Lotus maroccanus | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Fabales |
Family: | Fabaceae |
Subfamily: | Faboideae |
Genus: | Lotus |
Species: | L. maroccanus |
Binomial name | |
Lotus maroccanus | |
Synonyms [2] | |
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Lotus maroccanus is a species of plant in the pea family that is native to morocco. [2] It grows in shrublands and in sandy areas. It may grow alongside roads and near the ocean among coastal sand dunes. [1] It is a perennial herbaceous plant that resembles a shrub. It is noted for being particularly salt tolerant. [3] In its native habitat it is a winter growing species and is frost tolerant, but is killed by low temperatures. The foliage is palatable to deer and rabbits outside of its native habitat. [4]
Lotus maroccanus is a perennial plant that may have either a few or many stems with a thickness of as much as 10 centimeters at their base. The stems may branch many times or just a few and also may either grow upwards or along the ground ( prostrate ). The stems are covered in dense to very dense hairs that are 0.1–1.8 millimeters long. [5] Their growth can make them resemble a low growing shrub. [6] Stems may be up to 47 cm long 2.5 mm thick. [5] Its root is tough and woody. [7] They have wide, compound leaves. [8]
Lotus maroccanus was scientifically described by John Ball in 1873. [2] [7]
Plant Biodiversity of South-Western Morocco – Lotus maroccanus (photographs)