Description: Perennial herbs.
Leaves alternate, imparipinnate; stipules usually united; stipels not obvious.
Inflorescences axillary, pedunculate racemes. Calyx ± campanulate, teeth much longer than tube. Corolla much exserted; standard broad; wings short. Stamens diadelphous; anthers uniform. Ovary sessile, ovules 1 or 2; style filiform, incurved; stigma terminal, minute.
Pod ± circular, compressed, indehiscent, bristly, margins ± toothed, venation reticulate and often raised and toothed.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 120 species, Europe, northern Africa & Mediterranean to C Asia. Australia: 1 species (naturalized).
Text by C. Gardner
Taxon concept:
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