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Biserrula pelecinus

Scientific Name: Biserrula pelecinus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

*Biserrula pelecinus*

Also known as Biserrula, this plant is an annual legume with the synonym *Astragalus pelecinus*.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant produces hard seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: *Biserrula*
  • Species: *pelecinus*
  • Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
  • Synonyms: *Astragalus pelecinus* subsp. *pelecinus* (L.) Barneby, *Biserrula pelecinus* subsp. *dalmatica* Trinajstic, *Laburnocytisus adami* (Poit.) C.K.Schneid., *Abacosa dumetorum* (L.) Alef., *Abacosa onobrychioides* (L.) Alef.
  • Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN): 820445

The name *Biserrula* is derived from the Latin "bis" (twice) and "serrulatus" (serrate), referring to the serrations of the crest on each structure of the plant.

Distribution and Habitat

  • *Biserrula pelecinus* is native to the Mediterranean region and is naturalized (alien) to Western Australia.
  • It thrives in semi-arid oligotrophic pastures and is best suited to regions with 300 - 700 mm annual rainfall, primarily distributed in autumn, winter, and spring.

Ecological Role

  • *Biserrula pelecinus* is a self-regenerating annual legume, frequently used as a crop or for forage.
  • It plays a role in Mediterranean agricultural systems, especially in southern Australia, where it's used as an annual pasture legume.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is an autumn, winter, and spring-growing annual legume.
  • The plant has weak, erect, branched stems reaching 4-6 inches in height, with slender, densely grey-pubescent branches.
  • Leaves are short-stalked, with the rachis measuring 1-1 1/2 inches long.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The plant has a symbiotic relationship with *Biserrula* root-nodule bacteria.
  • Rhizobia capable of nodulating *Biserrula pelecinus* can evolve through the transfer of nodA and nifH from inoculants to soil bacteria.
  • Seed dispersal occurs via cattle dung.

Quirky Facts

  • Described as a "most unusual plant in the clover family bearing pink and purple flowers".

Further Information

  • Specimens of *Biserrula pelecinus* L. are available at Herb Linn.
  • Taxonomic information can be found via the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) with Taxonomic Serial No.: 820445.
  • Additional information can be found in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy.
  • Morphological characterization studies are available on ResearchGate.