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tropical sensitive pea

Scientific Name: Chamaecrista absus var. meonandra

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Tropical Sensitive Pea (Chamaecrista absus)

The Tropical Sensitive Pea, scientifically known as Chamaecrista absus, is a plant of interest with a wide distribution across tropical and subtropical regions.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is described as being "heavily armed with recurved thorns" in some instances, which could pose a physical hazard to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is described as being "heavily armed with recurved thorns" in some instances, which could pose a physical hazard to children.
  • The leaflets are described as being "sensitive to the touch" and respond to vibration, which may be of interest to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chamaecrista absus (L.) Irwin & Barneby
  • Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Leguminosae)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Absus

Common Names

  • Tropical Sensitive Pea
  • Bengali: Chaksi, Benar
  • Hindi: Banar, Bankultthi, Chaksi
  • Kannada: Adavihuli, Kaadu huliga, Kannu
  • Partridge Pea
  • Sensitive Partridge-pea
  • Sensitive-pea
  • Wild Sensitive-plant

Distribution and Habitat

  • Chamaecrista absus has a large geographical distribution, including North and South America, tropical Africa, and southern Asia.
  • It is now widespread and cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics.
  • It can tolerate a pH range of 4.5-8.4 and can handle some aluminum (Al).

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is described as an annual herb.
  • It can also be a creeping annual or perennial herb.
  • The plant may grow as a prostrate or semi-erect subshrub.
  • Some descriptions mention it being "heavily armed with recurved thorns."
  • It has soft, gray-green leaflets that are sensitive to the touch.

Ecological Role

  • The species can be a troublesome weed in tropical crops.

Interesting Traits

  • The leaflets are somewhat sensitive to the touch and respond slowly to vibration.
  • The plant is day length sensitive and will flower sooner when the days are short.

Further Resources

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • National Tropical Botanical Garden