Cicer acanthophyllum, the spiny-leafed chickpea, is an annual herb native to Afghanistan, characterized by its spiny foliage and small, pea-like flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures during the growing season; can tolerate light frost.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during dormancy in winter. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Ensure good drainage to prevent excessive moisture retention.
Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant and remove any spent or damaged stems. Deadhead flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent seed formation.
Minimal pruning is generally required, focusing on maintaining a tidy appearance and promoting air circulation.
Propagate primarily through seeds sown in spring, ideally in a greenhouse or protected environment. Germination can be erratic.
Alternatively, cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood in late summer, though this method is less common and can be challenging.
Repot young plants annually or every two years in early spring before new growth begins. Mature plants can be repotted less frequently. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current root ball to avoid waterlogging.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Spiny-Leafed Chickpea (Cicer acanthophyllum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Cicer |
| Species | Cicer acanthophyllum |
Similar in genus Cicer
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
