Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
aethiopicum
ID:
211683

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) Druce

Source:
ildis

Year:
1914

Citation Micro:
Rep. Bot. Exch. Club Soc. Brit. Isles3: 421 (1913 publ. 1914)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000211012

Common Names

  • Melolobium aethiopicum
  • Ethiopian Melolobium
  • Ethiopian Velvetbush

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Synonyms

  • Melolobium cernuum (L.) Eckl. & Zeyh. [valid]
  • Lotus cernuus (L.) Desr. [valid]
  • Melolobium spicatum (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. [valid]
  • Ononis aethiopica (L.) Burm.f. [valid]
  • Ononis cernua L. [valid]
  • Trigonella hirsuta Thunb. [valid]
  • Sphingium spicatum E.Mey. [valid]
  • Dichilus spicatus E.Mey. [valid]
  • Cytisus aethiopicus L. [valid]

Description

Melolobium aethiopicum (also called Ethiopian Melolobium, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Africa. It grows in a variety of habitats, including disturbed areas, roadsides, and grasslands.

Uses & Benefits

Melolobium aethiopicum is used as a medicinal plant for treating digestive disorders, as well as for its wood, which is used for making furniture.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Melolobium aethiopicum has yellow flowers with five petals. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small and have a single stem.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Melolobium aethiopicum is a perennial shrub that grows best in full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant and does not require much water or fertilizer. Propagation is done by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist until the cuttings have rooted.

Where to Find Melolobium aethiopicum

Melolobium aethiopicum can be found in South Africa, in the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces.

Melolobium aethiopicum FAQ

What is the scientific name of Melolobium aethiopicum?

Melolobium aethiopicum

What is the common name of Melolobium aethiopicum?

Ethiopian Melolobium

What is the natural habitat of Melolobium aethiopicum?

Dry grassland, scrub, and open woodland

Species in the Fabaceae family

References

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
George Claridge Druce (1850-1932): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Druce' in the authors string.