Melilotus elegans Salzm. ex Ser.

Spice Detail fruit Flower In the field

Family: LEGUMINOSAE

Genus: Melilotus

Catalan common name: Melilot elegant.

Spanish common name: Meliloto.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Girona. Tarragona. València.

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

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Terophyte.

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

Characteristics: An erect plant (50-100(200) cm.) with an inflorescence with abundant and yellow flowers grouped at the distal part in racemes. Leaves are trifoliate and very pedunculate. Differs form the rest of the genus Melilotus: by its superior stipules, which are tightly linear and entire; and the spherical fruits, with very marked transversal ribs, irregular in distribution, young fruits are glaborous. A classification key is necessary for the correct identification of the members of this genus.