Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC.

Etymology Genus After the Greek words halusis (chain) and karpos (fruit)
Species Having a sheath; reference to plant unknown
Family Fabaceae
Synonyms -
Common Names Alyce Clover
Status Undetermined
Form Herb
Native Distribution Old World tropics

Diagnostics:

Alysicarpus vaginalis is a common herb in open scrublands and lawns. It can be recognised from the short leafy branches and pink inflorescences. It bears some resemblance to Indigofera species, but this can be easily differentiated from its simple leaves (Indigofera has compound leaves), stipules, and longer leaf stalks.


Interesting Facts:

In Australia, the Alyce Clover is used for pastures and used traditionally for treating "sword wounds and bone fractures" (eFlora, 2008).


Herbaeous form of the Alyce Clover in a scrubland.

A branch; note the leaf stalk length.

Close-up on the patch of the plant.

Stipule.

Pink flowers.

Fruits.

References

eFloras. (2008) Alysicarpus vaginalis (Linnaeus) Candolle. Flora of China. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge. http://www.efloras.org/. Accessed on 7-Dec-2014.


Author: Siyang
Posted: 2014-12-07 / Modified: 2017-12-25


Google Ads