Large Leather Root
Psoralea macrostachya

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Psoralea macrostachya is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to August. 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 and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Moist places, especially along the borders of streams and salt marshes.

South-western N. America - California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - raw, cooked or dried for winter use. Starchy.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant has been used in the treatment of ulcers and sores.

Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.

Other

Rating: 2

A fibre is obtained from the inner bark of the stem. Very fine and strong, it can be used as a thread and for sewing.. A fibre is obtained from the root. Very tough, it is used to make ropes and bags. Aromatic, the perfume persisting for several months. A yellow dye is obtained from the roots.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil. Intolerant of root disturbance. This is not the case, we have successfully transplanted plants that were three years old. 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.

Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early to mid spring in a greenhouse. Either sow the seed in individual pots or pot up the young seedlings as soon as possible in order to avoid root disturbance. Grow them on in the pots until planting out in their final positions. It is usually impossible to transplant this species without fatal damage to the root. Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. It is virtually impossible to divide this species successfully.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

This species contains furanocoumarins, these substances can cause photosensitivity in some people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Hoita macrostachya. (DC.)rydb.