Strophostyles umbellata (Muhl. ex Willd.) Britt. - Pink Fuzzybean
Family - Fabaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
N/A
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Flowering - June - October.
Habitat - Fields, woods, hammocks, pine flatwoods.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be nearly throughout Alabama but is most common in the southern 2/3 of the state. The plant can be identified by its vining habit, trifoliolate leaves, and distinctive flowers. The keels of the flower are twisted and are deflexed back into the standard of the flower. The keel petals are also purple at the apex and make the flower quite striking.
The genus name Strophostyles derives from the Greek "stroph(o)" meaning "a turn, twist, a twisted band" and "styl(es)" meaning "the styles, a stalk, a column" obviously referring to the twisted keel of the flower.
The species epithet umbellata derives from the Latin "umbell(a)" meaning "an umbrella" referring to the inflorescence of this species.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 10-10-05.