| Scorpiurus muricatus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Scorpiurus |
| Species: | S. muricatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Scorpiurus muricatus |
|
Scorpiurus muricatus is an annual leguminous plant native to southern Europe with tiny pea-like flowers and simple leaves uncharacteristic of a legume. Its contorted, pubescent pods give rise to its common name "Prickly Caterpillar". Extracts of the species have been found to have allelopathic effects on microbes of the Fusarium genus due to the high concentration of phytoalexins in the plants' tissues.[1]
This is mainly a garden plant used as a groundcover. Its densely haired pods may be added to salads for interest, but are rarely eaten.