Common Name:

General Information

Oxytropis falcata is a herbaceous perennial plant producing a tuft of growth from a multiheaded caudex; it can grow 3 - 35cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.
The range of Oxytropis falcata does not meet the thresholds for a threatened rating; it is known to occur in protected areas; and the population is believed to be stable at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2012)[].

Known Hazards

We have no information for this species, but several members of this genus are known to be potentially toxic, particularly to grazing animals.
Some members of the genus are known to contain the indolizidine alkaloid 'swainsonine'. Chronic intoxication with this alkaloid causes a variety of neurological disorders in grazing animals along with reduced appetite which can lead to weight loss and cessation of reproductive ability. Swainsonine has also been found to have potential for use in anti-cancer drug treatments.
In some species, other alkaloids are suspected of causing toxicity.
In addition, some members of the genus have been reported to accumulate selenium - although this is an essential trace element it can be toxic in higher doses. Signs and symptoms of selenium toxicity include a garlic odour on the breath, gastrointestinal disorders, hair loss, sloughing of nails, fatigue, irritability, and neurological damage - in extreme cases it can result in death.

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - widespread in temperate China

Habitat

Sunny slopes, river floodplains, riverside meadows, hillsides, grasslands, alpine meadows, sandy and stony areas, valley bottoms, desert grasslands and flooded places, it is also associated with Picea forests; at elevations from 2,700 - 5,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.25 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Oxytropis species generally grow best in a very sunny position in a deep, well-drained, sandy or gritty soil[]. Species with woolly leaves greatly resent winter wet[].
Many species in this genus are suitable as ornamentals, valued for their clusters of flowers and their attractive foliage. However, species often fail in cultivation, often because of a lack of an appropriate Rhizobium bacterium[].
Members of this genus are generally resentful of root disturbance and, if the seed is not sown in situ, then seedlings need to be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible[].
We have seen no specific information for this species, but most members of this genus have 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

None known

Medicinal

The plant has a long histroy of use in the treatment of inflammation and bleeding, and is also used in the treatment of influenza, pains and anthracosis[, ].

The plant is known to contain saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the cotyledons emerge in order to avoid damage to the root. Grow them on in deep pots in a cold greenhouse or cold frame, and plant them out the following spring[].