''Lotus maroccanus'' is a species of plant in the pea family that is native to morocco. It grows in shrublands and in sandy areas. It may grow alongside roads and near the ocean among coastal sand dunes. It is a perennial

herbaceous plant Herbaceous plants are vascular plants that have no persistent woody stems above ground. This broad category of plants includes many perennials, and nearly all annuals and biennials. Definitions of "herb" and "herbaceous" The fourth edition o ...

that resembles a shrub. It is noted for being particularly salt tolerant. In its native habitat it is a winter growing species and is frost tolerant, but is killed by low temperatures. The foliage is palatable to deer and rabbits outside of its native habitat.

Description

''Lotus maroccanus'' is a perennial plant that may have either a few or many stems with a thickness of as much as 10 centemeters at their base. The stems may branch many times or just a few and also may either grow upwards or along the ground (). The stems are covered in dense to very dense hairs that are 0.1–1.8 millimeters long. Their growth can make them resemble a low growing shrub. Stems may be up to 47 cm long 2.5 mm thick. Its root is tough and woody. They have wide, compound leaves.

Taxonomy

''Lotus maroccanus'' was scientifically described by John Ball in 1873.

External links

Plant Biodiversity of South-Western Morocco – ''Lotus maroccanus''
(photographs)

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q15436324 maroccanus Endemic flora of Morocco