Colutea L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1981, Flora Europaea. Volume 2. Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, Cambridge University Press : 107

33. Colutea L. 2

Deciduous shrubs. Leaves imparipinnate; leaflets entire. Stipules small. Flowers in axillary racemes. Calyx campanulate, slightly bilabiate; corolla yellow or orange-red; stamens diadelphous; stigma large, inserted obliquely on the inner edge of the style and surrounded by hairs. Legume very inflated, with papery walls, indéhiscent or dehiscent near the apex. Seeds numerous, reniform smooth.

Literature: K. Browicz, Monogr. Bot. (Warszawa) 14: 1-136 (1963).

1 Keel beaked; legume curved upwards at the apex; corolla orange-red 4. orientalis

1 Keel without beak; legume not curved upwards at the apex; corolla yellow

2 Wings longer than the keel, with a distinct spur on the lower edge 3. cilicica

2 Wings as long as or shorter than the keel, rarely slightly longer but then rounded on the lower edge, without a spur

3 Ovary glabrous, or if pubescent then the surface visible; leaflets variable, elliptical, obovate or ovate 1. arborescens

3 Ovary tomentose, the indumentum completely covering the surface; leaflets always elliptical 2. atlantica