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Psoralea glandulosa - L.

Common Name Culen
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards Although no specific mention of toxicity for this species has been found, at least some members of this genus contain furanocoumarins, these substances can cause photosensitivity in some people[65].
Habitats Humid areas between Coquimbo and Valdivia in Chile, but it is never abundant[139].
Range S. America - Peru, Chile.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Psoralea glandulosa Culen


Psoralea glandulosa Culen

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Psoralea glandulosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Shoots
Edible Uses: Drink  Tea

The leaves are used as a tea substitute[2, 46, 61, 183]. A delicious carbonated beverage can be made from the boiled leaves[183]. The young shoots are used in making a refreshing cold drink[11]. It is very good[11].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anthelmintic  Astringent  Cathartic  Digestive  Emetic  Febrifuge  Skin  Tonic  
Vermifuge

Astringent, cathartic, digestive, febrifuge, skin, vermifuge[139, 200]. The leaves are anthelmintic and tonic[4]. The root is emetic[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[1]. Requires a sunny position[182] and a well-drained soil[200]. Not very hardy outdoors in Britain, plants tolerate temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c provided they are grown in a perfectly drained soil with the protection of a south or south-west facing wall[200]. Plants can regrow from buds low down on old wood if the are cut back by frosts[200]. There are tender and hardy forms of this species[166]. Flowers are produced on the previous seasons growth and also late in the season on the current seasons[200]. Cultivated in Chile for its young shoots, which are used to make a drink[11], and also for its medicinal properties[139]. 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].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and sow in early to mid spring in a greenhouse[200]. as soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[11].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Psoralea argophyllaSilverleaf Scurf Pea, Silverleaf Indian breadrootPerennial0.6 0-0  LMHNDM212
Psoralea californicaCalifornia Indian breadrootPerennial0.2 0-0  LMHNDM202
Psoralea canescensBuckrootPerennial0.0 -  LMNDM212
Psoralea castoreaBeaver Indian breadrootPerennial0.5 0-0  LMNDM402
Psoralea corylifoliaBu Gu ZhiAnnual0.6 -  LMHNM14 
Psoralea cuspidataIndian Breadroot, Largebract Indian breadrootPerennial0.6 0-0  LMNDM202
Psoralea esculentaBreadroot, Large Indian breadrootPerennial0.3 4-8  LMHNDM513
Psoralea hypogaeaSmall Indian BreadrootPerennial0.1 4-8  LMNDM402
Psoralea lanceolataLemon scurfpeaPerennial0.6 0-0  LMNDM202
Psoralea macrostachyaLarge Leather RootPerennial1.0 0-0  LMHNM212
Psoralea mephitica Perennial0.0 -  LMHNDM202
Psoralea orbicularisRoundleaf Leather RootPerennial0.1 5-9  LMHNDM112
Psoralea pedunculataSampson's SnakerootPerennial1.0 -  LMHNDM01 
Psoralea subacaulisWhiterim scurfpeaPerennial0.2 0-0  LMHNDM202
Psoralea tenuifloraSlender Scurfy Pea, Slimflower scurfpeaPerennial1.0 0-0  LMHNDM202

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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