Kingdom Plantae Family Fabaceae Rank Species | Order Fabales Genus Dorycnium | |
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Similar Dorycnium, Dorycnium hirsutum, Anthyllis cytisoides, Genista scorpius, Coronilla juncea | ||
Dorycnium pentaphyllum
Dorycnium pentaphyllum, common names: prostrate Canary clover and badassi, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the genus Dorycnium of the family Fabaceae. The specific name pentaphyllum derives from the Greek pénte meaning "five" and phýllon meaning "leaf", referring to the shape of the leaves.
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Description
Dorycnium pentaphyllum reaches an average height of 10–70 centimetres (4–28 in). The stems and the branches are woody. The leaves are composed by five segments and are hairy on both sides. Flowers are small and white, in terminal umbels of 5–20 flowers on a short stalk. The flowering period extends from May until July. The fruits are ovoid reddish-brown legumes 3–6 millimetres (0.12–0.24 in) long containing one or two seeds.
Distribution
Dorycnium pentaphyllum has a Mediterranean distribution.
Habitat
These plants prefer semi-arid hills, sunny and dry pastures and Mediterranean environment and tolerates all soil types. They can be found at an altitude of 0–1,300 metres (0–4,265 ft).