Family: Fabaceae
Author: (Wight & Arn.) J.A.Lackey
Bibliography: Phytologia 37: 210 (1977)
Year: 1977
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Neonotonia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, SW. Arabian Pen., India, Sri Lanka
Description
Perennial soybean, scientifically known as Neonotonia wightii, is a significant plant species within the Fabaceae family. Originating from various geographically diverse regions, this species thrives in tropical and southern Africa, as well as the southwestern Arabian Peninsula, India, and Sri Lanka. As a member of the legume family, perennial soybean plays a vital role in agriculture and natural ecosystems due to its ability to fix nitrogen, which enhances soil fertility.
Neonotonia wightii exhibits a robust growth habit typical of perennial plants. This hardy legume is well-adapted to a range of climatic conditions prevalent in its native and introduced habitats. The plant’s versatility allows it to flourish in various types of soils, making it a valuable species for improving degraded lands and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
The foliage of the perennial soybean is characterized by trifoliate leaves, which are a common trait within the Fabaceae family. These leaves are instrumental in photosynthesis, contributing to the plant’s overall vigor and productivity. The flowering pattern of Neonotonia wightii showcases small, typically white to pale pink flowers. These blooms are both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically important, attracting a variety of pollinators which, in turn, promote biodiversity in the regions where the plant is established.
Perennial soybean is recognized not only for its agricultural benefits but also for its potential in pasture systems. Due to its perennial nature, it provides a reliable source of forage for livestock throughout the year, even in regions where annual species may struggle during dry seasons. This attribute makes it a crucial component of sustainable grazing systems, ensuring consistent feed availability and reducing the need for supplemental feeding.
The identification and classification of this species were significantly advanced by the work of (Wight & Arn.) J.A.Lackey, and the detailed study was published in the journal Phytologia, volume 37, page 210, in 1977. This foundational research has guided further studies and applications of Neonotonia wightii in various fields, encompassing agriculture, ecology, and environmental management.
In summary, Neonotonia wightii, or perennial soybean, is a versatile and beneficial member of the Fabaceae family with a presence across several tropical and subtropical regions. Its ability to enhance soil health, provide reliable forage, and support biodiversity makes it a plant of considerable ecological and agricultural significance.
Common Names
Eng: perennial soybean
Deu: ausdauernde soja
Fra: soja pérenne
Por: soja-perene
En: Perennial soybean
Fr: Soja pérenne
De: Ausdauernde Soja
Pt: Soja-perene
Synonyms
- Johnia wightii ((Wight & Arn.) Wight & Arn.)
- Glycine wightii ((Wight & Arn.) Verdc.)
- Notonia wightii (Wight & Arn.)
Distribution
- Angola (native)
- Benin (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- India (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Argentina Northwest (introduced)
- Bolivia (introduced)
- Brazil North (introduced)
- Brazil Northeast (introduced)
- Brazil South (introduced)
- Brazil Southeast (introduced)
- Brazil West-Central (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- New Guinea (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- Paraguay (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Rodrigues (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
© 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.
Leaf
Taken Aug 22, 2022 by Marc Roussin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by nicoplant (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Audrey Raoul (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 17, 2022 by Shariya usmani (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2022 by Marc Roussin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by nicoplant (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 22, 2022 by Marc Roussin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2022 by Marc Roussin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by nicoplant (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Audrey Raoul (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2947913)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:509547-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) J.A.Lackey)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.8
Ph minimum: 5.5
