Kudelmia

Kudelmia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the pea family. The genus is native to the Mediterranean region, with species found in Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Kudelmia plants are typically herbaceous perennials, growing from rhizomes. They are characterized by their pinnately compound leaves and their pea-like flowers, which are usually yellow or white.

The genus Kudelmia contains several species, though their taxonomic classification can sometimes be debated. One well-known species is Kudelmia orientalis, which is found across much of the Mediterranean basin and is sometimes cultivated for ornamental purposes. Other species may have more restricted distributions. The plants often grow in dry, rocky habitats, such as garrigue and maquis vegetation.

Reproduction in Kudelmia is primarily sexual, through seeds produced in pods, typical of the Fabaceae family. Like other legumes, Kudelmia species are capable of symbiotic nitrogen fixation, forming associations with rhizobia bacteria in their root nodules. This ability allows them to thrive in nutrient-poor soils. Historically, some Kudelmia species may have had uses in traditional medicine or as fodder, though they are not widely cultivated for these purposes today. Their ecological role is primarily as part of the Mediterranean flora, contributing to biodiversity and soil health through nitrogen fixation.