Medicago polymorpha is
an annual or biennial herb originating in Europe and naturalized in
various districts in the Edo period. Basal parts of stems crawl on
the ground, growing to 10-60cm in height. Leaves comprise three
obovate leaflets 1-2cm long and 0.5-1.5cm wide. Stipules cut in
deeply like the teeth of a comb, and flowers, yellow, 4-5mm long,
set themselves some at leaf axils. Legumes wind themselves in
whorls, 5-6mm in diameter, spirally, with prickles like hooks on
margins. Bloom time: March-May. |