Lotus purpureus
Lotus purpureus
- Native to:
- Cape Verde
Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project (www.flickr.com),Hans Hillewaert,Hans Hillewaert,Hans Hillewaert,Liliane ROUBAUDI [CC BY-SA], via Tela Botanica,Hans Hillewaert,Hans Hillewaert,Laura Morelli,S.liakas,Robert Flogaus-Faust,S.liakas,Laura Morelli,gailhampshire (www.flickr.com) from Cradley, Malvern, U.K,Salicyna,Salicyna,gailhampshire (www.flickr.com) from Cradley, Malvern, U.K
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Lotus
- Species:
- Lotus purpureus
- USDA Symbol:
- LOPU7
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, pink, white
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, prefers low fertility
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Scarification by nicking or soaking in hot water greatly improves germination. Seeds have hard seed coats typical of legumes.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI