Japanese bush-clover (Kummerowia striata, Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 10: 403 (1912))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Thunb.) Schindl.

Bibliography: Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 10: 403 (1912)

Year: 1912

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Kummerowia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Russian Far East to N. Indo-China

Description

Japanese bush-clover, scientifically known as Kummerowia striata, is a fascinating plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. First cataloged in the early 20th century, this plant was documented in the Repertorium Specierum Novarum Regni Vegetabilis in 1912, credited to the botanist Thunberg and later revised by Schindler.

This resilient species is native to a broad geographical range, extending from the Russian Far East to Northern Indo-China. Known for its hardiness and adaptability, Japanese bush-clover thrives in a variety of climates and conditions typical of these regions.

The plant plays a vital role in both natural and managed ecosystems. It is often utilized in soil conservation efforts due to its ability to improve nitrogen content in the soil, a common trait among members of the Fabaceae family. Japanese bush-clover’s dense growth habit helps in controlling erosion, making it a valuable species for maintaining soil health and promoting sustainable land use.

Japanese bush-clover is also of ecological significance. It provides habitat and nourishment for various insects and wildlife. Its flowers, which bloom in a subtle yet eye-catching display, attract pollinators, thereby supporting biodiversity.

Given its robust nature and ecological benefits, Kummerowia striata is a plant of great interest both for environmental management purposes and for those who take pleasure in the study and appreciation of plant life in the regions it inhabits. Its presence across such a diverse range of landscapes underscores its adaptability and importance within its native habitats.

Common Names

Eng: annual lespedeza, common lespedeza, japanese bush-clover, japanese clover, japanese lespedeza, japanese-clover, striate lespedeza
Swe: japansk buskklöver
Ita: lespedeza del giappone
En: Japanese bush-clover, Japanese lespedeza, Common lespedeza, Annual lespedeza, Japanese-clover, Striate lespedeza, Japanese clover, Common Korean-clover, Japanese Bush Clover
Zh: 雞眼草, 鸡眼草
Fi: Japaninsuoniapila
It: Lespedeza del Giappone
Ja: Yahazu-sō
Ko: 매듭풀
Sv: Japansk buskklöver
Zh-tw: 雞眼草
Zh-hant: 雞眼草

Synonyms

• Lespedeza striata ((Thunb.) Hook. & Arn.)
• Microlespedeza striata ((Thunb.) Makino)
• Microlespedeza makinoi (Tanaka)
• Hedysarum striatum (Thunb.)
• Meibomia striata ((Thunb.) Kuntze)
• Desmodium striatum ((Thunb.) DC.)

Distribution

• Amur (native)
• Assam (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Japan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Laos (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Nauru (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Vynceta (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2019 by Joanna Boone (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by rsumlin3 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2021 by Niklas Müller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2022 by james collins (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.

Flower

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by brettw (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by brettw (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2019 by livingdeliberately (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Jeannie Leitner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Sarah Wismeier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 20, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 20, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 18, 2013 by EOL − Lee Elliott (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2015 by EOL − Lynn Michael (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 31, 2015 by EOL − Lynn Michael (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken May 13, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2019 by Annie Elle (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5352523)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:134103-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Kummerowia striata (Thunb.) Schindl.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.3

Ph minimum: 4.9