Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC.) Urb.

Sheded, Mohamed G., Ayed, Fatma A. A., Radwan, Tarek A. A. & Ahmed, Dalia A., 2024, Contribution to Egypt’s Flora: new records from Nile Islands, South Valley, Egypt, Phytotaxa 660 (1), pp. 22-34 : 30

Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC.) Urb.

The common name of M. atropurpureum is Siratro, purple bush-bean ( Da Costa et al. 2022). It was originally described by De Candolle (1825: 395) in the genus Phaseolus L. and later transferred by Urban (1928: 457) to the genus Macroptilium (Benth.) Urb. when that genus was established. Reproductively the plants are self-compatible, enabling self-pollination within the species ( Da Costa et al. 2022). Recent molecular phylogenetic investigations revealed that the genus Macroptilium (Benth.) Urb. , together with 20 other genera of legumes that occurred in a monophyletic group, is a member of the subtribe Phaseolinae ( Phaseoleae , Papilionoideae, Leguminosae ) ( Lewis et al. 2005).

The plant is commercially significant and one of the essential fodder legumes recommended by African nations and the FAO in semi-arid locations. It is used as a cover crop, feed, reduces soil erosion, and improves the N, P, K, Al, and Mn nutrients in the soil ( Cook et al. 2005, Aruna et al. 2012). It was one of the first tropical legumes to be made available for commercial usage in the 1960s. At first, it displayed a lot of promise in both commercial sowings and experiments. It was unproductive under severe grazing, according to an early study, but after approximately 15 years, concerns about the plant was growing as it persisted even under light to moderate grazing pressure ( Jones 2014). It is believed to have been introduced to Egypt with trading ships from African countries and as a fodder plant (Authors conclusion).

This species is a weed of disturbed habitats, roadsides, secondary woods, and ungrazed regions both inside and outside of its original distribution range.Along the edges of forests, it can form dense stands and smother native shrubs, grasses, and young trees ( PROTA 2017, Weeds of Australia 2017). It should be considered as an invasive species.