Fabaceae FAMILY

Psoralea pinnata

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Cultivation Details

HabitShrub

Growth—

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^[1]. 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^[2]. The plant is strongly aromatic^[2]. 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^[1].

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^[1]. Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. It is virtually impossible to divide this species successfully^[1]. Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2026-02-21. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Psoralea+pinnata>

Pollinators

Bees, Insects

References

[1]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
[2]PlantZAfrica.com — http://www.plantzafrica.com ↩︎An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
[3]Flora Capensis — Hiern. W.P.; Brown N.E. · 1909 · http://www.aluka.org/action/doBrowse?sa=1&st=662543&execbr=&sls= ↩︎Rather dated, and many of the botanical names have been changed since it was written, but contains a wealth of information about plants of southern Africa. It can be downloaded or viewed online.
[4]The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation — Allen O.N.; Allen E.K. · University of Wisconsin · 1981 · ISBN 0-333-32221-5 ↩︎An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus.