Medicago sativa
Alfalfa
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The Medicago sativa plant species is found in Europe - Mediterranean. More or less naturalized in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Alfalfa.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Medicago sativa
Common Name:  Alfalfa
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  L.
 
Known Hazards:  The plant contains saponin-like substances[222]. Eating large quantities of the leaves may cause the breakdown of red blood cells[222]. However, although they are potentially harmful, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will normally remove most of them from the food. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K]. Alfalfa sprouts (and especially the seeds) contain canavanine. Recent reports suggest that ingestion of this substance can cause the recurrence of systemic lupus erythematosus (an ulcerous disease of the skin) in patients where the disease had become dormant[222].
 
Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  
 
Habitat:  Waste ground, avoiding acid soils[17].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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