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Desmodium uncinatum

(Jacq.) DC. (1825)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Eudicot-Rosids Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Genus: Desmodium

‘olena (Ni‘ihau via St. John), chili clover, kikania pilipili, pilipil‘ula, pua pilipili, Spanish clover

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Erect or spreading herbs or subshrubs 3–9 dm tall.

Stems: Stems moderately to densely pubescent with long and minute hooked hairs and sparsely longer pubescent.

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves compound (trifoliolate). Alternate. Leaflets ovate to narrowly ovate, terminal one 2.5–8 cm long, 1.5–3.5 cm wide. Apex acute or sometimes obtuse. Base obtuse or somewhat cuneate. Upper surfaces glabrous or nearly so and sometimes with a pale whitish mark along midrib; lower surfaces moderately to densely appressed pubescent. Leaflet margins entire. Petioles 1.5–4 cm long. Stipules present dry and membranous, distinct. Leaflets stipellate.

Flowers: Flowers numerous in racemose inflorescences 5–15 cm long, rachis densely pubescent with minute and long hooked hairs. Flowers papilionaceous; pedicels 5–7 mm long, deciduous with articles, pubescence same as rachis, borne at base of calyx. Calyx campanulate. Corolla pink or sometimes white, 8–9 mm long, exceeding the calyx, wings oblong, keel petals. Stamens 10. Ovary superior.

Fruit: Pods subsessile; (4–)6–8–jointed; 2.5–4 cm long; densely pubescent with hooked hairs; articles depressed– obovate; 4–5 mm long; 3–4 mm wide. Seeds compressed.

Ploidy:

Habitat: Along roadsides; in pastures; and disturbed sites in mesic to wet forest.

Elevation Range: 3–1,190 m.

Historical Distribution

Images

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Uses and Culture

USES

Natural History

Statewide Status

Naturalized

Island Status

Ni'ihau(Incl. Lehua) Naturalized
Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) Naturalized
Kaua'i Naturalized
O'ahu Naturalized
Molokai Naturalized
Lana'i Naturalized
Kaho'olawe Naturalized
Maui Naturalized
Hawai'i Naturalized

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Notes

  • 3-1,190 m
  • Description digitized by Dylan Charter
  • Description digitized from the Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii
  • First collected on O'ahu in 1840-1841 (U.5. Expl. Exped. s.n., US, not seen).-Plate 90.
  • This species has long been included within Desmodium uncinotum. Yerdcourt (1979) considered D. intortum and D. uncinatum as distinct from one another based on the presence or absence of a pale whitish mark along the leaflet midrib. Degener (1934d) noted differences between the Hawaiian and South American plants of D. uncinotum and adopted D. sindwicense for the Hawaiian populations. However, there are also specimens similar to D. sandwicense from South America (Fosberg, 1968a) where it appears to be native. Fosberg (1968a) is of the same opinion as Schindler, but regarded the Hawaiian plants as a variety of the South American D. intortum. Specimens of Desmodium intortum from Hawai'i are easily separated from those of D. sandwicense by several characters indicated in the key. The white spongy pith of the stem of D. intortum has been previously overlooked. This feature does not occur in D. sandwicense. The character state in the stems of D. uncinatum and D. limense Hook. has not been studied. It seems best, at present, to treat D. sandwicense as dis- tinct until the taxonomic confusion among D. intortunt, D. Iimense, and D. uncinotum can be resolved.

