| Ebenus cretica | |
|---|---|
| |
| Flowers of Ebenus cretica at the Jardin des Plantes, Paris | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Ebenus |
| Species: | E. cretica |
| Binomial name | |
| Ebenus cretica L. | |
Ebenus cretica, common name Cretan ebony, is a leguminous small shrub in the family Fabaceae.
Description
Ebenus cretica can reach a height of 50–100 centimetres (20–39 in). This perennial flowering plant has composite pubescent leaves and bright pink or purple flowers, on 5–20 centimetres (2.0–7.9 in) long racemes. These flowers bloom from late March to June.
Distribution
This species is native to the Mediterranean island of Crete. It grows on rocky hillsides or on steep cliffs, at an elevation of 0–600 metres (0–1,969 ft) above sea level.
References
- Encyclopedia of Life entry
- "Ebenus cretica". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
- J.C. Vlahos and M. Dragassaki Propagation of Cretan Silver Bush (Ebenus cretica L.), A Potential New Flower Crop