Atraphaxis spinosa
Atraphaxis spinosa
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Pl. CD1A — Atraphaxis spinosa
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IOverview
Overview
Atraphaxis spinosa, commonly known as spiny atraphaxis, is a member of the family Asteraceae and can be found in various regions including Afghanistan, East European Russia, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Mongolia, and other parts of Central Asia. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light and sandy, with a hardiness range of 5-9. It grows to about 0.6 meters tall and is known for its edible properties, making it a valuable resource in some areas. One distinctive feature of Atraphaxis spinosa is its spiny leaves, which provide a protective mechanism against herbivores.
Quick answers
What is Atraphaxis spinosa?
Atraphaxis spinosa, commonly known as spiny atraphaxis, is a member of the family Asteraceae and can be found in various regions including Afghanistan, East European Russia, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Mongolia, and other parts of Central Asia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Atraphaxis spinosa thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining sandy soils. It is hardy in zones 5 to 9, making it suitable for temperate regions. This plant can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and is native to a wide range of countries including Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, and more. For successful cultivation, ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, and provide ample sunlight.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy)
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Atraphaxis spinosa for the first time
7steps
Start with Atraphaxis spinosa by planting it in a sunny spot and providing well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Atraphaxis spinosa seeds or small plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Atraphaxis spinosa in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use light, sandy soil that drains well. Ensure containers have drainage holes if planting in pots.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep or plant small plants at a spacing of about 30 cm.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the soil thoroughly after planting and keep it moist but not waterlogged during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially in hot weather.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Manna
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 20 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Asia11 regions
native (11)AfghanistanChinaIranKazakhstanMongoliaPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Africa1 region
native (1)Egypt
Broader regions
native:Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Sinai, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · cd1a8b79-61d5-46bd-b8f0-d3487f8b6272
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