Stinking bean trefoil (Anagyris foetida, Sp. Pl.: 374 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 374 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Anagyris

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Medit. to Arabian Pen.

Description

The Stinking Bean Trefoil, a notable member of the Fabaceae family, is scientifically known as Anagyris foetida. Described in Species Plantarum by Carolus Linnaeus in 1753, this intriguing plant has garnered attention for its distinctive characteristics and geographical distribution.

Anagyris foetida is native to a region stretching from the Mediterranean Basin to the Arabian Peninsula. This geographic spread encompasses varied climates and terrains, making the plant remarkably adaptable. As a leguminous species, it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, contributing to nitrogen fixation and enhancing soil fertility.

The plant’s common name, “Stinking Bean Trefoil,” derives from its strong, often unpleasant odor, which is one of its most distinguishing traits. This odorous quality is a defensive mechanism, likely evolved to deter herbivores and attract specific pollinators.

Morphologically, Anagyris foetida is recognized by its trifoliate leaves and can produce vibrant, yellow flowers. These blossoms eventually give way to pods, which are an important food source for various animals, notwithstanding the plant’s malodor. The flowers, in particular, are significant for pollinators in their native habitats, contributing to the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

Given its unique properties and ecological significance, further exploration and study of Anagyris foetida can provide insights into plant adaptation and survival strategies in Mediterranean and arid environments.

Common Names

Cat: garrofer del diable
Swe: stinkginst
Eng: stinking bean trefoil
Spa: altramuz hediondo
Por: anágiris-fedegosa
Ara: خروب الخنازير
En: Stinking Bean Trefoil, Anagyris
Ar: جرود (جَرود), حب الملوك (حَب الملوك), خروب الكلاب (خَروب الكلاب), خروب الخنازير
Ca: Garrofer del diable
Cs: Palník
Fr: Anagyre fétide, Bois-puant, Fève de loup, Pudis, Bois puant
De: Stinkstrauch
He: צחנן מבאיש
It: Carrubazzo, Legno-puzzo
Pt: Anágiris-fedegosa
Es: Altramuz hediondo, Altramuz del Diablo, Collar de bruja, Garrover del Diablo, Hediondo
Sv: Stinkginst

Synonyms

• Anagyris neapolitana (Ten.)
• Anagyris cretica (Mill.)
• Anagyris foetida subsp. neapolitana ((Ten.) Arcang.)
• Anagyris glauca (G.Don)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• South Australia (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.

Flower

Taken Feb 25, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2022 by Luc Van Puyvelde (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2021 by Bonet Marc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2018 by Victor Fuentes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by dnt ggg (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 26, 2019 by Gar Rod (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2022 by Cabello Manuel Cabello (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by dnt ggg (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 26, 2013 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2010 by Tela Botanica − null null (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2010 by Tela Botanica − null null (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Elissia Mourey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2021 by Aranda José Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken May 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2013 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2946427)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:473968-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anagyris foetida L.)

Specifications

Growth