SafePlants

Cicer: A Versatile Legume

Cicer is a genus within the legume family, Fabaceae, and it is the sole genus in the tribe Cicereae. The most well-known member of this genus is undoubtedly the chickpea (Cicer arietinum), a globally significant pulse crop.

Considerations for Pets

• Cicer milkvetch is a palatable legume, but it's always wise to monitor your pets' consumption of any new forage.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cicer
• Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae)
• Tribe: Cicereae
• Cicer arietinum is a species within the genus Cicer. Other species within the genus have been identified, including Cicer canariense and Cicer bijugum.
• The chickpea (Cicer arietinum) belongs to the subfamily Faboideae.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Cicer genus is native to the Middle East and Asia.
• Cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer) has been introduced to North America from Europe.
• Cicer canariense is found in the Canary Islands.

Ecological Role

• Cicer milkvetch is noted for not being competitive with other hay crops.
• It is a bloat-free legume, offering a potential advantage in pasture management.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cicer arietinum is an annual plant that typically grows to a height of around 0.6 meters (2 feet).
• Cicer milkvetch is a long-lived perennial legume. It possesses a creeping root system, a stout taproot, and large, hollow stems.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Isoflavonoids from Cicer species have been shown to affect larvae of Heliocoverpa armigera (an insect pest).
• Cicer bijugum exhibits resistance to Botrytis grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea.

Quirky Facts

• In Latin, "cicer" can refer to a chickpea, and in slang, it may even refer to a testicle.
• Cicer milkvetch got its name from the belief that goat milk production increased after goats consumed the vetch.

Further Information

• Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) offers a Cicer species list.
• Wikimedia Commons provides multimedia resources related to Cicer.