Melilotus sulcatus Desf.

Code

MEUSU

Growth form

Broadleaf

Biological cycle

Annual

Habitat

Terrestrial

Algeria: Melilotus sulcatus germinates in autumn-winter; flowering takes place from March to May.

Melilotus sulcatus is an annual plant.

Melilotus sulcatus multiplies by seeds, produced in very large numbers.

Melilotus sulcatus is a clithochorous species (very short distance dissemination).

Melilotus sulcatus can grow up to 80 cm high.

Melilotus sulcatus is a C3 species.

Algeria: Melilotus sulcatus is a frequent weed in all annual crops (winter cereals, fallow land, weeded crops) and vineyards throughout the country, as indicated by the profusion of common names. Preference for silty to clayey-silt soils whose high water retention capacity is compensated by a richness in pebbles that facilitates drainage.

Algeria: Melilotus sulcatus is an archaeophyte in winter cereals attested in Algeria, it is mentioned in the flower of the Cave Capéletti or Khanguet Si Mohamed Tahar in the Aurès, dated of 4580 B.P and excavated by Colette ROUBET

Plant of terrestrial habitat.

Local harmfulness

Algeria: Melilotus sulcatus is a secondary "weed". It has a medium ecological amplitude but does not constitute an agronomic constraint because of its limited abundance. On the other hand, it can serve as an indicator of regional ecological conditions. It is a species to be watched, because of its large distribution, during modifications of the context by an evolution of the cropping system which could result in a disruption in the relations of inter-specific competition. It is in winter cereals that this species can be very abundant, in which case it presents forms of secondary nuisance related to an increase in the difficulty of harvesting and the fact that it confers an unpleasant taste to the semolina or flour in which its seeds have been mixed. Its pods are one of the main constituents of the screenings and sorting waste. In addition, the pods are an important part of the diet of the Shaw's merion (Meriones shawi).

Medicinal: Melilotus sulcatus is a plant containing coumarin glucosides, triterpenic saponosides and flavonoids, etc. It is indicated against veno-lymphatic insufficiency (phlebitis, capillary fragility, etc.). It is indicated against veno-lymphatic insufficiency (phlebitis, capillary fragility, etc.), functional signs of hemorrhoidal crisis, nervous states and minor sleep disorders, digestive disorders. In external use, it is used in the blepharites, the conjunctivites, the inflammations of eyelids and the rings. Infuse 25 g/l of dried flowering tops and take 3 cups per day. This infusion can also be used to make eye washes.

Animal feed: M. sulcatus is a good fodder plant for ruminants, it is sought after fresh but hardens quickly.

Beekeeping: M. sulcatus is a good honey plant.

Local control

Algeria: Use clean seeds of cereals, sorted of any impurities. Melilotus sulcatus is controlled by 2,4-D in pre- or post-emergence treatment, dicamba + 2,4-D, dicamba + triasulfuron, etc.

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