Common Name: Blue Pea

General Information

Psoralea pinnata is an erect, much-branched shrub or small tree usually growing around 2 - 4 metres tall[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its floral display.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southern Africa - southern S. Africa.

Habitat

Along the sides of streams and in moist places[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Psoralea pinnata is native to the Mediterranean climate of southern S. Africa. It is not very cold tolerant, but can withstand occasional temperatures falling to around -4°c[].
Grows best in a sunny position, though in its native range it is known to persist even under the shade of pine trees and wattles[].
The plant is strongly aromatic[].
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

None known

Medicinal

An infusion of the roots is taken as a treatment for hysteria[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water, ensuring the seed has swollen before sowing.
Sowing outdoors in situ is probably the safest way to start this plant off. If doing this, and seed stocks are in short supply, sow the seed in early spring around 5 - 10mm deep and place a moderate sized clear glass or plastic jar over the seed to help protect it from predation. Remove the jar once the plant is growing well.
Alternatively, sow the soaked seed in early to mid spring in a greenhouse. Either sow the seed in individual pots or pot up the young seedlings as soon as possible in order to avoid root disturbance. Grow them on in the pots until planting out in their final positions. It is usually impossible to transplant this species without fatal damage to the root[].
Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. It is virtually impossible to divide this species successfully[].