Status:
valid
Authors:
(Mart. ex Benth.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Source:
ildis
Year:
1982
Citation Micro:
Mem. New York Bot. Gard.35: 655 (1982)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000178638
Common Names
- Fern-Leaf Partridge Pea
- Filicifolia Partridge Pea
- Fernleaf Partridge Pea
Synonyms
- Cassia filicifolia Benth. [valid]
- Cassia pycnophylla Harms [valid]
Description
Chamaecrista filicifolia (also called Partridge Pea, among many other common names) is a small annual herb that grows up to 40 cm tall. It is native to the southeastern United States and northern Mexico. Its habitats include dry open woods, prairies, roadsides, and disturbed sites.
Uses & Benefits
Chamaecrista filicifolia is used as a food source, for medicinal purposes, and as a fuel. The leaves can be eaten as a vegetable or brewed into a tea. The plant is also used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, colds, and stomach problems.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Chamaecrista filicifolia is a yellow-green, pea-like flower that grows in clusters. The seed is a small, dark brown, flattened oval. The seedlings are small, with two cotyledons and a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Chamaecrista filicifolia is a perennial shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some frost. It can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Where to Find Chamaecrista filicifolia
Chamaecrista filicifolia is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico to Argentina.
Chamaecrista filicifolia FAQ
What is the scientific name of Chamaecrista filicifolia?
Chamaecrista filicifolia
What is the common name of Chamaecrista filicifolia?
Fern-leaved Partridge Pea
What is the family of Chamaecrista filicifolia?
Fabaceae
Species in the Chamaecrista genus
Chamaecrista comosa,
Chamaecrista grantii,
Chamaecrista kirkii,
Chamaecrista nigricans,
Chamaecrista stricta,
Chamaecrista rotundifolia,
Chamaecrista usambarensis,
Chamaecrista nictitans,
Chamaecrista chrysosepala,
Chamaecrista didyma,
Chamaecrista glischrodes,
Chamaecrista hatschbachii,
Chamaecrista incurvata,
Chamaecrista onusta,
Chamaecrista aspidiifolia,
Chamaecrista bahiae,
Chamaecrista calycioides,
Chamaecrista chamaecristoides,
Chamaecrista deeringiana,
Chamaecrista desvauxii,
Chamaecrista diphylla,
Chamaecrista flexuosa,
Chamaecrista glandulosa,
Chamaecrista greggii,
Chamaecrista lineata,
Chamaecrista obcordata,
Chamaecrista pedicellaris,
Chamaecrista pilosa,
Chamaecrista portoricensis,
Chamaecrista pygmaea,
Chamaecrista roraimae,
Chamaecrista rufa,
Chamaecrista serpens,
Chamaecrista supplex,
Chamaecrista trichopoda,
Chamaecrista adiantifolia,
Chamaecrista anceps,
Chamaecrista aristata,
Chamaecrista atroglandulosa,
Chamaecrista basifolia,
Chamaecrista boyanii,
Chamaecrista bucherae,
Chamaecrista compitalis,
Chamaecrista cordistipula,
Chamaecrista coriacea,
Chamaecrista cuprea,
Chamaecrista cavalcantina,
Chamaecrista choriophylla,
Chamaecrista cathartica,
Chamaecrista catharticoides,
Species in the Fabaceae family