Zornia glochidiata explained

Zornia glochidiata is a leguminous herb of the Fabaceae family, it is widely distributed in the Sahel regions of West Africa. It is reputed to be an important forage plant in the region.^[1]

Morphology

It is an annual herb, with erect or decumbent stems and grows up to 45cm (18inches) tall. Compound and broad leaves, two foliate; leaflets, ovate - lanceolate, acute at apex and up to 45 x 15 mm, glabrescent or pubescent beneath.^[2] The stipules are lanceolate in shape and up to 15 mm in length.

Distribution

Zornia glochidiata is native to many countries in East, West and Southern Africa. It is known locally as dengeere or dengo among the Peul.^[3]

Uses

This plant is an important fodder for horses and other animals in the arid and semi arid grasslands of the Sahel but can cause bloating in cattle.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Gueye. F.. Moulin. L.. Sylla. S.. Ndoye. I.. Béna. G.. 2009. Genetic diversity and distribution of Bradyrhizobium and Azorhizobium strains associated with the herb legume Zornia glochidiata sampled from across Senegal. Systematic and Applied Microbiology. en. 32. 6. 387–399. 10.1016/j.syapm.2009.04.004. 19493641 .
2. Web site: Zornia glochidiata Rchb. ex DC.. 2021-06-24. www.prota4u.org.
3. Web site: THE WODAABE'S PHYSIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CATTLE. 2021-06-25. www.fao.org.
4. Tibin. Musa Ahmed Musa. Mugadam. Tibin Elkhier. Dahia. Salah Basar Hammad. Mohamed. Suleiman Ishag Abdalla. Jadalla. JumaaBarram. 2019-12-01. Effect of supplementation with Zornia glochidiata (lisaig) Meal on feed intake, nutrients digestibility and live weight change of Sudanese Desert Bucks in Kordofan. en-US. 1858-6716.