Status: Exotic
Synonyms:
Medicago hispida Gaertner
Medicago polymorpha is another of the exotic "Medick" plants in our area. It has three lobed leaves with obovate leaflets. The flowers are small and bright yellow. The fruits are the most distinctive character, being spirally wound and armed with what appear to be small fishhooks. Medicago polymorpha is found in city sidewalks and waste areas where their sprawling form traps elms seeds and other wind carried material.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Medicago polymorpha, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City, June 10, 2010
Medicago polymorpha, closeup of leaf with three obovate leaflets, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City, June 10, 2010
Medicago polymorpha, closeup of flower & fruit, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City, June 10, 2010
Medicago polymorpha, plant measured in lab with standard 15cm rule, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City, June 10, 2010
Medicago polymorpha, macro of spirally wound and armed fruit, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City, June 10, 2010
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