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beach sensitive pea

Scientific Name: Chamaecrista chamaecristoides

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Chamaecrista chamaecristoides and Chamaecrista fasciculata: The Sensitive Peas

This page provides information about two related plants commonly known as sensitive peas, celebrated for their potential to react to touch and for their attractive blooms.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is known as "Locust Weed," which may indicate some potential interaction with grazing animals.

Considerations for Children

  • One of the common names is "Sleeping Plant," which could be intriguing to children and potentially lead to interaction with the plant.

Common Names

  • Chamaecrista chamaecristoides: Beach Sensitive Pea
  • Chamaecrista fasciculata: Partridge Pea, Sleeping Plant, Beach Sensitive Pea

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chamaecrista chamaecristoides (Collad.) Greene and Chamaecrista fasciculata
  • Rank: Species
  • Genus: Chamaecrista Moench
  • Family: Not explicitly mentioned, but belonging to the legume family based on being identified as a legume.
  • Synonyms/Related Taxa:
    • Chamaecrista chamaecristoides var. cruziana (Britton & Rose) Irwin & Barneby
    • Chamaecrista nictitans (L.) Moench (Sensitive Partridge Pea)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Chamaecrista chamaecristoides is found growing wild along dunes, such as near Jamaica Beach in Galveston.
  • Chamaecrista fasciculata is native to the US.
  • Both species are associated with sandy beaches and dune ecosystems.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Chamaecrista chamaecristoides is described as a subshrub forb/herb.
  • Chamaecrista fasciculata is an annual plant that displays yellow blooms.

Ecological Role

  • Chamaecrista nictitans var. aspera and Chamaecrista nictitans var. nictitans are native larval host plants.
  • Beach pea is an early successional plant, sensitive to trampling and recreational use.

Quirky Facts

  • Chamaecrista fasciculata is also known as the "Sleeping Plant," possibly because its leaves fold up at night or when touched.

Plant Care

  • Fertilization of Chamaecrista chamaecristoides is recommended when implanting or every 2-3 years towards the end of winter or beginning of Autumn.