Tragacanth, Gum tragacanth
Astracantha gummifer

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A low shrub. It is evergreen and umbrella shaped. It grows 30 cm high. The leaves have spiny stalks. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. There are 4-7 pairs of narrowly oval leaflets. They are 1 cm long. The flowers are small, white and downy. They are pea-like flowers. They are in the axils of leaves.

There are 2,000 Astragalus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Europe, India, Kuwait, Kurdistan, Mediterranean, Middle East, Syria

How it is used for food

The gum is used in confectionary. It is used as a thickening agent and emulsifier in salad dressings, syrups, sauces, ice cream, drinks, and puddings.

Edible parts

Gum

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Astragalus gummifer Labill.; Astragalus rayatensis Elg.;