Forage Legume
Lotononis or Zornia ??
Found growing among gravel on a path adjacent to agricultural fields near Eldoret, Kenya, Africa. October 2010.
FLOWERS: Bright yellow-orange with broad banner petal appearing dorsal.
In spikes of one or few flowers. About 1 cm wide.
LEAVES: Leaves are three- or four-foliate. Fine bristle-like hairs, especially along margins.
HERB: Woody crown, but above ground portions herbaceous and mostly very
low, creeping along ground, prostrate.
FRUIT: Small, apparently one-seeded pods are enclosed in a pair of leafy
bracts.
UNARMED: no thorns.
Based on the characters this legume may belong to the tribe Crotalareae or Dalbergeae. I seek enlightenment from anyone familiar with this species.