Fabaceae

Comparison Chart for Species of Fabaceae

Character	Medicago lupulina	Medicago polymorpha	Medicago sativa	Melilotus albus	Melilotus indicus	Melilotus officinalis	Trifolium repens
seed surface	smooth dull ± solid-colored	smooth dull ± solid-colored to finely mottled	smooth dull ± solid-colored to finely mottled	smooth to sparsely tuberculate dull ± solid-colored	rough (tuberculate) dull ± solid-colored	smooth dull ± solid-colored to distinctly mottled	smooth (finely reticulated) dull to semi-glossy ± solid-colored
seed length	1.2–2 mm	(2.2)2.5–3.5 mm	(1.5)2–2.5(3) mm	1.8–2.2(3) mm	1.5–2.3 mm	(1.7)2–3 mm	0.8–1.6 mm
hilum position	ca. 1/3 way along long axis	1/3–1/2 way along long axis	1/3–1/2 way along long axis	near end (usually ca. 1/4 way along long axis)	near end (<1/3 way along long axis)	near end (usually ca. 1/4 way along long axis)	near end (<1/3 way along long axis)
long axis twisted?	no	yes	yes	no	no	no	no

*Note: It may not be possible to determine species based on seed alone. See fact sheets for more character differences, especially with regard to fruits.