Hedysarum coronarium L.
Diagnostic description:
A pubescent, woody-based perennial about 30 cm tall, but with spreading branches that may reach up to 1 m long. Leaves imparipinnate with obovate to elliptical leaflets between 2 and 3.5 cm long, and which are almost hairless above and pubescent underneath. Flowers 1.5 to 2 cm long, carmine-red, in dense racemes from 10 to 15 cm long.
Distribution:
Local: Rare in Gibraltar. Found mainly on Windmill Hill Flats and Europa Point. Grows on open ground.
Global: Also found in south-west Spain and introduced elsewhere in the Mediterranean region.
Ecology:
Flowers between March and April (May).
Uses:
Grown as an ornamental plant and also as animal fodder.