Status:
valid
Authors:
Velen.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1892
Citation Micro:
Sitzungsber. Königl. Böhm. Ges. Wiss., Math.-Naturwiss. Cl.1892-1893: 31 (1892)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000214731
Common Names
- Medicago rhodopea
- Rhodopean Medicago
- Rhodopean Alfalfa
Synonyms
- Medicago rupestris rhodopea (Velen.) Stoj. & Stef. [valid]
Description
Medicago rhodopea (also called Rhodopean Alfalfa, among many other common names) is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region. It has an erect habit and is characterized by its pinnate leaves and yellow flowers. It is usually found in dry grasslands, meadows, and roadsides.
Uses & Benefits
Medicago rhodopea is a legume that is used as a forage crop for livestock. It is also used as a soil-improving crop, as it is a nitrogen-fixing plant. The plant has a number of medicinal uses, including treating digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin problems.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Medicago rhodopea has small, white flowers with five petals and a yellow centre. The seeds are small, round, and black. The seedlings are thin and have two small leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Medicago rhodopea can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a cold frame in the spring. Division can be done in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out directly into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in a cold frame until they are established.
Where to Find Medicago rhodopea
Medicago rhodopea is native to the Mediterranean region and is found in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Medicago rhodopea FAQ
What is the scientific name of Medicago rhodopea?
Medicago rhodopea
What is the common name of Medicago rhodopea?
Mediterranean lucerne
What type of plant is Medicago rhodopea?
Legume
Species in the Medicago genus
Medicago secundiflora,
Medicago minima,
Medicago fischeriana,
Medicago monantha,
Medicago orthoceras,
Medicago polyceratia,
Medicago medicaginoides,
Medicago heldreichii,
Medicago rigida,
Medicago brachycarpa,
Medicago ruthenica,
Medicago papillosa,
Medicago radiata,
Medicago platycarpa,
Medicago monspeliaca,
Medicago bonarotiana,
Medicago carstiensis,
Medicago daghestanica,
Medicago minima,
Medicago astroites,
Medicago crassipes,
Medicago edgeworthii,
Medicago laxispira,
Medicago noeana,
Medicago persica,
Medicago phrygia,
Medicago retrorsa,
Medicago constricta,
Medicago globosa,
Medicago heyniana,
Medicago ovalis,
Medicago archiducis-nicolai,
Medicago lanigera,
Medicago sinskiae,
Medicago makranica,
Medicago arabica,
Medicago arborea,
Medicago coronata,
Medicago disciformis,
Medicago doliata,
Medicago falcata,
Medicago granadensis,
Medicago granatensis,
Medicago hypogaea,
Medicago intertexta,
Medicago tornata,
Medicago laciniata,
Medicago littoralis,
Medicago lupulina,
Medicago marina,
Species in the Fabaceae family