Pediomelum hypogaeum

Pediomelum hypogaeum

Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Pediomelum
Species:
P. hypogaeum
Binomial name
Pediomelum hypogaeum

Pediomelum hypogaeum (also known as Psoralea hypogaea) is a perennial herb also known as the little Indian breadroot or subterranean Indian breadroot. It is found on the black soil prairies in Texas.

Growth

It has an inflorescence on stems 5-6 centimeters long, separate from the leaves, arising from a subterranean stem and deep carrot-shaped root that is 3–7 cm long. The long petioled leaves are palmately divided into 5 linear-elliptic leaflets that are 3-5 centimeters long. The flowers, borne in condensed spikes separate from the leaves, are purple and pea-like, and have a surprisingly strong scent, reminiscent of lemon furniture polish. The species has edible tuberous roots, high in protein.

References

  1. ^ NatureServe (2024). "Pediomelum hypogaeum". Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  • Delena Tull (1987), Edible and Useful Plants of Texas and the Southwest, pgs 86-87