Psoralea esculenta

Psoralea esculenta, also known as Prairie Turnip, is a perennial herb native to the prairies of North America. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which is commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family. The plant is known for its edible tuber, which has been a staple food for many Native American tribes for centuries.

Description

Psoralea esculenta grows up to 30-60 cm tall, with leaves divided into five leaflets. The flowers are blue or purple, and the fruit is a small pod. The most distinctive feature of the plant is its large, turnip-like tuber, which can be up to 10 cm in diameter.

Distribution and Habitat

Psoralea esculenta is found in the prairies of North America, from Canada to Texas. It prefers well-drained soils and is often found in open, sunny areas.

Uses

The tuber of Psoralea esculenta is edible and has been a staple food for many Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Dakota, and Cheyenne. The tuber can be eaten raw or cooked and has a sweet, nutty flavor. It is also dried and ground into a flour for baking.

In addition to its use as food, Psoralea esculenta has also been used in traditional medicine. The Oglala Lakota used it to treat stomach ailments, and the Cheyenne used it as a remedy for coughs and colds.

Cultivation

Psoralea esculenta is not commonly cultivated, but it can be grown from seed. The seeds need to be scarified before planting and should be sown in well-drained soil in a sunny location. The plant is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance once established.

Conservation Status

While Psoralea esculenta is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, its habitat is being lost to agricultural development and urbanization. Conservation efforts are needed to preserve this important food source for future generations.

See Also

• Fabaceae
• Native American cuisine
• Traditional medicine

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