| Etymology | Genus | Large (Marco) feather (ptilium); perhaps referring to the compound leaves |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Resembles plants from the genus Lathyrus | |
| Family | Fabaceae | |
| Synonyms | Phaseolus semierectus L., Phaseolus lathyroides L. | |
| Common Names | Cow Pea, Pea Bean, Phasey Bean | |
| Status | Exotic: Naturalised | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Tropical America | |
Diagnostics:
Macroptilium lathyroides is an upright herb common in scrublands. They frequently flower and their maroon petals are quite eye-catching. The leaves are trifoilated, and the mid leaflet having a stalk while the other two side leaflets are sessile.
Interesting Facts:
In Puerto Rico, the Cow Pea is a host for the Bean Golden Yellow Mosaic Virus, which can potentially cause devasting crop diseases (Bracero & Rivera, 2003).
The Cow Pea in its scrubland habitat.
Flowers are maroon in colour.
The trifoliate leaves.
The stipules are paired and pointed.
The fruits turn from green to brown after ripening.
The rectangular seeds.
References
Bracero V & LI Rivera. (2003) DNA Analysis Confirms Macroptilium lathyroides as Alternative Host of Bean golden yellow mosaic virus. Plant Disease, 87: 1022-1025.Author: Jake
Posted: 2013-05-15 / Modified: 2017-12-25