Lotus parviflorus Desf.
Family: LEGUMINOSAE
Genus: Lotus
Province distribution: Balearic Islands.
Distribution in the islands: Menorca.
General distribution (Phytogeography): West Mediterranean
IUCN Category: Least concern
Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Life-forms: Terophyte.
Habitats: Therophytic silicolous fields. Therophytics communities.
Characteristics: A Leguminosae typical of siliceous soils, generally of acid reaction. It is a very hairy, annual plant with small flowers that do not reach 10 mm, and with petals that are smaller than the calyx or only slightly longer. It can be easily mistakable for Lotus angustissimus, which lives in the same habitats. If it bears fruit it is easily distinguished, in Lotus parviflorus the pod is as long as the calyx, whereas in Lotus angustissimus the pod is much longer than the calyx. It can be distinguished from other species of Lotus because of the small size of the flower and because of its dense pilosity, infrequent in the annual cycle Lotus present in the Islands. It flowers in spring, so far it is only known in Menorca.