Definition

Noun: 1. A genus of flowering plants: Oxytropis is a large and widely distributed genus of perennial herbaceous plants or low shrubs in the legume family (Fabaceae). They are characterized by having odd-pinnate leaves (a leaf with a central axis and an odd number of leaflets) and flowers arranged in racemes or spikes. Each flower has a distinct pea-like structure with a keel petal that is typically elongated into a pointed beak or "claw."

Usage Notes

• The word is a scientific genus name. It is always capitalized and is typically used in botanical, ecological, or horticultural contexts.
• It is often followed by a species name to identify a specific plant (e.g., , ).
• In common language, plants in this genus are frequently referred to as "locoweeds" (especially in North America), due to the toxic effects some species have on livestock that consume them.

Examples

• Scientific Context:

  • The genus Oxytropis contains over 300 accepted species.
  • Several species of Oxytropis are known to accumulate selenium from the soil.
  • The researcher identified the plant as Oxytropis sericea based on its hairy pods and flower structure.

• General/Ecological Context:

  • Cattle grazing in the pasture should be monitored for consumption of Oxytropis.
  • The purple flowers of the Oxytropis added a splash of color to the alpine meadow.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Hierarchy: In scientific classification, is placed within the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae (or Papilionoideae), and tribe Galegeae. Its close relatives include the genera (milkvetches) and (licorice).

Variants and Related Words

• Locoweed (n.): A common name for various toxic plants in the genera and that cause "locoism" (neurological poisoning) in animals.
• Crazyweed (n.): Another common name for species, synonymous with "locoweed."
• Point-vetch: A less common name sometimes used for , referring to the pointed keel of the flower.

Synonyms

• Locoweed (common name, but note: this term can also refer to species)
• Crazyweed (common name)

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Astragalus (n.): A closely related genus in the same plant family, often similar in appearance and also containing species called locoweeds.
• Fabaceae (n.): The legume or pea family, to which belongs.
• Pea flower (n.): A description of the flower shape characteristic of the family Fabaceae, which includes a banner, wings, and a keel.

Noun

1. large widely-distributed genus of evergreen shrubs or subshrubs having odd-pinnate leaves and racemose or spicate flowers each having a pea-like corolla with a clawed petal