Bibliography

Name Published In: Prodr. 2: 331 (1825)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:669 (Mi, Ni, K, O, Mo, L, M, Ka, H [as D. sandwicense]); POWO 2025 (Syn. D. sandwicense = D. uncinatum); Starr & Starr 2008/Chisholm s.n. BISH 55342 (Mi†, 1931)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Desmodium uncinatum East Maui, Baldwin Ave. below Makawao Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 2811 Maui BISH 1987-04-27
2 Desmodium uncinatum Tantalus - Pauoa Trail Preserved_Specimen Garber, D.W. 379 Oahu BISH 1930-04-18
3 Desmodium uncinatum Koele Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 216 Lanai BISH 1913-11-12
4 Desmodium uncinatum Jeep road between Wahiawa Bog (Kanaele Swamp) and trail to TV relay tower on Mt. Kahili; Preserved_Specimen Wagner, W.L. 5196 Kauai BISH 1983-12-22
5 Desmodium uncinatum Lualailua, S. slope of Haleakala Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 2035 Maui BISH 1920-03-19
6 Desmodium uncinatum East Maui, Makawao, Eddie Tam Center Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 2812 Maui BISH 1987-04-27
7 Desmodium uncinatum Oahu Preserved_Specimen Didrichsen, D.F. 3542 Oahu BISH 1845-01-01
8 Desmodium uncinatum Ils Sandwich - Oahu. Preserved_Specimen Rémy, J. 657 Oahu BISH 1851-01-01
9 Desmodium uncinatum Hanakapiai, Napali Coast Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 10909 Kauai BISH 1930-12-31
10 Desmodium uncinatum Mokulua islets, off Lanikai Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1936-06-14
11 Desmodium uncinatum Kamokunui Gulch, Kamananui, Waianae Range dry forest, roadside Preserved_Specimen Stone, B.C. 897 Oahu BISH 1955-07-17
12 Desmodium uncinatum Nuuanu Valley Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. Oahu BISH 1908-10-07
13 Desmodium uncinatum U.H. Campus Preserved_Specimen Octavio, A.M. Oahu BISH 1929-11-26
14 Desmodium uncinatum Kaala Preserved_Specimen Yoshinaga, E.K. Oahu BISH 1929-10-13
15 Desmodium uncinatum Olomana Preserved_Specimen Christophersen, E. Oahu BISH 1924-10-26
16 Desmodium uncinatum Tantalus Road Preserved_Specimen Forbes, A. Oahu BISH 1930-07-18
17 Desmodium uncinatum Mt. Kaala Preserved_Specimen Nitta, K. Oahu BISH 1929-10-13
18 Desmodium uncinatum Molokini Islet Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. Maui BISH 1913-02-10
19 Desmodium uncinatum Waikapu Preserved_Specimen Lyon, H.L. Maui BISH 1909-03-26
20 Desmodium uncinatum Volcano House Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. Hawaii BISH 1908-09-01
21 Desmodium uncinatum unknown Preserved_Specimen Mann, H. 26 BISH 1864-01-01
22 Desmodium uncinatum Lanai Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. Lanai BISH
23 Desmodium uncinatum East Maui, Makawao Intermediate School Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 2810 Maui BISH 1987-04-27
24 Desmodium uncinatum unknown Preserved_Specimen Hillebrand, W.B. BISH
25 Desmodium uncinatum Honolulu, Kalihi St roadside Preserved_Specimen white flowers Grant, M.L. 7355 Oahu BISH 1934-09-16
26 Desmodium uncinatum Kipapa Gulch waste place Preserved_Specimen Hosaka, E.Y. 1368 Oahu BISH 1936-03-22
27 Desmodium uncinatum Makawao, Olinda pasture Preserved_Specimen spreading; flowers pinkish, old flowers purplish Hosaka, E.Y. 2635 Maui BISH 1941-12-06
28 Desmodium uncinatum Waianae Mts., Puu Manawahua open woods Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 9898 Oahu BISH 1929-09-29
29 Desmodium uncinatum Mokuleia District: Kaaawa-Kamokunui Ridge Associated with Psidium Preserved_Specimen Flowers white, 1 foot tall Grant, M.L. 7011 Oahu BISH 1934-07-01
30 Desmodium uncinatum Wheeler Army Airfield, Schofield Plateau, Wahiawa, north side in lawns and against buildings Preserved_Specimen Scandant, lax shrub Nagata, K.M. 1381 Oahu BISH 1976-10-27
31 Desmodium uncinatum Makiki Valley moist, sunny, wood road Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 3243 Oahu BISH
32 Desmodium uncinatum East Maui, Hana Hwy ~5 miles from Paia roadside; with Sesbania, Spathoglottis, Pennisetum, and scattered Psidium trees Preserved_Specimen erect herb of 2'. Leaves tricompound; leaflets ovate with light colored area along midrib. Flowers in narrow clusters, white. Pods jointed, flat Spence, G. 128 Maui BISH 1972-12-19
33 Desmodium uncinatum ahupuaa of Halepuaa in the Puna District, on the mauka side of the Puna Trail Maunka side of trail in an area exposed to direct sunlight. Preserved_Specimen Kubo, R. 11 Hawaii BISH 1979-03-08
34 Desmodium uncinatum Ulupalakua Ranch, near roadside Preserved_Specimen Flowers ranging from chartreuse to pink or pinkish purple Wagner, W.L. 5667 Maui BISH 1986-07-12
35 Desmodium uncinatum Upper Kula Highway roadside Preserved_Specimen Upright to spreading shrub of 20-30 cm. Flowers yellow. Leaflets with whitish cloud along midrib. Nagata, K.M. 3547 Maui BISH 1986-07-25
36 Desmodium uncinatum Tantalus Drive, Honolulu roadside near top; forest Preserved_Specimen prostrate herb Swarbrick, J.T. 75 Oahu BISH 1976-01-10
37 Desmodium uncinatum Upper Waianae Valley near old homestead, moist Preserved_Specimen Baker, R.J. Oahu BISH 1933-03-12
38 Desmodium uncinatum Uluhulu Gulch, Kaena thicket Preserved_Specimen leaves pale, white mottled down middle St.John, H. 9995 Oahu BISH 1929-11-03
39 Desmodium uncinatum East Maui, Makawao Intermediate School roadsides and pastures Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 2813 Maui BISH 1987-04-27
40 Desmodium uncinatum end of Hilina Pali Road, about 200 m W of rainshelter grassland just west of pahoehoa lava flow, and north of large trailside Metrosideros (plot 2) Preserved_Specimen Newell, C.L. 961 Hawaii BISH 1967-06-22
41 Desmodium uncinatum Kiolakaa-Keaa Homesteads Addition, Kau Forest Reserve, Kau District Growing with other weedy species in planted stand of Eucalyptus with understory of Psidium cattleianum. Preserved_Specimen Sprawling shrub or vine 3' tall. Flowers pink. Cuddihy, L.W. 509 Hawaii BISH 1980-08-13
42 Desmodium uncinatum Peacock Flat, Waianae Mts roadside in dry forest area Preserved_Specimen An erect herb to 0.5 m. Leaves ternate; leaflets oval with light colored area along midrib. Pods jointed and flat. Flowers in narrow clusters Spence, G. 212 Oahu BISH 1973-09-06
43 Desmodium uncinatum SW of Lua Makika. Full sun near fence of enclosure; within the forestry planting Full sun near fence of enclosure; within the forestry planting Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. 213 Kahoolawe BISH 1980-04-25
44 Desmodium uncinatum NW slope of Haleakala; Olinda tall grass of roadside, pastures Preserved_Specimen weed Iltis, H.H. 441 Maui BISH 1967-08-04
45 Desmodium uncinatum N Halawa Valley Disturbed roadside. Preserved_Specimen Small shrub; flowers white with pink. Lennstrom, H. 1994130 Oahu BISH 1994-09-27
46 Desmodium uncinatum mouth of Pelekunu Valley, windward, just behind black sand and rocky beach on gravel and in grassy areas Preserved_Specimen corolla pale purple Wagner, W.L. 5766 Molokai BISH 1987-08-03
47 Desmodium uncinatum Lihue roadside Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 473 Kauai BISH 1916-10-04
48 Desmodium uncinatum Koko Head slopes of crater Preserved_Specimen Christophersen, E. Oahu BISH 1924-11-16
49 Desmodium uncinatum Located on the Mauna Loa Strip Road about 2.2 miles from intersection with Kona-Hilo Higway; or up Mauna Loa Strip Road about 200 meters from parking circle at Kipuka Puaulu. Plant was about 30 meters 20° north of road. (plot 19) Acacia - Sapindus savanna community Preserved_Specimen herb about 1 foot tall, purple and white flower Newell, C.L. 965 Hawaii BISH 1967-06-23
50 Desmodium uncinatum Manana Ridge Trail, Koolau Mts, Lower part of the trail near the BWS water tank In disturbed habitat; growing with Paederia foetida, Desmodium incana, and other weeds Preserved_Specimen Perennial herb, erect to spreading, ca. 45-50 cm tall; flowers white ca.5-6 plants seen Ross, M.C. 2115 Oahu BISH 2025-06-11
51 Desmodium uncinatum Hauula dry roadside Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 3242 Oahu BISH 1922-08-16
52 Desmodium uncinatum Kamuela pasture Preserved_Specimen Ewart III, G.R. 224 Hawaii BISH 1932-04-14
53 Desmodium uncinatum Na Pali Coast, Nualolo Kai Growing in Hawaiian terrace undder Leucaena leucocephala trees. Preserved_Specimen Low erect plant with woody base. Flowers white. Corn, C. 435 Kauai BISH 1979-07-20
54 Desmodium uncinatum Kiolakaa-Keaa Homesteads Addition, Kau Forest Reserve, Kau District Growing along jeep trail in disturbed Metrosideros forest. Preserved_Specimen Sprawling and climbing herbaceous weed to 3 feet tall. Flowers pink. Stems, leaves and fruit hairy. Cuddihy, L.W. 442 Hawaii BISH 1980-06-02
55 Desmodium uncinatum Waianae Mts., Kupehau Gulch firebreak, on dry soil Preserved_Specimen Cowan, R.S. 171 Oahu BISH 1946-10-13
56 Desmodium uncinatum Waikiki, Honolulu dry coral plain Preserved_Specimen Baker, R.J. Oahu BISH 1932-07-20
57 Desmodium uncinatum Waialua, cane road near Kaamooloa silty loam Preserved_Specimen herb to 3'; small white flowers in spike, sticky pods, flat Afualo, D. 73 Oahu BISH 1975-03-16
58 Desmodium uncinatum Kaluanui grassland, guava zone Preserved_Specimen Egler, F.E. 3789 Oahu BISH 1937-07-01
59 Desmodium uncinatum Upper Kula Highway roadside Preserved_Specimen Trailing shrub. Flowers lavender. Standard 7 mm long, with 2 green spots at base. Wings 7 mm enclosing the keel. Fruits chain-like, 4 cm long. Nagata, K.M. 3546 Maui BISH 1986-07-25
60 Desmodium uncinatum Kiolakaa-Keaa Homesteads Addition, Kau Forest Reserve Growing with introduced weeds along jeep trail in disturbed Metrosideros forest. Preserved_Specimen Sprawling and climbing herbaceous plant. Flowers pink. Stem with sticky hairs. Leaves and fruit also hairy. Corn, C. 228 Hawaii BISH 1980-06-02
61 Desmodium uncinatum E side of Palikea thick grass Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 10874 Oahu BISH 1936-03-01
