Pediomelum cuspidatum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pediomelum cuspidatum |
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Pediomelum
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P. cuspidatum
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Pediomelum cuspidatum is a special plant known by a few names. Some people call it the buffalo pea. Others know it as the largebract Indian breadroot or the tall-bread scurf-pea. It is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. You can find this plant growing in the black soil prairies of Texas.
This plant grows from a deep, carrot-shaped root. This root can be 4 to 15 centimeters long. It also has an underground stem. From these, stems grow up to 18-40 centimeters tall. These stems hold the plant's flower clusters.
The leaves of Pediomelum cuspidatum are quite interesting. They have long stems called petioles. Each leaf is divided into 5 smaller, finger-like parts called leaflets. These leaflets are about 2-4 centimeters long. They have a narrow, oval shape.
The flowers of this plant are light blue and look like small peas. They grow in tight clusters from where the leaves meet the stem.
Uses of the Buffalo Pea
The Pediomelum cuspidatum plant starts to grow in the late spring. It does not produce many seeds. This is different from its smaller relative, Pediomelum hypogaeum, which makes many seeds.
The roots of the buffalo pea plant can be eaten. They are like small tubers. However, some people say that these roots can taste a bit bitter.
