Cicer microphyllum

Cicer microphyllum is a small plant in the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range runs from Afghanistan to western China. It also reaches western Nepal. Records place it in Tajikistan, Pakistan, and northern India too. It grows in temperate zones in this broad mountain region. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. PFAF calls it perennial, which means it lives for years. Kew records both perennial and annual growth, which lasts one year.

PFAF gives its height as about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. The sources give no mature width or details about its leaves. Each flower has both male and female organs. The sources give no bloom season or flower colour. They give no clear account of its fruit either. In the wild, it grows on dry slopes. In Tibet, records also place it on hillsides and river banks. These sites lie high in the mountains across its range.

PFAF suggests growing it in sun, where water drains very well. Sandy soils and loam both suit it. It accepts soil that is mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. It grows in dry or moist soil and withstands drought. It does not suit shade. Its mountain roots do not prove it can survive British winters. PFAF suggests it may grow outdoors in many British areas. This is a cautious view, not a tested hardiness rating.

PFAF says people grow this species in the Himalayas. People can eat its seeds raw or cooked. They cook young shoots as greens or pickle them. PFAF also lists the leaves as food. Acid drops gather on the leaves through the night. These drops can supply vinegar. The source lists no known hazards. This does not mean that every use is safe. It lists no known uses as medicine or for other materials.

Root bacteria form nodules, or small lumps, and help fix nitrogen. Nearby plants may gain from some of this nitrogen. PFAF lists garden beds as a place to grow it. It advises sowing seed under glass in spring to raise new plants. Keep the young plants in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out once expected frosts have passed. Do this in late spring or early summer. PFAF does not flag this species as weedy. The supplied sources name no specific pests or diseases.