Lotus corniculatus
Description
Morphology
It is a perennial legume, from 30 to 60 cm with taproots. Trifoliate leaves have obovate leaflets with pronounced main ribs. Stipules are very developed. Cylindrical stems are smooth, full, upright and strongly branched. The bright yellow flowers are grouped in pods of 4 to 8 flowers. The inflorescence is pedunculated. The seeds are irregularly spherical, yellowish and often hard, TKW of 1 to 1.4 g. This is a cross-pollinating species, entomiphilous and autotetraploid (2n=24). There are some diploid forms.
Culture
Usage
Benefits
- Good durability in all soils
- Adaptation to pasture
- No risk of bloating as it contains tannins in leaves
Limitations
- Slow and difficult rooting
- Limited forage productivity
- Species does not tolerate drought and high temperatures