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Herbs & Plants

Laburnum alpinum

Botanical Name:Laburnum alpinum
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily:Faboideae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fabales
Tribe: Genisteae
Genus: Laburnum
Species:L. alpinum

Common Names: Laburnum alpinum, the Scotch laburnum, Scottish laburnum or alpine laburnum, Alpine Bea Tree, Alpine Golden Chain Tree
In Bengal it is called Sonajhuri

Habitat: Laburnum alpinum is native to Central and Southern Europe and has naturalized in Scotland. L. alpinium and L. anagyroides Medic. both are common as a garden escape in Northern Ireland. It grows on Stony hillsides of mountain woodlands.

Description:
Laburnum alpinum is a deciduous Tree. It grows to 5 metres (16 ft) by 6 metres (20 ft), at a fast rate.

It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The panicles of vanilla scented, pea-like flowers are hermaphrodite (having both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.Bloom Colors are normally Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Upright or erect.

The fruit is a pod or legume, the seeds green at first but becoming shiny black.

The leaves are cholagogue and purgative. All parts of this plant are poisonous if consumed in large enough quantities and should not be eaten or used internally.

It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.

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Cultivation:
Laburnum alpinum is cultivated as an ornamental tree. Plants can be successfully transplanted even when quite large. The most common ornamental Laburnum plant is a hybrid of this species and Laburnum anagyroides, Laburnum × watereri.

The plant prefers well-drained, light (sandy), medium (loamy) soil but tolerates heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Preferring acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils, it can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun.

It can withstand strong winds but not maritime exposure and tolerates atmospheric pollution. The plant is notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Laburnum 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.

Medicinal Uses:
The leaves are cholagogue and purgative. The leaves have a similar effect to tobacco and have thus been used in treating nicotinism. The plant is very poisonous and should not be used internally without expert supervision.

Other Uses:
Wood – hard. It is highly esteemed by turners and is used for making musical instruments.

Known Hazards: All parts of the plant, and especially the seed, are poisonous.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laburnum_alpinum
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Laburnum+alpinum

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