Fabaceae from Northwestern Argentina and Their Potential Use as Ornamentals

As a first step in the characterization of native species of Papilionoideae from Northwestern Argentina with potential use as ornamentals, we determined the life cycle and floral characteristics of 21 species. It was observed that most species are perennial herbaceous plants. In most of them, the aerial part dies in winter time leaving an innovation zone of buds which produce new shoots in the following season. Considering the growth habit, half of them are vines, while the other species are erect, semi-erect or decumbent. All species presented flowers grouped in racemes or double racemes. The flowering periods were between December and April. The predominant colours of the corolla were yellow and pink. To analyze flower size, we set three categories: 6 to 18 mm, 19 to 29 mm and larger than 29 mm. Sixteen species are included in the first category, three species in the second and two in the third. In relation to floral rewards, 80% of species produce nectar and this feature enhances their attractiveness because of pollinator's presence.