Serradella (Ornithopus sativus, Fl. Lusit. 2: 160 (1804))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Brot.

Bibliography: Fl. Lusit. 2: 160 (1804)

Year: 1804

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ornithopus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, SW. France to NW. Africa

Description

Serradella, scientifically known as Ornithopus sativus, is a notable member of the Fabaceae family. This plant species was first described in detail in the early 19th century, with its authoritative classification being documented in the “Flora Lusitanica” by Brot. in 1804.

Serradella is indigenous to a region that spreads across Macaronesia, stretching through southwestern France and extending to northwestern Africa. This wide geographical distribution signifies its adaptability and ecological versatility. As a leguminous plant, Serradella plays a crucial role in soil enrichment due to its nitrogen-fixing capability, making it a valuable species for both agricultural and ecological purposes.

The plant is typically characterized by its delicate and feathery foliage, and it produces flowers which can range in color, adding an aesthetic presence to its surroundings. Furthermore, Serradella’s flowers attract various pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of its native habitats.

Serradella is often employed in agricultural settings, particularly as a cover crop or green manure. This practice enhances soil structure and fertility, ensuring sustainable farming practices and improving crop yields. Additionally, its use in pastures offers nutritional benefits for grazing animals.

Overall, Ornithopus sativus stands out not only for its botanical significance and geographical reach but also for its practical applications in agriculture and contributions to environmental sustainability.

Common Names

Eng: common bird’s-foot, french serradella, serradella, pink-flower serradella, seradella
Deu: echter vogelfuß, großer vogelfuß, serradella
Fra: ornithope cultivé, pied-d’oiseau cultivé, serradelle, pied d’oiseau
Dan: serradel
Lit: sėjamoji seradėlė
Ces: pta
Est: põld-linnujalg
Por: serradela, serradella
Swe: serradella, foderserradella, klovicker
Ita: serradella
Hun: szerradella, vetési csibeláb
Lav: sējas seradella
Nld: serradelle
Cym: seradela
En: Serradella, French serradella, Pink-flower serradella, Common bird’s-foot, Common seradella, Seradella
Af: Pienk seradella
Ar: رجل الطير المزروع
Be: Сырадэля пасяўная
Cs: Ptačí noha setá, Pta
Da: Serradel
Nl: Serradelle
Et: Põld-linnujalg
Fi: Peltolinnunjalka
Fr: Pied d’oiseau, Serradelle, Pied-d’oiseau cultivé, Ornithope cultivé
De: Serradella, Grosser Vogelfuss, Echte Serradella, Echter Vogelfuß, Großer Vogelfuß
Hu: Szerradella, Vetési csibeláb
It: Serradella
Lv: Sējas seradella
Lt: Sėjamoji seradėlė
Pl: Seradela pastewna
Pt: Serradela, Serradella, Serradela-cultivada
Ru: Сераделла посевная
Sv: Serradella, Foderserradella, Klovicker
Cy: Seradela

Synonyms

• Coronilla serradella (E.H.L.Krause)
• Ornithopodium sativum ((Brot.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• France (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belarus (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• North European Russi (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)
• Turkey (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 30, 2021 by Hardy Gudzinski (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by xa b1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2021 by jaap copper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2022 by meyer max (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 22, 2021 by xa b1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by xa b1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by Peter V (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2017 by Robert Hofman (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 6, 2013 by EOL − Valter Jacinto (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 27, 2019 by Tela Botanica − José Luis Romero Rego (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Marieke Jelsma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Justus Müller-Kiefer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© 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/5358266)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:510872-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ornithopus sativus Brot.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth