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Sphaerophysa salsula

Species category

Weed

Common name

alkali swainsonpea

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

OvalOval:
Broadly elliptic.
 to globose

Size

  • Length 2–2.2 mm
  • Width 1.6–2 mm
  • Thickness 0.8–1 mm

Color

Olive to green

Texture

Moderately rough

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is small and circular.

Identification notes

RadicleRadicle:
The rudimentary root of the embryo, developing into the primary root after emergence from the seed coat.
 lobe is somewhat shorter than, and slightly divergent from, the cotyledonary lobe.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming 

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Sphaerophysa salsula (Pall.) DC.

Synonyms

Phaca salsula Pall.
Swainsona salsula (Pall.) Taubert

Sphaerophysa salsula. True seeds with a radicle lobe that is somewhat shorter than the cotyledon lobe, and is divergent slightly from the cotyledonary lobe. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Sphaerophysa salsula. True seeds with a radicle lobe that is somewhat shorter than the cotyledon lobe, and is divergent slightly from the cotyledonary lobe. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.