orphana

Orphana is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. The genus is native to the Mediterranean region, with a few species extending into Africa and Asia. Orphana is characterized by its small, yellow or white flowers that are typically borne in racemes or panicles. The leaves are pinnate, with 3 to 7 leaflets, and the fruit is a pod containing one or more seeds.

The genus Orphana was first described by the French botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1786. It is named after the Greek word "orphanos," meaning "orphan," which refers to the lack of a known ancestor for the genus within the Fabaceae family. The genus is closely related to the genera Lathyrus and Oxytropis.

Orphana species are often used in traditional medicine and as ornamental plants. They are valued for their attractive flowers and their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making them useful in agriculture. Some species are also used as cover crops to improve soil health.

The genus Orphana includes approximately 10 species, with the most well-known being Orphana candida, which is native to the Mediterranean region and has white flowers. Other species include Orphana purpurea, which has purple flowers, and Orphana lutea, which has yellow flowers.