| Chamaecrista fasciculata | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Chamaecrista |
| Species: | C. fasciculata |
| Binomial name | |
| Chamaecrista fasciculata Michx. |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Cassia fasciculata |
|
Chamaecrista fasciculata (Partridge Pea) is a species of legume native to most of the eastern United States.[1] It is an annual which grows to approximately 0.5 meters tall.[1] It has bright yellow flowers from early summer until first frost,[2] with flowers through the entire flowering season if rainfall is sufficient.[1]
The flowers are hermaphroditic (contain both male and female parts) although a small number of plants (less than 5%) do not produce sufficient pollen to reproduce as males (and are thus called male steriles). This phenomenon has been studied in a variety of plants as a possible evolutionary step towards dioecy (in which male and female flowers occur on separate plants).[2] C. fasciculata is pollinated only by bees.[3] The gene dispersal via pollen transfer and seed dispersal averaged 17.6 square meter neighborhood area.[4]
It thrives in areas that have been burned recently, but will decline in numbers in the years following a fire.[1] It is considered an excellent choice for planting in disturbed areas, as it will quickly cover an area, preventing erosion, and decline as other plants become established.[1] It is also grown as an ornamental or for honey production.[1]