Medicago arabica (L.) Huds. - Spotted Medick
Family - Fabaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Stipules.
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Fruits.
Flowering - March - June.
Habitat - Disturbed sites, waste places, lawns, fields, roadsides.
Origin - Native to the Mediterranean region.
Other information - This species can be found scattered throughout Alabama. The plant can be identified by its ascending stems, spotted leaflets, small, yellow flowers, and coiled, spine-bearing fruits. Although the plant is a certain weed, it is an interesting little species to look at.
The genus name Medicago is derived from the Greek word "medice" which is the name of Alfalfa. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was believed to have been brought to Greece from a city called Medea in the North-African country of Algeria.
The species epithet arabica means "Arabian, of Arabia" referring to the plants origin.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at the Auburn University Arboretum, AL., 3-26-05.