Iberian milk-vetch (Erophaca baetica, Voy. Bot. Espagne 1: 177 (1840))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (L.) Boiss.

Bibliography: Voy. Bot. Espagne 1: 177 (1840)

Year: 1840

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erophaca

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

The Iberian milk-vetch, scientifically known as Erophaca baetica, is a notable species within the Fabaceae family. This plant is primarily native to the Mediterranean region, characteristic of its adaptation to the climatic and soil conditions prevalent in this part of the world.

The Iberian milk-vetch is distinguished by its robust, herbaceous form and its ability to thrive in the Mediterranean climate, which includes hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The adaptability of Erophaca baetica to such conditions makes it a resilient species, capable of handling various environmental stresses typical of this geographical area.

Erophaca baetica plays a crucial role within its ecosystem. As a member of the Fabaceae family, this plant contributes significantly to soil health through nitrogen fixation—a process where atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a form that can be readily used by plants. This transformation enriches the soil, promoting fertility and supporting the growth of other plant species in its vicinity.

The vibrant blossoms of the Iberian milk-vetch can often be seen during its blooming period, adding a splash of color to the landscape and attracting a variety of pollinators. These interactions not only aid in the plant’s reproduction but also support the broader ecological network of which it is a part.

Documented during the 19th century, notably in the work “Voyage Botanique en Espagne,” this species captured the attention of botanists with its distinct characteristics and its role in the botanical diversity of the region. The author, Boissier, recognized the significance of the species, and his contributions have provided a foundation for the continued study and appreciation of Erophaca baetica.

Overall, the Iberian milk-vetch is a species of great ecological and botanical interest, emblematic of the unique flora found within the Mediterranean basin. Its ability to enhance soil fertility and support wildlife underscores its importance, making it a valuable subject of study and conservation within its natural habitat.

Common Names

En: Iberian Milk-vetch
Pt: Alfavaca-silvestre
: Iberian milk-vetch

Synonyms

• Phaca baetica (L.)
• Astragalus lusitanicus (Lam.)
• Colutea baetica ((L.) Cav.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Greece (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Turkey (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by bmmb (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2021 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2021 by Mar Ocêana do (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2019 by Bart Batsleer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 22, 2019 by Bart Batsleer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2020 by boualem felfoul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2021 by Schaub Eric (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2021 by santana rafael (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Cláudia Mendes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 20, 2020 by fabrice bloch (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2020 by Goele Andries (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 25, 2017 by Pedro Salgadinho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2019 by José Ramón Pérez Monreal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2019 by Daniel Bacellar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 11, 2019 by odt (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2954221)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:494210-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erophaca baetica (L.) Boiss.)

Specifications

Growth