Family: Fabaceae
Author: (L.) Pers.
Bibliography: Syn. Pl. 2: 328 (1807)
Year: 1807
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tephrosia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
Ashen hoarypea, scientifically known as Tephrosia cinerea, is a fascinating species belonging to the family Fabaceae. This perennial plant is native to regions extending from Mexico to Tropical America. It was first described in 1807, and the species name was later refined by the botanist Persoon, indicated by the scientific authority citation (L.) Pers.
Tephrosia cinerea, or Ashen hoarypea, exhibits a robust growth habit adaptable to various tropical climates. The plant is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions. It typically displays a shrubby appearance with slender branches and compound leaves, which give it a notable presence in the wild.
The foliage of the Ashen hoarypea is characterized by its rich green color and slightly hairy texture, contributing to the common name “hoarypea.” During the blooming season, this plant produces clusters of delicate, pea-like flowers, which are a hallmark of the Fabaceae family. These flowers can range in color but are most commonly seen in shades of violet or pink, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
This species plays a crucial role in its native ecosystems. As a member of the Fabaceae family, Tephrosia cinerea participates in nitrogen fixation, a process that enriches the soil with essential nutrients, benefiting neighboring plants and contributing to overall soil health. Additionally, the plant’s blossoms attract various pollinators, aiding in the biodiversity of its habitat.
In summary, Ashen hoarypea (Tephrosia cinerea) is more than just an ornamental plant; it is an integral part of tropical ecosystems across its native range. Not only does it enhance soil fertility, but it also supports ecological diversity, making it an essential species within the Fabaceae family.
Common Names
Eng: ashen hoarypea, senna
En: Ashen hoarypea, Senna
Synonyms
- Colinil cinereum ((L.) Hitchc.)
- Indigofera berteroana (Spreng.)
- Cracca littoralis ((Jacq.) Rydb.)
- Tephrosia cinerea var. typica (Hassl.)
- Cracca cinerea ((L.) Morong)
- Orobus procumbens (Mill.)
- Cracca villosa var. cinerea ((L.) Kuntze)
- Needhamia littoralis (Scop.)
- Tephrosia venustula (Kunth)
- Tephrosia scopulorum (Brandegee)
- Tephrosia littoralis ((Jacq.) Pers.)
- Galega cinerea (L.)
- Tephrosia cinerea var. littoralis ((Jacq.) Pers. ex Griseb.)
- Tephrosia gynothrix (Miq.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Aruba (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Galápagos (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 25, 2022 by mari12 gofi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 28, 2020 by Karina Monserrat Pérez Ramírez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 2, 2021 by dan hewison (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 2, 2021 by dan hewison (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Más & Lugo-Torres (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 19, 2022 by Jacob Nulik (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 21, 2020 by Lange Gabriela (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 2, 2021 by dan hewison (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2021 by HECTOR DANIEL ROCHA JIMENEZ (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 28, 2020 by Karina Monserrat Pérez Ramírez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 2, 2021 by dan hewison (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2021 by HECTOR DANIEL ROCHA JIMENEZ (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Más & Lugo-Torres (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Más & Lugo-Torres (cc-by-nc-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/5342191)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1071691-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tephrosia cinerea (L.) Pers.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb
