| Etymology | Genus | Deformed moon; referring to the sensitive leaves which will close on touch |
|---|---|---|
| Species | India | |
| Family | Fabaceae | |
| Synonyms | Aeschynomene pumila L., Aeschynomene cachemiriana Cambess., Aeschynomene diffusa Willd. | |
| Common Names | Budda Pea, Curly Indigo, Hard Sola | |
| Status | Exotic: Naturalised | |
| Form | Herb or shrub | |
| Native Distribution | Africa, China, Taiwan, Japan, India subcontinent, Indochina, Malesia, Australia, and North America | |
Diagnostics:
An erect single stemmed plant that can be found in scrublands. The pinnate leaf tapers slowly towards the apex like a lance. Each segment of the fruit pods is almost squarish (Henderson, 1959).Another relative, Aeschynomene americana has red flowers with a yellow centre whereas A. indica has yellow flowers with a red centre. Another difference is that the fruits of A. americana are curved about each segment at one side.
Interesting Facts:
The leaves of the Budda Pea is said to be sometimes sensitive to touch (eFloras, 2008). It is often found in poorly drained, wet habitats.
Pinnate leaves which tapered from the base to the tip.
Form of the Budda Pea with flowers and fruits.
Pale yellow flowers with a red centre.
Fruit pods. Each joint is almost squarish.
References
eFloras. (2008) Aeschynomene indica Linnaeus. Flora of China. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge. http://www.efloras.org/. Accessed on 7-Jan-2013.Henderson MR. (1959) Malayan Wild Flowers: Dicotyledons. Malayan Nature Society, Kulau Lumpar, Malaysia. 478 pp.
Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-01-08 / Modified: 2017-12-25
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