Origin
Astragalus atropilosulus (Hochst.) Bunge var. pubescens J.B.Gillett, also known as Hairy Milk Vetch, belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant species is native to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan in East Africa.
Common Names
The Hairy Milk Vetch is commonly known as "Yangaldegemat" in Ethiopia, which translates to "herd's fodder", or "Dhamaan Bilaash" in Somalia, which roughly translates to "fluffy and hairy". In Sudan, it is referred to as "Naga't El Keff" which means "paw of the wolf".
Uses
Astragalus atropilosulus is an essential forage plant that is widely used as a fodder species for livestock in many regions of Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan. The plant is known for its high nutritional value and palatability, making it an excellent source of feed for livestock, especially during the dry season. The plant's roots are also used for medicinal purposes. In traditional Ethiopian medicine, the roots are used to treat diarrhea, abdominal pain, and indigestion. Additionally, they are also used to produce herbal tea, which is believed to have a soothing effect on the throat and can help with chest infections and coughs.
General Appearance
The Hairy Milk Vetch is a herbaceous perennial plant species that grows up to 50cm in height. The leaves are oval-shaped, up to 7cm long and 4cm wide, and covered with hairs. The flowers are pink to purple in color and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The plant's fruits are elongated pods that are covered with hairs and contain seeds. The root system is well-developed, and the plant has a taproot that can penetrate deep into the soil.
Growth conditions of Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens:
Light: Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade but may not flower well in such conditions.
Temperature: The plant is native to mountainous regions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in temperatures ranging from 10-30°C. Temperatures below 0°C can be detrimental to the plant.
Soil: Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens prefers well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 6.0-8.0. The plant can grow in a variety of soils including sandy, loamy and rocky soils. However, it cannot tolerate water-logged or excessively wet soils.
Water: The plant requires moderate watering, with the soil being allowed to dry out between watering cycles. Over-watering the plant can lead to root rot and ultimately damage to the plant or even its death.
Nutrients: Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens requires moderate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth. Fertilizers should be applied periodically during the growing season, being careful not to overuse.
Cultivation Methods for Astragalus atropilosulus (Hochst.) Bunge var. pubescens J.B.Gillett
Astragalus atropilosulus (Hochst.) Bunge var. pubescens J.B.Gillett, commonly known as Hairy Milk vetch, is a perennial legume native to East Africa. It is grown for ornamental purposes and also as a forage crop for livestock. Here are some cultivation methods that will help you grow the plant successfully.
This plant thrives well in bright light and should be planted in areas with ample sunlight. It requires well-drained soil, rich with organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be in the range of 6.0 to 7.5. This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with little rainfall.
Astragalus atropilosulus can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be planted directly in the soil, while cuttings should be taken during the growing season, preferably in spring or summer. Ensure that the seedlings or cuttings are well-spaced, with a distance of 12-18 inches between them.
Watering Needs for Astragalus atropilosulus (Hochst.) Bunge var. pubescens J.B.Gillett
Astragalus atropilosulus requires moderate watering during the growing season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the plant to wilt. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to a depth of about 2 inches. It is advisable to water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization for Astragalus atropilosulus (Hochst.) Bunge var. pubescens J.B.Gillett
This plant requires moderate fertilization to produce healthy growth. A slow-release fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Apply the fertilizer in spring, and repeat the application once in summer. Avoid using fertilizer that is high in nitrogen as this can promote vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
You can also use organic matter to fertilize the soil. Compost, manure, or leaf mould can be added to the soil to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Pruning for Astragalus atropilosulus (Hochst.) Bunge var. pubescens J.B.Gillett
Astragalus atropilosulus does not require extensive pruning. However, you can remove dead or dying stems and leaves to promote healthy growth. You can also prune the plant to keep it compact and tidy. Prune the plant when it is dormant, preferably in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
When pruning, ensure that you use clean and sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. Be sure to prune the plant to the desired shape and size.
Propagation of Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens
Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens can be propagated via seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation via Seeds
The seeds of Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens should be sown in well-draining soil during the fall or early spring. The seeds need to be scarified or stratified to break the dormancy and enhance germination.
Scarification can be done by gently nicking the seed coat with a blade or sandpaper. Alternatively, seeds can be soaked in hot water for several hours to soften the seed coat.
Stratification involves storing the seeds in moist sand or peat moss in a refrigerator for several weeks to mimic the winter months. After this period, the seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the ground.
Propagation via Cuttings
Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens can be propagated via stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from young, non-flowering shoots during the spring or summer months.
The cuttings should be 3-4 inches long and stripped of leaves on the lower half. Dip the ends of the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a warm and bright location, out of direct sunlight.
The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks and can be potted up or planted in the ground.
Propagation via Division
Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens can also be propagated via division. This method is best suited for mature plants that have developed multiple stems and a big root system.
To divide the plant, dig it up and gently pull the stems apart. Make sure that each division has several stems and a healthy root system. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
It's best to divide plants in the fall so that they have enough time to establish before the onset of winter.
Disease Management for Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens
Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens, commonly known as the woolly milkvetch, is relatively resistant to most plant diseases. However, various environmental factors such as humidity levels, plant density, soil moisture, and nutrient imbalances can create conditions that increase the chances of disease development.
One of the most common diseases that affect Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens is root rot caused by fungal pathogens. Root rot usually thrives in poorly drained soils with excessive moisture, especially during rainy seasons. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and water the plant only when necessary. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can trigger root rot.
Another common disease that affects Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens is bacterial blight. Bacterial blight mostly infects the stem and leaves of the plant causing wilting, black spots, and eventually death. To manage bacterial blight, remove infected plants immediately, avoid overhead watering, and sanitize pruning equipment to avoid spreading the bacteria.
Pest Management for Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens
Various insects can cause damage to Astragalus atropilosulus var. pubescens. One of the most common insects that affect this plant is aphids. Aphids suck sap from the plant's tissues, causing leaves to curl, yellow, and eventually die. To manage aphids, introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps, or remove them manually using a strong blast of water.
The woolly milkvetch is also susceptible to spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions. Spider mites cause damage by sucking the sap from the plant cells, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, increase humidity levels around the plant by misting it with water regularly. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing the plant and control weeds around the area to prevent overcrowding that can lead to dry conditions.
Lastly, the plant can also be affected by grasshoppers, which cause damage by feeding on the plant's foliage. To manage grasshoppers, place barriers such as nets around the plant, introduce predatory insects, or use pesticides designed to control grasshoppers.
