Overview of Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray
Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray is a flowering plant species in the family Fabaceae and the subfamily Faboideae. Typically known as the underground pea, this plant is native to the Great Plains region of North America, including the central and western United States.
General Appearance
Psoralea hypogaea var. scaposa is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters. The plant produces small pink to purplish flowers that grow in clusters and have a sweet fragrance. The leaves are compound, consisting of three leaflets, and can be hairy or almost hairless. The plant's underground portion comprises a taproot with an extensive network of lateral roots, which allow the plant to survive drought and poor soil conditions.
Common Names
The common names of Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray are variable. The plant is also referred to as the prairie turnip, the groundnut, or the pomme de prairie.
Uses
Indigenous people in the Great Plains region of North America have long used Psoralea hypogaea var. scaposa for medicinal and culinary purposes. The plant's starchy taproot was a vital food source during the winter months when other food supplies were scarce. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat numerous ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and digestive problems. Additionally, the plant's root system was used for dyeing leather, while the seeds were used to create a sweet, nutty-tasting beverage. Today, Psoralea hypogaea var. scaposa is sometimes used as a component of native prairie restoration projects or occasionally grown in backyard gardens as an edible plant.
Light Requirements
Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray usually grows in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive. Lack of adequate sunlight can result in stunted growth and poor development of flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the Great Plains region of North America, where it is often subjected to a range of temperatures. It can tolerate both extremely hot and cold temperatures. However, the optimal temperature for growth is between 60-80°F. Temperatures above 90°F may cause heat stress and affect flowering.
Soil Requirements
Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray grows best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). It can tolerate low-quality soil, but it prefers soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil type for this plant is medium-textured soil with good drainage.
This plant can also tolerate dry soil conditions, so it is often found in areas with low soil moisture content. However, regular watering during the growing season can help promote healthy growth. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray, commonly known as the breadroot scurf pea, thrives in areas with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. It's best propagated through seeds and can be cultivated directly in the garden bed or containers. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep into the soil, leaving a gap of 1-2 feet between each plant. This will give the plant enough room to grow, and also prevent overcrowding.
Watering Needs
Breadroot scurf pea requires moderate watering. Once established, it can withstand dry conditions. Water the plant frequently during its initial growth period, but ensure not to overwater as it can damage the plant roots. Consistently moist soil conditions can lead to the development of fungal diseases and rot.
Fertilization
Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray does not require a lot of fertilization. If the soil is deficient in nutrients, you can add organic compost during planting or as a mulch on top of the soil. Fertilizers that contain high amounts of nitrogen are not recommended as they can damage the plant root’s nodules, which are responsible for nitrogen fixation.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for breadroot scurf pea. However, removing the spent flowers can encourage the growth of more blooms while preventing self-seeding. At the end of the growing season, the plant will start to dry up. When at least 80% of the plant has turned yellow, then it’s time to harvest by gently pulling the plant from the ground and removing the root. You can then store the root by drying it well for future use.
Propagation of Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray
Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray, commonly known as the western underground-orchid, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the western United States and can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Western underground-orchid can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be harvested from the plant when they are mature, and sown in well-drained soil during the spring or autumn. The soil should be moist, but not wet, and should be kept consistently damp until the seedlings emerge. The seedlings should be thinned out once they have developed their first few true leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
The western underground-orchid can also be propagated vegetatively. The underground tubers can be divided during the dormant season, and each tuber should have at least one bud or “eye”. The tubers should be planted in a well-drained potting mix, and kept evenly moist until new growth appears. Once the plant has developed a strong root system, it can be transplanted into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of the western underground-orchid can also be done by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be made during the active growth season, and should be taken from new, healthy growth. The cuttings should be placed in a well-drained soil mix, and kept consistently moist until roots develop. Once the plant has developed a strong root system, it can be moved to a larger pot or transplanted into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray
Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray is a hardy plant that is not very susceptible to diseases or pests. However, it is still important to be aware of the potential threats to this plant and take preventive measures to avoid their infestation or infection.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray is root rot, caused by fungi such as Fusarium and Phytophthora. It can be caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, which creates a favorable environment for these fungi to grow and infect the roots. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and to ensure that the soil has good drainage.
Another common disease that may affect Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray is powdery mildew, a fungal infection that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to ensure good air circulation, avoid overcrowding, and remove infected leaves and stems immediately.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that may affect Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray is aphids, small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of plants. These pests can be managed by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or by spraying a solution of soap and water on the affected parts of the plant.
Another common pest that may affect Psoralea hypogaea Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. scaposa Gray is spider mites, tiny insects that feed on the sap of plants and create a fine webbing over the leaves and stems. Spider mites can be managed by spraying a solution of water and neem oil on the affected parts of the plant.
In general, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene, clean pruning tools before and after use, and avoid introducing infected or infested plants into the garden. Regular inspection and monitoring of the plant can also help in the early detection and management of diseases and pests.
