| Zornia glochidiata | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Zornia |
| Species: | Z. glochidiata |
| Binomial name | |
| Zornia glochidiata Rchb. ex DC. | |
Zornia glochidiata is a leguminous herb of the Fabaceae family. It is widely distributed in the Sahel regions of West Africa, and is reputed to be an important forage plant in the region. [1]
Zornia glochidiata is an annual herb with erect or decumbent stems, which can grow up to 45 cm (18 in) tall. Compound and broad leaves, two foliate; leaflets, ovate - lanceolate, acute at apex and up to 45 mm × 15 mm (1.77 in × 0.59 in), glabrescent or pubescent beneath. [2] The stipules are lanceolate in shape and can grow up to 15 mm (0.59 in) in length.
Zornia glochidiata is native to many countries in East, West, and Southern Africa. It is known locally as dengeere, or dengo, among the Peul. [3]
Zornia glochidiata is an important fodder for horses and other animals in the arid and semi-arid grasslands of the Sahel, but it can cause bloating in cattle. [4]