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Trigonella corniculata - (L.)L.

Common Name cultivated fenugreek
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Cultivated ground, dry banks and grassy places[100].
Range Europe - Mediterranean to W. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Trigonella corniculata cultivated fenugreek


Trigonella corniculata cultivated fenugreek

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Trigonella corniculata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

Young leaves and stem tips - cooked as a potherb[2, 105, 183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent  Bitter  Styptic

The fruit is astringent, bitter and styptic[240]. It is applied externally to swellings and bruises[240].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. It is occasionally cultivated for its edible young leaves, there is at least one named variety[183]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[1]. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil in full sun[200]. 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[200]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in situ.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Trigonella caeruleaSweet Trefoil, Blue fenugreekAnnual0.6 0-0  LMHNM10 
Trigonella foenum-graecumFenugreek, Sicklefruit fenugreekAnnual0.6 5-9 FLMHNDM453
Trigonella suavissimaSweet FenugreekAnnual0.3 -  LMHNM20 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)L.

Botanical References

50

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Yvonne   Sat Nov 6 23:54:24 2004

I heard fenugreek also increase your breasts size, and promote healthy breast tissues, and as well promote milk production right?

just clay   Sun Apr 24 13:36:54 2005

I would recomend this herb for anyone suffering with Broncitis...but you must remember to 'STOP' this herb soon as the rattleing stop's or things could get 'WORST'

Naveen, M.N   Fri Apr 17 2009

Dear/Madam, I am conducting research on " Effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on growth yield and quality of Trigonella corniculata ,,,, I am in doubt that it is a medicinal plant or a spice crop. Is diosgenin obtained from this plant, is there any speciality concerning this crop, Regards, Naveen, M,N MSc.Horticulture. medicinal and Aromatic crops. Thank you,

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Subject : Trigonella corniculata  
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