Pediomelum cuspidatum

Taxobox
name = "Pediomelum cuspidatum"


image_width = 250px
status = LC
status_source = iucn3.1
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Fabales
familia = Fabaceae
genus = "Pediomelum"
species = "P. cuspidatum"
binomial = "Pediomelum cuspidatum"

"Pediomelum cuspidatum" (also known as "Psoralea cuspidata") is a perennial herb also known as the Buffalo Pea and the Tall-bread Scurf-pea. It is found on the black soil prairies in Texas. It has an inflorescence on stems 18-40 centimeters long arising from a subterranean stem and deep carrot-shaped root that is 4-15 cm long. The long petioled leaves are palmately divided into 5 linear-elliptic leaflets that are 2-4 centimeters long. The flowers, borne in condensed spikes from the leaves, are light blue and pea-like.

Cultivation and uses

"P. cuspidata" emerges in late Spring, and sets few seeds, unlike its smaller, fecund cousin "Pediomelum hypogaeum".The species has edible tuberous roots, although some sources describe it as 'bitter'.

References

* Delena Tull (1987), "Edible and Useful Pants of Texas and the Southwest", pgs 86-87
* H.D. Harrington (1967), "Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains", pg 206