Anabasis aphylla
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Anabasis aphylla is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Gobi desert, inter-dunes, gravelly alluvial fans, sometimes on arid slopes.
Europe - Russia to Siberia and northern China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is used medicinally. No more information is given.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating:
The annual branches contain the alkaloid anabasine (C10H14N2), a botanical insecticide. The plant is used for stabilizing sand dunes.
Insecticide: Kills insects.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native habitat it is likely to succeed at least in the milder parts of the country, particularly the drier areas. It is likely to prefer a well-drained soil and a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist