Illinois Bundleflower


 

 

 

Illinois Bundleflower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Names:Illinois Bundleflower

Other Names: Donkey Bean, Prickle Weed,

Scientific(Latin)Name:Desmanthus llinoensis

Plant family:Fabaceae


Desmanthus illinoensis #4                             

http://www.southeasternflora.com/view_flora.asp?plantid=883#        http://michiganflora.net/species_images/large/9020.jpg

Illinois Bundle-flower, Desmanthus illinoensis (13)File:Desmanthus illinoensis seeds.jpghttp://azarius.net/images/resize/detail/dillinoensis.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/Desmanthus_illinoensis_seeds.jpg

 

Cleome Rosehttp://www.catnapin.com/WildFlowers/Flowers-W/wwBall.htp

http://www.outsidepride.com/seed/flower-seed/illinois-bundleflower.html

 

 

 

 

 

   http://grownative.org/native-plant-info/seedling-identification/illinois-bundleflower/

Illinois Bundleflower Juvenile  Illinois Bundleflower Seedling  Illinois Bundleflower Distinguishing Characteristics   

      http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~kenr/prairiephotos/dalepurp.root.jpg

The juvenile plant of the Illinois Bundle Flower          The seedling plant of the Illinois Bundle Flower.   The Characteristics on the Illinois Bundle Flower

 

Interesting Facts: There can be up to 8-12 pairs of even Pinnate leaves. They can't tolerate heat. In the heat the leaves close up.

In the heat the leaves close up to save water, and energy. The leaves are prickly.

The term " Donkey Bean" comes from Central America where Desmanthus is highly regarded as a fodder for donkeys which are valued domestic drought animals.

Flowers produce cluster flat scythe shaped pods each about 1 to 1.5 inches long and containing 2 to 6 seeds.The pods generaily spilt open at maturing and brown seed are exposed or at least a position to be scattered by wind or wildlife.

The Bundleflower was a minor medical plant for the Native Americans.

The Ohmaha and Ponca tribes called it Rattle Plant because the seeds in the pods were used by children for rattles.

The Pawnees used the boiled leaves to make a wash that relieved itching.

Reid says that Demanthus Virgatus ranges from "leggy" plants in the humid tropics to compact bushes in the semi-arid zones.

 

Threats: Rabbits, rodents, grass hoppers, and leaf hoppers are the main threats to Illinois Bundle flower. 30% of the wetlands go away a year,

so the bundle flower is becoming endangered. Poor tolerance of medium and heavy shade. Leaves are sensitive to external stimuli.

Grass fires will kill seeds on the soil surface.  Low D.M production.

 

 

Characteristics: About 2-4 feet tall. High rate of seed production. It has a smooth and bushy feeling. The root is a tap-root.

Numerous, tiny paired leaflets appearing fern like. Germination is greatly enhanced by seeds scarification. Unlike many prairies perennials, the Illinois Bundle flower sets seedling its first year of growth. Produces a flat sickle -shaped pod that persist into winter. Leaves are senstive to tough. Flowers have white petals with yellow anthers. Each flower has fine,long stem that provide a fuzzy appearance. Plants are smooth and bushy and produce small round flower clusters.

 

Habitat: This plant is native to prairies, river banks, and fields; prefers sandy, loamy and clay soils; requires drained soil; cannot be grown in the shade. Mostly in sandy habitats can find it in black soil prairies.

 

Bloom period: June-August/mid July

 

Bibliography:www.discover life.org,plants.USDA.gov,Wikipedia,the land institute, Forestry  images, Tropical Forages, U.S.D.A NRCS Plant Guide, Guide to Kansas plants, Prairie Moon Nursery, Seed ID guide, Erowid Desmanthus Ilinoenois/

 

 http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQW1iQejI71BT7LB9MjUBwdh_pz11QnhlmoQ1THcN4Z8uAos768

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Disclaimer-The information in the Prairie Plant Guide was collected and composed by the 5th graders, we apologize for an inaccuracies.)

 

 

 

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