Roundleaf Leather Root

Psoralea orbicularis

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Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Genus: psoralea

Plant ID (slug): psoralea-orbicularis

Numeric ID: 25696

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Psoralea orbicularis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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 dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked[105, 161, 257].

Medicinal Uses

Blood purifier Febrifuge A decoction of the root used as a blood purifier and in the treatment of fevers[257].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity for this species has been found, at least some members of this genus contain furanocoumarins, these substances can cause photosensitivity in some people[65].