SECURIGERA PARVIFLORA

Family and Genus:- See- LEGUMINOSAE

Common Names:- None

Homotypic Synonyms:- Artrolobium parviflorum, Coronilla parviflora,

Coronilla rostrata.

Meaning:- Securigera (L) Axe-like, reference to some organ, possibly the fruit.

Parviflora (L) Small-flowered.

General description:- Subglabrous annual.

Stems:-

1) 15-60 cm, weak, usually branched from the base.

Leaves:-

1) Leaflets, 3-6 pairs, 5-20 mm, obovate-oblong, generally truncate to emarginate.

2) Stipules, 1-3 mm, free, oblong-elliptical, obtuse, membranous.

Flowers:-

1) Peduncles, long, straight, slender, much exceeding the subtending leaf.

2) Umbel, with 5-9, ± reflexed, short-pedicellate flowers.

3) Calyx teeth, short, broadly triangular.

4) Corolla, 7-11 mm, pink or yellow (both colour forms often in the same

population), standard with purple veins.

5) Petals, all with a claw about as long as the calyx.

Fruit:-

1) Legume, 30-80 mm, linear, terete, curved, distinctly articulated into 4-8

segments, beak short, ± straight.

Key features:-

1) Legume, 30-80 mm, distinctly articulated into 4-8 segments.

2) Corolla, 7-11 mm.

Click here for a glossary of terms used.

Habitat:- Coastal habitats, gorges, olive groves, pastures, seasonally damp spots

in dry open shrubby vegetation and open coniferous woodland. 0-700(-1100) m. on

various substrates.

Distribution:- Widespread and common throughout the Mediterranean. Widespread

and common on Crete, but more so in the west.

Flowering time:- Late Mar to May.

Photos by:- Steve Lenton