Scorpiurus muricatus, the caterpillar-plant or prickly scorpion's-tail, is an annual leguminous plant native to southern Europe and Greater Syria with tiny pea-like flowers and simple leaves uncharacteristic of a legume. Its contorted, pubescent pods give rise to its common name "prickly caterpillar". Extracts of the species have been found to have allelopathic effects on microbes of the genus Fusarium due to the high concentration of phytoalexins in the plants' tissues.This is mainly a garden plant used as a groundcover. Its densely haired pods may be added to salads for interest, and its leaves used as a salad herb in some Mediterranean countries.
Prickly scorpion's-tail shows good resistance to disease and typically is not susceptible to illnesses. Still, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment. Such infections are generally mild. Regarding care, this plant needs a moderate amount of attention. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and encourage healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also assist in boosting blooms. Prickly scorpion's-tail is appropriate for anyone with outdoor areas like a garden or patio and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need extra care when cultivated indoors.
How to keep Scorpiurus Sulcatus.
Light
Prickly scorpion's-tail thrives in strong sunlight and can also grow fairly well in dappled light. Its native habitat receives abundant sun. If it doesn't get enough sunlight, growth is reduced and the plant's health may decline. Excessive exposure does not significantly harm the plant.
Temperature
Prickly scorpion's-tail is native to regions with temperate climates. Its preferred temperature range is 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). Seasonal adjustments may be required to maintain this range, particularly during cooler months.
Fertilizer
Prickly scorpion's-tail benefits from regular, weak applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf growth. You should feed Prickly scorpion's-tail roughly once a month during the summer. Nitrogen is important for foliage, and providing nitrogen-rich sources helps Prickly scorpion's-tail prosper.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Scorpiurus
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9
- Mature Height
- 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm to 40 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Summer
- Native Area
- Libya, Egypt, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Morocco, Slovenia, Russia, Iraq, Ethiopia, Qatar, Portugal, France, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, Lebanon, Syria, Italy, Spain, Iran, Albania, Algeria, Kuwait
Other names.
