Lotononis

Lotononis is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. It belongs to the subfamily Papilionoideae. The genus comprises approximately 70 species, most of which are native to Africa. These plants are typically herbaceous or shrubby and are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and rocky outcrops.

Species within Lotononis often exhibit trifoliate leaves, meaning each leaf is composed of three leaflets. The flowers are usually yellow and are arranged in racemes or clusters. The fruit is a pod, characteristic of the legume family, which contains seeds. Some species have adaptations for arid environments, such as drought tolerance.

Lotononis species play a role in their ecosystems, contributing to soil nitrogen fixation through their symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria. While not widely cultivated for economic purposes, some species may have local uses, though these are not extensively documented. Research into the genus often focuses on its taxonomy, biogeography, and ecological interactions. The diversity within Lotononis reflects the varied environmental conditions across its native range.