Sophora moorcroftiana
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Sophora moorcroftiana is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in leaf all year, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Semi-arid mountain slopes and terraces, 3500 - 4200 metres. Forests in valleys at elevations of 3000 - 4500 metres in Tibet.
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The seed is diuretic and stomachic. A paste of the seeds is used in the treatment of gastric troubles.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
Used as an insecticide. No more details. Used as a fuel in areas where other wood is scarce.
Insecticide: Kills insects.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Succeeds in a well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun. It grows best in the warmer areas of the country where the wood will be more readily ripened and better able to withstand winter cold. Closely related to S. davidii. Plants should be container-grown and planted out whilst young, older plants do not transplant well. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. 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: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hours in hot (not boiling) water and sow in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into individual pots in the greenhouse, and grow them on for 2 years under protected conditions. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of their third year. Cuttings of young shoots with a heel, July/August in a frame. Air-layering.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The plant contains cytosine, which resembles nicotine and is similarly toxic.