Flemingia vestita

Flemingia vestita Benth. ex Baker f.

Flemingia vestita is a decumbent herb in the Fabaceae family, characterized by trifoliolate leaves, hairy stems, and tuberous roots. It is native to regions including Assam, China, India, Thailand, and the West Himalaya. The plant flowers in August and September, with fruiting occurring in October and November. It is notable for having stipels, a feature not previously reported in the genus. The species was once overlooked or misclassified but has been re-evaluated in recent taxonomic studies. Flemingia vestita is known as sohphlang and is used traditionally for its anthelmintic properties. Its edible tuberous roots are consumed in some Asian tribal communities.

Description

Flemingia vestita is a decumbent herb with all above-ground parts covered in white spreading hairs, yellow bulbous-based hairs, and orange globose glands. The root system includes 2–6 fusiform tubers. The stems are multi-branched, slender, and striate. Leaves are digitately trifoliolate, with the terminal leaflet measuring 1.5–4.1 × 1.2–3.7 cm. The inflorescence is a terminal head with 2–6 flowers, and the calyx is densely hairy. The corolla is purplish red, with a standard petal about 10 mm in size. The stamens are 10, diadelphous (9 + 1), with uniform anthers. Pods are reticulate-veined and sparsely pubescent. Flemingia vestita is distinguished by the presence of stipels, a feature not previously documented in the genus.