Clianthus

views updated May 29 2018

Clianthus (family Leguminosae, subfamily Papilionatae) A genus of legumes that bear large, red, pea-like flowers on erect peduncles and have soft, grey stems and leaves. C. formosus (Sturt's desert pea) is the emblem of the state of S. Australia. It grows rapidly in dry regions following rain and forms a scrambling plant up to 2 m high. The genus comprises 2 species, one found in Australia and the other in New Zealand.

More From encyclopedia.com