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Lotus berthelotii Masf., Anales Soc. Esp. Hist. Nat. 10:160. 1881 (Syn: (=) Lotus peliorhynchus Hook. f.);
Lotus berthelotii is a perennial plant endemic to the Canary Islands, in the genus Lotus. This plant is either extinct in the wild or persists as a few individuals. In 1884 it was already classed as “exceedingly rare” and plant collection probably hastened its decline. Lotus berthelotii has a creeping or trailing habit, with leaves divided into 3-5 slender leaflets, each leaflet 1–2 cm long and 1 mm broad, densely covered with fine silvery hairs. The flowers are orange-red to red, peaflower-shaped, but slender, 2–4 cm long and 5–8 mm broad. (Ref. Wikipedia– 15.3.13);
identify this plant, from Riyadh , KSA : 5 images.
Please help me to identify this plant, from Riyadh , KSA
Creeping habit, ash coloured leaves, seems to be a Papilionaceae member. I hope Lotus barthelotii Coral gem, pelican’s beak
Lotus berthelotii, the Coral gem or Pelican’s beak is a good example of how an endemic species which extinct in wild in Canary Islands, still surviving in cultivation because of its beautiful flowers. We never see its fruits.
Internet sources (Wikipedia) tell us the following
The flowers of Lotus berthelotii and some other Canary Island species appear to be adapted for bird pollination. It was once thought that the original pollinators of these plants (and other genera such as Isoplexis and Canarina) were sunbirds which had become extinct on the Canary Islands, explaining why they are rare and considered endangered species (Vogel 1954; Vogel et al. 1984; Valido et al. 2004). However more recent work has shown that these plants are adequately pollinated by non-specialist flower visiting birds, particularly the Canary Islands Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus canariensis), and in fact show some specific adaptations to infrequent pollination by these birds, such as extended flower lifespans.[1]
This interesting plant I found this year only being sold in Farmers Market in California, looking something like Clianthus puniceus but with much narrower leaf segments. The seller could utter only Lotu. I could connect the rest when I came home. Incidentally both are known as parrot beak. Lotus berthelotii from California-GSNOV02/02 : 2 posts by 2 authors. Attachments (3) Lotus berthelotii Lowe ex Masf., Anales Soc. Esp. Hist. Nat. 10:160. 1881
Creeping or trailing herb; leaves with 3-5 slender linear leaflets, barely 1 mm broad, 1-2 cm long, covered with silvery hairs; flowers orange-red to red, 2-4 cm long, narrow, barely 5-8 mm long, bird pollinated.
Endemic to Canary Islands, often cultivated. Photographed from SFO Zoo, California.
Really a very beautiful plant, thanks for showing Sir !!
References:
GRIN (Author citation different from The Plant List) The Plant List Ver. 1.1 ILDIS Wikipedia Lotus berthelotii – Missouri Botanical Garden
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