Scientific Nomenclature
Medicago truncatula Gaertn., 1791
Nomenclature Code: ICN (International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants)
Common Names
English: Barrel medic, Strong-spined medick, Truncated medic
French: Luzerne tronquée, Luzerne faux tribule
Arabic: الفصة المقطوعة (Fissa maktoua)
German: Gestutzter Schneckenklee
Spanish: Medicago truncado
Italian: Erba medica troncata
Botanical Synonyms:
- Medicago tribuloides Desr.
- Medicago tentaculata Willd.
- Medicago uncinata Willd.
- Medicago hornemanniana Ser
Botanical Description
General Appearance
Height: 15–40 cm
Plant densely pubescent, covered with very fine hairs
Growth: annual
Life span: 3–6 months
Flowers
Bright yellow papilionaceous flowers, 3.5-6 mm in length, arranged in clusters of 2-10 florets per pedunculate inflorescence, with peduncles approximately equal in length to the subtending leaf.
Plant Architecture Diversity
Variation in main stem phyllotaxy and spatial distribution of primary branches among different accessions, highlighting the architectural diversity of the species.
Erect to semi-erect growth habit with a dominant main stem
Spreading growth habit with wide dispersion of primary branches
Intermediate growth habit with balanced vegetative architecture
Compact growth habit with dense primary branching
Foliar Diversity
Leaf polymorphism in M. truncatula accessions displaying remarkable foliar diversity, with trifoliate leaves varying in leaflet shape , margin structure, surface pubescence, and characteristic necrotic spot patterns
Pubescent leaflets with chlorosis and necrosis
Finely denticulate margins, dense pubescence, and irregular dark necrotic spots on the leaf surface.
Trifoliate leaves with localized necrotic patches
Broadly obovate to suborbicular leaflets with smooth margins
Pod Architectural Diversity
Pod polymorphism in M. truncatula showcasing genotypic variations in helical coiling intensity, number of gyres, spine distribution, and overall pod architecture from compact to open discoid morphotypes
Compact helical pod with dense spines - 4-5 tight coils
Open discoid pod with sparse spines - 2-3 loose coils
Intermediate spiral pod with moderate spines - 3-4 coils
