Persian manna
Astragalus adscendens

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A low shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 20 cm high and spreads 25 cm wide. The stems are erect and branching. It forms a cushion like plant. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. The leaflets are small, oval and spiny. The flowers are small and pea like. They are in clusters in the axils of the leaves.

There are 2,000 Astragalus species. It is the source of tragacanth used to bind pills.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It will grow in most soils. It is best in an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought but damaged by frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Europe, Iran (country/location of origin), Iraq, Kuwait, Middle East, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The gum is used to make sweets.

Edible parts

Gum, manna

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed that need cold treatment.

The manna is released by making small cuts.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Probably now Astragalus brachycalyx Fisch.; Astracantha adscendens (Boiss. & Hausskn.) Podlech;