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. It is virtually impossible to divide this species successfully[1].
Cultivation: Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[2].
Intolerant of root disturbance[1]. This is not the case, we have successfully transplanted plants that were three years old[K].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[1].
Range: South-western N. America - California.
Habitat: Moist places[3], especially along the borders of streams[4] and salt marshes[1].
Edibility: Root - raw, cooked or dried for winter use. Starchy[5][6].
Medicinal: The plant has been used in the treatment of ulcers and sores[7].
Usage: A fibre is obtained from the inner bark of the stem[4]. Very fine and strong, it can be used as a thread and for sewing[8]..
A fibre is obtained from the root[9]. Very tough[1], it is used to make ropes and bags[7]. Aromatic, the perfume persisting for several months[4].
A yellow dye is obtained from the roots[7].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: This species contains furanocoumarins, these substances can cause photosensitivity in some people[10].
Also Known As: Hoita macrostachya. (DC.)rydb.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Munz, David. A California Flora. University of California Press, 1959.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Saunders, Charles. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications, 1976.
- ↑ Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.