Macroptilium supinum
| Macroptilium supinum | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Tribe: | Phaseoleae |
| Subtribe: | Phaseolinae |
| Genus: | Macroptilium |
| Species: | M. supinum |
| Binomial name | |
| Macroptilium supinum (Wiggins & Rollins) A.Delgado | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Phaseolus supinus | |
Macroptilium supinum is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common name supine bean. It is native to Mexico, its distribution extending north into the US state of Arizona.[1]
This perennial herb has stems that creep across the ground, growing from a tuber. The leaves are each made up of three lance-shaped leaflets up to 8 centimeters long. There are two types of flowers. Aboveground flowers are salmon-colored. Other flowers grow underground or under debris, do not open, and self-fertilize. They are yellow and salmon-colored and smaller than the opening flowers. The fruit is a legume pod up to 1.5 centimeters long.[2] Most seeds are produced in fruits that develop underground.[1]
This plant grows in grassland and oak woodland habitat. It is threatened by herbivory by rodents and cattle. Grazing also causes habitat degradation.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 Macroptilium supinum. Center for Plant Conservation.
- ↑ Macroptilium supinum. Arizona Native Plant Society.