Legumes, Milkworts, and Allies of Zihuatanejo

ORDER FABALES

-Legumes (Family Fabaceae)

-Tribe Desmodieae

-Subtribe Desmodiinae

-Ticktrefoils (Genus Desmodium)

-Samoan Clover (Desmodium scorpiurus)

Desmodium scorpiurus, commonly known as Samoan clover or scorpion tick-trefoil, is a vigorous perennial tropical legume that typically grows in a prostrate or trailing habit, with slender, hairy stems reaching up to 50 cm in length. Its leaflets are covered in fine, hooked hairs, allowing the plant to readily spread across the ground or climb over low vegetation. Its small, pea-shaped flowers are usually pink, mauve, or pale purple.

Description

• Desmodium scorpiurus, commonly known as Samoan Clover, is a small annual herb in the legume family (Fabaceae). It has slender, branching stems and compound leaves, usually with three oval leaflets. Its small flowers are typically pinkish to purplish or pale violet. The most distinctive feature is its narrow, curved seed pod, which is divided into several small segments covered with hooked hairs that cling to clothing, fur, and feathers, aiding seed dispersal.

Range

• Desmodium scorpiurus is native to tropical America, including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. It has also spread to other tropical regions. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• Scorpion tick-trefoil grows in warm, open habitats, including grasslands, roadsides, pastureland, forest edges, gardens, and disturbed ground. It often occurs in seasonally moist areas and can grow among grasses and other low vegetation. Its hooked seed pods help it spread readily through areas frequented by people and animals.