Southern bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus ornithopodioides, Sp. Pl.: 775 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 775 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lotus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to Ukraine

Description

Southern bird’s-foot trefoil, scientifically known as Lotus ornithopodioides, is a noteworthy species within the Fabaceae family. This particular plant species can be traced back to its authoritative classification in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, as documented in “Species Plantarum.”

Native to the regions spanning Macaronesia to the Mediterranean and extending all the way to Ukraine, Southern bird’s-foot trefoil thrives in a variety of habitats characterized by its adaptable nature. The plant embodies the rich botanical heritage of these diverse geographic areas, exhibiting the ecological versatility for which many members of the Fabaceae family are celebrated.

Lotus ornithopodioides is distinguished by its intricate floral structure, which closely resembles the foot of a bird — hence its common name. This unique characteristic not only contributes to the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also plays a vital role in its reproductive process, assisting in the attraction of pollinators.

The Southern bird’s-foot trefoil is a perennial herb that lends itself to various ecological benefits. It is often found in meadows and along roadsides, where it contributes to soil nitrogen fixation, thereby enhancing soil fertility. This symbiotic relationship with soil microbes underlines the environmental significance of the species.

Studying Southern bird’s-foot trefoil offers valuable insights into the botanical dynamics of the regions it inhabits. Its resilience and adaptability render it an essential subject for further research in the fields of botany and ecology, where understanding its role within ecosystems can contribute to conservation efforts and sustainable agricultural practices.

In summary, Lotus ornithopodioides exemplifies a remarkable blend of botanical beauty and ecological utility. As a representative of the Fabaceae family, it continues to captivate botanists and nature enthusiasts alike, earning its place within the rich tapestry of plant life across its native regions.

Common Names

Deu: vogelfuß-hornklee
Cat: lot ornitopodioide
Eng: southern bird’s-foot trefoil, southern bird’s-foot-trefoil
En: Southern bird’s-foot trefoil, Southern Bird’s-foot-trefoil
Ar: ام الكريسات (أم الكريسات)
Ca: Lot ornitopodioide
Fi: Kruunumaite
Fr: Lotier faux ornithope, Lotier pied-d’oiseau, Lotier faux pied d’oiseau
De: Vogelfußähnlicher Hornklee, Vogelfuß-Hornklee
He: לוטוס משונץ
It: Ginestrino pi√® d’uccello, Ginestrino pié-d’ucello

Synonyms

• Mullaghera compressa (Bubani)
• Lotea ornithopodioides ((L.) Medik.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Uruguay (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.

Flower

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by rosa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2021 by menna federica (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Bernard Evrad (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Bernard Evrad (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2018 by Akkouche Ouanis (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 18, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2020 by Karim BOUDANI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Bernard Evrad (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 25, 2022 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 1993 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 18, 2019 by Ken Sedman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2019 by Ken Sedman (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2020 by Karim BOUDANI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lotus ornithopodioides L.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5357035)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:503807-1)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]