Zygophyllum fabago

(Redirected from Syrian bean-caper)

Zygophyllum fabago is a species of plant known by the common name Syrian bean-caper. It is considered a noxious weed of economic importance in much of the western United States. It is native to Asia and East Europe (Russia and Ukraine) and Southeast Europe (Romania).[1]

Zygophyllum fabago
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Zygophyllales
Family: Zygophyllaceae
Genus: Zygophyllum
Species:
Z. fabago
Binomial name
Zygophyllum fabago

Growth

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The Syrian bean-caper grows long, thin stems with few oval-shaped, fleshy, waxy green leaflets each 2 to 3 centimeters in length. The flowers are small, compact bunches of five petals each with prominent stamens. The flowers have a taste and scent similar to caper. It grows in masses of individual plants, forming colonies, especially in dry, gravelly, saline, or disturbed areas where other plant life is rare.

Characteristics

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The plant has invasive potential due to its long taproot which, even if fragmented, can produce a new plant, as well as the hardy wax coating on its leaves that tends to protect it from herbicides.

Chemical constituents

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It contains about 0.002% harmine (entire plant).[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Zygophyllum fabago". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2008-04-30.
  2. ^ "Erowid Online Books : "Ayahuasca: alkaloids, plants, and analogs" by Keeper of the Trout". www.erowid.org. Retrieved 2008-04-30.
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