Status:
valid
Authors:
Webb
Source:
ildis
Year:
1849
Citation Micro:
W.J.Hooker, Niger Fl.: 118 (1849)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000212276
Common Names
- Lotus purpureus
- Purple Lotus
- Purple Trefoil
Synonyms
- Lotus arborescens Lowe ex Cout. [valid]
- Lotus bollei Christ [valid]
- Lotus candidissimus A.Chev. [valid]
- Lotus hirtulus Lowe ex Cout. [unknown]
- Lotus coronillifolius Webb [illegitimate]
- Lotus hirtulus laxifolius Lowe ex Cout. [valid]
Description
Lotus purpureus (also called Purple Bird's-foot Trefoil, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and North Africa. It grows in grasslands, meadows, and other open habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Lotus purpureus is used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, such as fever, inflammation, and stomach problems. It is also used as an ornamental plant and as a food additive.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Lotus purpureus is a purple, 5-petaled bloom that is about 1 inch in diameter. The seed is round and dark brown in color. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Lotus purpureus is a perennial herbaceous plant that can be propagated from seed or division. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or in the garden. When growing from seed, sow the seeds in spring in a sunny location. When dividing, divide the plant in early spring or late autumn. Plant the divisions in a sunny location and water them well.
Where to Find Lotus purpureus
Lotus purpureus can be found in the Mediterranean region, including Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Lotus purpureus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Lotus purpureus?
Lotus purpureus
What are the common names of Lotus purpureus?
Purple Bird's-foot Trefoil and Purple Lotus
What is the habitat of Lotus purpureus?
It is native to Europe and can be found in dry grasslands, scrub, and rocky hillsides
Species in the Lotus genus
Lotus borbasii,
Lotus sessilifolius,
Lotus aegeus,
Lotus berthelotii,
Lotus australis,
Lotus cruentus,
Lotus lanuginosus,
Lotus laricus,
Lotus argyrodes,
Lotus arinagensis,
Lotus broussonetii,
Lotus callis-viridis,
Lotus dumetorum,
Lotus emeroides,
Lotus eremiticus,
Lotus kunkelii,
Lotus macranthus,
Lotus mascaensis,
Lotus spectabilis,
Lotus campylocladus,
Lotus holosericeus,
Lotus lancerottensis,
Lotus loweanus,
Lotus spartioides,
Lotus hebranicus,
Lotus stepposus,
Lotus burttii,
Lotus divaricatus,
Lotus glacialis,
Lotus rechingeri,
Lotus compactus,
Lotus tenuis,
Lotus graecus,
Lotus dorycnium,
Lotus peczoricus,
Lotus ucrainicus,
Lotus hirsutus,
Lotus rectus,
Lotus arabicus,
Lotus arenarius,
Lotus assakensis,
Lotus becquetii,
Lotus benoistii,
Lotus biflorus,
Lotus castellanus,
Lotus chazaliei,
Lotus conimbricensis,
Lotus conjugatus,
Lotus requienii,
Lotus corniculatus,
Species in the Fabaceae family