SECURIGERA SECURIDACA

Family and Genus:- See- LEGUMINOSAE

Common Names:- Hatchet vetch

Homotypic Synonyms:- Bonaveria securidaca, Bonaveria securigera,

Coronilla securigera, Coronilla securidaca. Securigera coronilla, Securina

securidaca.

Meaning:- Securigera (L) Axe-like, reference to some organ, possibly the fruit.

Securidaca (L) Axe-like (from the shape of the winged fruit).

General description:- Low to short sprawling to ascending glabrous annual.

Stems:-

1) 15-40 cm, usually branched from the base.

Leaves:-

1) Imparipinnate, leaflets, 4-7 pairs, oblong to obovate, truncate, glabrous,

somewhat glaucous.

Flowers:-

1) Peduncles, axillary, longer than the leaves.

2) Flowers, short-pedicellate in 4-8-flowered umbels.

3) Calyx short, campanulate, with broadly triangular teeth.

4) Corolla, 10-15 mm, bright to deep yellow, often with reddish stripes on the

standard, keel beaked.

Fruit:-

1) Legume, linear, compressed, up to 10 cm long and 3-5 mm wide, with thickened

margins and uncinate beak, tardily dehiscent.

Key features:-

1) Legume, linear, compressed, up to 100 x 3-5 mm, with thickened margins and

uncinate beak, tardily dehiscent.

Click here for a glossary of terms used.

Habitat:- Fallow fields, orchards, gorges, seasonally damp spots in dry open

shrubby vegetation, along irrigation channels, occasionally in coastal habitats. 0-

700(-1000) m.

Distribution:- Widespread in the Mediterranean region and SW Asia. Widespread

and common on Crete.

Flowering time:- Apr to early June

Photos by:- Steve Lenton