Astragalus gummifer Tragacanth (Leguminosae) Evergreen shrub

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Astragalus gummifer
Tragacanth
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Astragalus gummifer plant species is found in W. Asia - Iraq, Kurdistan It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Tragacanth.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Astragalus gummifer
Common Name:  Tragacanth
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  Lab.

Known Hazards:  Many members of this genus contain toxic glycosides[65]. All species with edible seedpods can be distinguished by their fleshy round or oval seedpod that looks somewhat like a greengage[85]. A number of species can also accumulate toxic levels of selenium when grown in soils that are relatively rich in that element[65].

Mature Height:  0.3   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Dry sub-alpine slopes and valleys, occasionally below the tree line, 1200 - 2600 metres in Iraq[114]. Upland forests and grassland[238].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a dry well-drained soil in a sunny position[1, 238]. Succeeds in poor soils[200]. Tolerates a pH in the range 3.2 to 7.8. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[238]. Whilst it is likely to tolerate low temperatures it may not be so happy with a wet winter. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in their final positions whilst still small[200]. This plant is a sub-shrub and although it produces woody stems these tend to die back almost to the base each winter. 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[200]. Many members of this genus can be difficult to grow, this may be due partly to a lack of their specific bacterial associations in the soil[200].

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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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