Arabian pea (Bituminaria bituminosa, Bothalia 13: 318 (1981))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (L.) C.H.Stirt.

Bibliography: Bothalia 13: 318 (1981)

Year: 1981

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bituminaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to Caucasus

Description

The Arabian pea, scientifically known as Bituminaria bituminosa, is a compelling species belonging to the Fabaceae family. Widely recognized in regions spanning the Mediterranean to the Caucasus, this perennial plant has piqued the interest of botanists and ecologists alike for its ecological adaptability and various uses. The esteemed botanist C.H. Stirton recognized this species’ significance in 1981, documenting it comprehensively in Bothalia.

Distinguished by its robust growth habit, Bituminaria bituminosa typically thrives in arid and semi-arid climates, making it a resilient specimen amidst challenging environmental conditions. This adaptability is attributed to its deep root system, which allows the plant to access water sources far beneath the soil’s surface.

The plant is characterized by its unique foliage and flowering patterns. It produces trifoliate leaves that are sessile or shortly petiolate, displaying a lush green hue that can add aesthetic value to any landscape. The flowers of Bituminaria bituminosa are particularly notable, presenting in dense clusters that range in color from violet to blue. These blooms not only enhance the visual appeal of the plant but also play a crucial role in supporting local pollinators, thereby contributing to the biodiversity of their native habitats.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Arabian pea holds significant ecological and economic value. It has been used in traditional agriculture systems as a forage plant due to its high protein content, which makes it an excellent feed for livestock. Additionally, its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil enhances soil fertility, making it an asset for sustainable farming practices.

Recent studies have also highlighted Bituminaria bituminosa for its potential medicinal and industrial applications. Extracts from the plant have shown promising bioactive properties, which may be utilized in pharmaceutical development. Moreover, the plant’s resilience to environmental stresses, such as drought and poor soil conditions, positions it as a candidate for rehabilitation projects in degraded lands.

In conclusion, the Arabian pea (Bituminaria bituminosa) is a multifaceted plant with significant ecological, agricultural, and potential medicinal values. Its adaptability and resilience make it an important species for both natural ecosystems and human agriculture, illustrating the profound interconnection between plant biology and environmental sustainability.

Common Names

Eng: arabian pea, arabian scurf-pea
Por: trevo-bituminoso
En: Arabian pea, Arabian scurf-pea, Pitch Trefoil
Ca: Herba cabruna, Trèvol pudent
Cs: Dětelník pryskyřičnatý
Fr: Psoralée à odeur de bitume, Trèfle bitumineux, Herbe au bitume, Psoralier, Trèfle bitumeux
De: Asphaltklee, Harzklee, Pechklee
He: שרעול שעיר
It: Trifoglio bituminoso
Pt: Trevo-bituminoso
Es: Hierba cabruna, Higueruela, Trébol hediondo

Synonyms

• Psoralea punctata (F.Dietr.)
• Dorychnium rotundifolium (Moench)
• Psoralea bituminosa var. brachycarpa (Feldmann)
• Psoralea foetida (C.Presl)
• Psoralea angustifolia (Willd.)
• Bituminaria bituminosa var. brachycarpa ((Feldmann) Danin)
• Psoralea bituminosa subvar. lanceolata (Rouy)
• Psoralea bituminosa var. laxa (Maire & Weiller)
• Psoralea bituminosa var. latifolia (Moris)
• Bituminaria bituminosa var. crassiuscula (P.Méndez, Fern.Galván & A.Santos)
• Psoralea bituminosa var. humilis (Bég. & A.Vacc.)
• Psoralea bituminosa var. decumbens (Sennen)
• Psoralea bituminosa var. communis (Webb & Berthel.)
• Psoralea bituminosa f. atripilosa (H.Lindb.)
• Aspalthium bituminosum ((L.) Fourr.)
• Psoralea bituminosa var. angustifolia (Guss.)
• Psoralea bituminosa subsp. latifolia ((Moris) Arcang.)
• Dorychnium angustifolium (Moench)
• Psoralea frutescens (Poir.)
• Aspalthium frutescens (Medik.)
• Aspalthium ellipticum (Medik.)
• Aspalthium nigrum (Medik.)
• Bipontinia bituminosa ((L.) Alef.)
• Bituminaria bituminosa var. albomarginata (P.Méndez, Fern.Galván & A.Santos)
• Psoralea bituminosa (L.)
• Psoralea bituminosa subvar. ovata (Rouy)
• Psoralea bituminosa subsp. pontica ((A.P.Khokhr.) Zernov)
• Rhynchodium foetidum ((C.Presl) C.Presl)
• Psoralea bituminosa var. prostrata (Zohary)
• Rhynchodium bituminosum (C.Presl)
• Trifolium bituminosum (Garsault)
• Psoralea pontica (A.P.Khokhr.)
• Psoralea elata (Salisb.)
• Aspalthium herbaceum (Medik.)
• Psoralea taurica (Ledeb. ex Nyman)
• Lotodes bituminosum ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Eritrea (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 20, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2018 by Eugenio Diaz Ferreiro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2019 by Tristan Dufes (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 21, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2011 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Philippe Bissières (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2017 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2017 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Pauline GUILLAUMEAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by Jardin Des Cocagnous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Michel PANSIOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Michèle CORSANGE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Pascal MILCENT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Mandalorian (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2952882)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:908440-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C.H.Stirt.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 5