Melilotus segetalis, (Brot.) Ser.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1981, Flora Europaea. Volume 2. Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, Cambridge University Press : 150

14. M. segetalis (Brot.) Ser. in DC., Prodr. 2: 187 (1825).

Erect annual 40-60 cm. Leaflets obovate-cuneate, obtuse, serrate. Lowest stipules entire, the upper dentate. Racemes c. 3 cm, dense, 30- to 50-flowered, c. 3 times as long as their subtending leaf. Corolia 4-8 mm, yellow. Legume 2-5-5-5 mm, oblong-globose, concentric-striate, yellow when ripe. Damp places. Mediterranean region, Portugal. BI Co Cr Ga G r Hs It Ju Lu Sa Si.

This species is composed of two taxa which may merit specific rank. Typical M. segetalis , from the W. Mediterranean region and C. & S. Portugal, has the legume 4-5-5-5 mm with 12-15 con­ centric striations. The second taxon, from the Mediterranean region and Portugal, has the legume 2-5-3 mm with up to 8 con­ centric striations. The correct name for the latter is uncertain.