Astragalus echinus

DC.

Fabaceae Edible: Manna Potential hazards — see below 76 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A perennial herbaceous plant reaching 0.5 m tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by bees and lepidopterans. Thrives in light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soils across mildly acidic to basic pH ranges. Requires full sun and prefers dry conditions. Fixes atmospheric nitrogen.

Description

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Manna Edible Uses: A sweet manna exudes from the plant. Manna can be used as a sweetener in various foods, or to make a drink.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

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

Distribution

It grows in Mediterranean climates. It grows in dry soils between 480-1,900 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Where It Grows

Africa, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Syria,

Cultivation

Requires a dry well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in their final positions whilst still small. 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. 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.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. A period of cold stratification may help stored seed to germinate. Stored seed, and perhaps also fresh seed, should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in hot water before sowing - but make sure that you do not cook the seed. Any seed that does not swell should be carefully pricked with a needle, taking care not to damage the embryo, and re-soaked for a further 24 hours. Germination can be slow and erratic but is usually within 4 - 9 weeks or more at 13°c if the seed is treated or sown fresh. As soon as it is large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses Nitrogen Fixer

References (1)

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1999). Survey of Economic Plants for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (SEPASAL) database. Published on the Internet; http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ceb/sepasal/internet [Accessed 28th April 2011]