Family: Fabaceae
Author: Desf.
Bibliography: Fl. Atlant. 2: 206 (1799)
Year: 1799
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lotus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Macaronesia, Medit.
Description
Smallflower bird’s-foot trefoil, scientifically known as Lotus parviflorus, is a notable plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. Its historical mention dates back to 1799 in the second volume of “Flora Atlantica,” a distinguished work authored by the French botanist, René Louiche Desfontaines.
This delicate yet hardy plant thrives prominently in the regions of Macaronesia and the Mediterranean, making it a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts in these areas. The adaptability of Lotus parviflorus to these varied climates speaks volumes about its resilience and evolutionary success in diverse ecological pockets.
Characterized by its small, yet vibrant flowers, Smallflower bird’s-foot trefoil is an excellent example of nature’s intricate beauty. The plant’s modest size makes it an inconspicuous yet integral part of the habitats it adorns, contributing to the local biodiversity and ecosystem.
The Fabaceae family, renowned for its rich variety of species, includes many with significant agricultural and ecological value. Lotus parviflorus stands out within this family as a subtle, yet essential member, known for its role in natural habitats and potential contributions to soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation. The interconnectedness between this species and its environment highlights the delicate balance present within Mediterranean and Macaronesian ecosystems.
This plant’s study and observation, especially in its native regions, offer invaluable insights into the health and dynamics of its surrounding ecosystems. Whether for academic research, conservation efforts, or casual admiration, the Smallflower bird’s-foot trefoil remains a plant of significant interest and beauty.
Common Names
Eng: smallflower bird’s-foot trefoil
En: Smallflower bird’s-foot trefoil, Smallflower birdsfoot trefoil, Small-flower Trefoil
Fi: Villamaite
Fr: Lotier à petites fleurs
It: Ginestrino parvifloro
Synonyms
- Lotus humilis (Schousb. ex Ball)
- Lotus hispidus (Desf. ex DC.)
- Lotus hispidus var. major (Rouy)
- Lotus fallax (Font Quer)
- Lotus angustissimus var. hispidus ((Desf. ex DC.) J.J.Rodr.)
- Lotus hispidus var. fallax ((Font Quer) Knoche)
- Lotus angustissimus subsp. hispidus ((Desf. ex DC.) Bonnier & Layens)
- Lotus microcarpus (Brot.)
- Lotus parviflorus var. uniflorus (Gillot)
- Lotus pilosissimus var. filiformis (Poir.)
- Lotus parviflorus var. tenuis (Lowe)
- Lotus hispidus var. glaberrimus (Batt.)
- Lotus parviflorus var. robusta (Lowe)
- Lotus angustissimus var. fallax ((Font Quer) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
- Lotus hispidus var. littoralis (Rouy)
- Lotus hispidus var. odoratus (Schousb. ex Brand)
- Lotus hispidus var. intermedius (Guss.)
- Lotus hispidus var. filiformis ((Poir.) Rouy)
- Lotus hispidus var. villosus (Batt.)
- Lotus angustissimus var. maior (Moris)
- Lotus hispidus var. glabrescens (Batt.)
- Lotus parviflorus var. complicatus (Kuntze)
- Dorycnium parviflorum ((Desf.) Ser.)
- Dorycnium microcarpum (Ser.)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Azores (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Corse (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Madeira (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 13, 2021 by Renaud LDM (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Ravi romarin (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2021 by Renaud LDM (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Ali Gozemoos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Kevin Lebreuilly (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Aurélia et JChris Courte-Barbary (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Aurélia et JChris Courte-Barbary (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Ravi romarin (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Dominique DUVEAU (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Dominique DUVEAU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Kevin Lebreuilly (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Kevin Lebreuilly (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356892)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:503819-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lotus parviflorus Desf.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth
Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]