Astragalus boeticus L.

Spice Fruit detail In the field 1 In the field 2 Inflorescence

Family: LEGUMINOSAE

Genus: Astragalus

Catalan common name: Cafè bord. Cafè de pobre. Cafetera. Herba cafetera. Regalènsia de garrot.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Castelló. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza. Formentera. Cabrera.

General distribution (Phytogeography): South Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Terophyte.

Habitats: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Disturbed zones and uncultivated fields.

Characteristics: Herbaceous plant that can reach half a metre in height; the leaves are composite with a terminal foliole, as in all species of the genus Astragalus. Flowers are whitish and grouped into inflorescences on the upper portion of the peduncle. The legumes are large-sized, and triangularly sectioned. Cannot be confused with any other Astragalus species, as Astragalus hamosus has arched legumes and is smaller sized. Flowers at the end of winter until spring.