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jointvetch
Scientific Name: Aeschynomene
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Virginia Jointvetch (Aeschynomene virginica)
Also known as sensitive jointvetch, Virginia jointvetch (Aeschynomene virginica) is a rare flowering plant belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). Other common names include shyleaf, deervetch (English), thornless mimosa (Sri Lanka), bastard sensitive plant (Jamaica), antejuela, cujicillo, and dormilona.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Aeschynomene species have foliage that is sensitive to the touch.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aeschynomene virginica
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
- Synonyms: Rough jointvetch has often been misidentified as A. indica L. or northern jointvetch A. virginica (L.) B.S.P. in the Southeastern U.S.
- Other species mentioned: Aeschynomene americana, Aeschynomene falcata, Aeschynomene paniculata, Aeschynomene brasiliana, Aeschynomene indica, Aeschynomene histrix
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the eastern United States, the Caribbean, and nearby regions.
- Specifically mentioned as endangered in NC, state-listed as endangered, and federally listed as threatened.
Ecological Role
- Aeschynomene paniculata (Pannicle jointvetch) and Aeschynomene brasiliana (Brazilian jointvetch) are considered pest weeds in Queensland.
- American jointvetch (Aeschynomene americana) is primarily used as a semi-permanent or regenerating legume component of a mixed pasture, or as a nitrogen-fixing pioneer.
- Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f. sp. aeschynomene is a biological control agent of northern jointvetch (Aeschynomene virginica).
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Aeschynomene virginica is an annual herb.
- Aeschynomene americana is a vigorous, erect annual. It can grow up to 6 feet tall.
- The flower, like other legumes, has a papilionaceous corolla that resembles a butterfly. The throat is often reddish, as are the veins.
Use as Wildlife Food Source
- Aeschynomene seed produces a favorite food plot plant for whitetail deer, turkey, rabbit, and quail.
Quirky Facts
- The text mentions the plant having foliage sensitive to the touch.
- The question "Who comes up with such names?" is asked in the original text with regard to the name "Virginia Jointvetch", pointing to the unique nature of the name.
Further Information
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Region (for Aeschynomene virginica).
- Department of Conservation and Recreation, Richmond, VA (for Aeschynomene virginica).
- BISON Web Link: http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov/api/scientificName/Aeschynomene%20virginica
- ITIS Web Link.
- Hathi Trust Digital Library.