| Pediomelum hypogaeum | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Pediomelum |
| Species: | P. hypogaeum |
| Binomial name | |
| Pediomelum hypogaeum |
|
Pediomelum hypogaeum (also known as Psoralea hypogaea) is a perennial herb also known as the Little Indian Breadroot. It is found on the black soil prairies in Texas.
It has an inflorescence on stems 5-6 centimeters long, separate from the leaves, arising from a subterranean stem and deep carrot-shaped root that is 3-7 cm long. The long petioled leaves are palmately divided into 5 linear-elliptic leaflets that are 3-5 centimeters long. The flowers, borne in condensed spikes separate from the leaves, are purple and pea-like, and have a surprisingly strong scent, reminiscent of lemon furniture polish. The species has edible tuberous roots, high in protein.