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Common Name:

General Information

Cicer microphyllum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.15 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to Tibet and western Nepal.

Habitat

Dry slopes at 3300 - 4800 metres[]. Hill slopes or river banks at elevations of 1600 - 4600 metres in Tibet[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. It grows in dry soils in the wild[] and is likely to require a sunny position and a very well-drained soil in this country[].
This species is cultivated in the Himalayas[].
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[].

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or cooked[, , ].
Young shoots - pickled or used as a potherb[, ].
A vinegar can be made from the acid dew that forms on the leaves overnight[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in the greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.