MEDICAGO LUPULINA Meaning and
Definition
-
Medicago lupulina, commonly known as black medick or black hop trefoil, is a flowering plant belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is an annual or short-lived perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 60 centimeters (24 inches). The plant has a prostrate growth habit with slender stems that branch out. The leaves of Medicago lupulina are trifoliate, meaning each leaf is composed of three individual leaflets. These leaflets are round or oval in shape and have toothed margins. The plant produces small, bright yellow flowers that form on spikes or racemes. These flowers are typical of legumes, with a distinct peapod-shaped structure forming after pollination.
Medicago lupulina is considered a weed in some regions, often found in lawns, pastures, and disturbed areas. It has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, allowing it to enhance soil fertility. The plant also has potential as a forage crop for livestock due to its high protein content. Additionally, Medicago lupulina has been used in traditional medicine, where its aerial parts are sometimes used in herbal preparations for their purported diuretic and antispasmodic properties.
In summary, Medicago lupulina is a low-growing, yellow-flowered plant that is part of the legume family. It is found in various habitats and is known for its nitrogen-fixing abilities and potential as a forage crop.
Common Misspellings for MEDICAGO LUPULINA
- nedicago lupulina
- kedicago lupulina
- jedicago lupulina
- mwdicago lupulina
- msdicago lupulina
- mddicago lupulina
- mrdicago lupulina
- m4dicago lupulina
- m3dicago lupulina
- mesicago lupulina
- mexicago lupulina
- mecicago lupulina
- meficago lupulina
- mericago lupulina
- meeicago lupulina
- meducago lupulina
- medjcago lupulina
- medkcago lupulina
- medocago lupulina
Etymology of MEDICAGO LUPULINA
The word "Medicago lupulina" is a scientific name composed of two different terms, each with its own etymology:
1. Medicago: The genus name "Medicago" comes from the Latin word "medica", which referred to Medicago sativa, commonly known as alfalfa. According to some sources, "medica" is believed to have originated from the word "Median" or "Medes", referring to the Medes, an ancient Iranian people who were known for their use of this plant.
2. Lupulina: The species name "lupulina" comes from the Latin word "lupulus", meaning "little wolf". This term is a diminutive form of "lupus", which means "wolf". It was used in reference to the species' seed pods, which may resemble small wolf heads or snouts.