62 Desmodium uncinatum Kiolakaa-Keaa Homesteads Addition, Kau Forest Reserve Along jeep trail in disturbed Metrosideros forest growing with other introduced plants. Preserved_Specimen Low herbaceous weed. Cuddihy, L.W. 441 Hawaii BISH 1980-06-02
63 Desmodium uncinatum Puuwaawaa, near Ranch HQ Roadside in rangeland. Preserved_Specimen Weed. Takeuchi, W.N. 5741 Hawaii BISH 1989-04-01
64 Desmodium uncinatum U.H.Campus, Klum Gym full sun; frequently mowed over Preserved_Specimen A subshrub spreading at ground level to form a mass 1 m across and to 0.4 m. Flowers pink and white Lau, J. 1689 Oahu BISH 1985-11-27
65 Desmodium uncinatum Mokuleia trail along road about 1.2 km from Peacock flats campsite. Shady, moist area. Desmodium incanum also present. Preserved_Specimen Erect scrambling herb to 3 ft, uncommon only one patch of about 20 plants seen. Flower pale pink, stems sticky due to hooked hairs. Faccenda, K. 3381 Oahu BISH 2024-04-21
66 Desmodium uncinatum Kiolakaa-Keaa Homesteads Addition, Kau Forest Reserve Growing along jeep trail in disturbed Metrosideros forest. Preserved_Specimen Sprawling and climbing herbaceous weed to 3' tall. Flowers pink. Stems, leaves and fruit hairy. Cuddihy, L.W. 443 Hawaii BISH 1980-06-02
67 Desmodium uncinatum Pahole Gulch, Waianae Mts., Waialua floor of main gulch; in dense shade of Aleurites Preserved_Specimen scandent to upright herb Nagata, K.M. 1324 Oahu BISH 1976-06-15
68 Desmodium uncinatum Nuuanu roadside Preserved_Specimen Gillespie, J.W. 1028 Oahu BISH 1927-07-01
69 Desmodium uncinatum ahupuaa of Halepuaa in the PUna Distrcit, along the Puna trail Growing on the mauka side of the trail in an area exposed to direct sunlight. Preserved_Specimen Kubo, R. 11 Hawaii BISH 1979-03-08
70 Desmodium uncinatum 3511 Round Top Dr. with Bidens alba, Chamaecrista nictitans, Dicliptera chinensis; roadside Preserved_Specimen 3-9 dm shrub, erect, spreading Ray, G. 23 Oahu BISH 1997-08-08
71 Desmodium uncinatum Palikea trail head Growing in disturbed Eucalyptus dominated forest with bamboo. Supah shetty area. Preserved_Specimen Large colony forming herbaceous shrub being an A-hole and taking over the pathway. Flowers pale pink, leaflets small kine variegated with a light green patch along the midvein. Flowers mostly terminal but sometimes on axilary shoots. Thomas, M.K. 562 Oahu BISH 2022-11-03
72 Desmodium uncinatum Puna, Kalapena pasture Preserved_Specimen subdecumbent, spreading Hosaka, E.Y. 1391 Hawaii BISH 1936-07-01
73 Desmodium uncinatum Roadside near Waiohinu, Kau District Preserved_Specimen Sprawling shrub w/minute, hooked hairs. Flowers magenta, turning blue w/ age, 1 cm long. Nagata, K.M. 2950 Hawaii BISH 1984-06-07
74 Desmodium uncinatum Kapoho - Green Lake Preserved_Specimen Viney, flowers fuschia Stemmermann, R.L. 6878 Hawaii BISH 1984-02-04
75 Desmodium uncinatum Tantalus - Pauoa Trail Preserved_Specimen Garber, D.W. 379 Oahu BISH 1930-04-18
76 Desmodium uncinatum SW of Lua Makika. Full sun near fence of enclosure; within the forestry planting Full sun near fence of enclosure; within the forestry planting Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. 213 Kahoolawe BISH 1980-04-25
77 Desmodium uncinatum Honolulu. Roadside along Manoa Rd Preserved_Specimen Sprawling shrub. Flowers lilac to almost white. Standard broadly orbicular to obovate, 1 cm; keel 1 cm, with 2 green spots along center. Leaflets with whitish cloud along midrib. Nagata, K.M. 2838 Oahu BISH 1984-02-29
78 Desmodium uncinatum Kula Hwy. near Ulupalakua, East Preserved_Specimen Sprawling shrub with retorsed hairs. Leaflets with whitish cloud along midrib. Flowers pink Nagata, K.M. 3194 Maui BISH 1985-03-11
79 Desmodium uncinatum Keanakakoi dump Preserved_Specimen Flowers lavender; semi-prostrate, 6' long Fagerlund, G.O. 448 Hawaii BISH 1943-03-09
80 Desmodium uncinatum Parking lot, Kipuka Puaulu, HVNP Preserved_Specimen Erect, 30 cm ht. Flowers pale pink. Nagata, K.M. 3705 Hawaii BISH 1987-10-03
81 Desmodium uncinatum East Maui, Makawao Intermediate School Preserved_Specimen Racemes simple, flowers showy pink Hobdy, R.W. 2809 Maui BISH 1987-04-27
82 Desmodium uncinatum Kipuka Puaulu, HVNP, parking lot Preserved_Specimen Erect, 30 cm; flowers pale pink Nagata, K.M. 3075 Hawaii BISH 1987-10-03
83 Desmodium uncinatum East Maui, Makawao Intermediate School Preserved_Specimen Racemes simple, flowers showy pink Hobdy, R.W. 2809 Maui BISH 1987-04-27
84 Desmodium uncinatum Roadside near Waiohinu, Kau District Preserved_Specimen Sprawling shrub w/minute, hooked hairs. Flowers magenta, turning blue w/ age, 1 cm long. Nagata, K.M. 2949 Hawaii BISH 1984-06-07
85 Desmodium uncinatum Roadside, near Captian Cook, S Kona Preserved_Specimen Sprawling shrub. Flowers pinkish-purple. Nagata, K.M. 2784 Hawaii BISH 1984-01-09
86 Desmodium uncinatum Roadside near Waiohinu, Kau District Preserved_Specimen Sprawling shrub w/minute, hooked hairs. Flowers magenta, turning blue w/ age, 1 cm long. Nagata, K.M. 2948 Hawaii BISH 1984-06-07
87 Desmodium uncinatum Miki Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 299 Lanai BISH 1928-02-06
88 Desmodium uncinatum W Maui, Lahaina District, Mahinahina, growing in the vicinity of the Honokohau Ditch Preserved_Specimen Shrubs 0.5m ht; flowers yellow. Oppenheimer, H.L. 40010 Maui BISH 2000-04-07
89 Desmodium uncinatum Puuwaawaa, near Ranch HQ roadside Preserved_Specimen Takeuchi, W.N. 5741 Hawaii BISH 1989-04-01
90 Desmodium uncinatum Roadside near Waiohinu, Kau District Preserved_Specimen Sprawling shrub w/minute, hooked hairs. Flowers magenta, turning blue w/ age, 1 cm long. Nagata, K.M. 2951 Hawaii BISH 1984-06-07
91 Desmodium uncinatum Kahoolawe, wind-swept plateau Wind-swept plateau Preserved_Specimen Bryan Jr., E.H. 727 Kahoolawe BISH 1931-02-13
92 Desmodium uncinatum Kealia trail Preserved_Specimen Bennett, T. 252 Oahu BISH 1982-03-25
93 Desmodium uncinatum Makaha Valley, Waianae Mts scrubby trail Preserved_Specimen Hasegawa, M. Oahu BISH 1932-04-03
94 Desmodium uncinatum Palawai Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 373 Lanai BISH 1928-08-01
95 Desmodium uncinatum Kilauea, upper end of Bird Park Road Preserved_Specimen clumps, branched at base; stems decumbent to ascending; flowers dull purple Fosberg, F.R. 45152 Hawaii BISH 1964-03-14
96 Desmodium uncinatum Slopes of Makiki Preserved_Specimen Heller, A.A. 1968 Oahu BISH 1895-04-05
97 Desmodium uncinatum bottom of Mahanaloa Valley to jct. with Kuia Valley Preserved_Specimen Wagner, W.L. 5067 Kauai BISH 1983-08-31
98 Desmodium uncinatum Waianae Mts., Kupehau Gulch, lower part Preserved_Specimen Wilbur, R.L. 298 Oahu BISH 1947-11-06
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