Blackdisk medick (Medicago orbicularis)

Blackdisk medick

Also known as: Button medick, Large disk medick, Burless medick

It is wild 10 to 80 cm tall, trifoliate leaves and flowers 2 to 5 cm long, yellow, forming small clusters of one to five flowers. The legume forms a flattened spiral without very characteristic spines that allows it to be easily identified from the rest of the species of the genus.

Scientific classification

Species

Blackdisk medick (Medicago orbicularis)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Yellow

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Blackdisk medick

Distribution of Blackdisk medick

Distribution Map

Blackdisk medick is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of western and central Asia, thriving in a vast range that embraces temperate zones and extends to grasslands and desert fringes. It has been introduced to various areas across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, where it has adapted to local ecosystems outside its native habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Lawns, Waste ground

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Interesting Facts

Medick is often mistaken for clover. It is said that once while Napoleon was marching across a grassland, he found a medick. He was interested in it. When he bent down to pick it, he actually avoided a bullet that was shot and survived. So medick is known as a symbol of luck.

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Care Guide for Blackdisk medick

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Blackdisk medick prefers well-drained soils and moderate drought, thriving with weekly watering. It flourishes in bright light indoors, mimicking its Mediterranean habitat, which supports better water uptake and retention during its active growth phases.

Fertilize: Fertilizing blackdisk medick with balanced nutrition enhances growth, especially in spring and summer. Use high-nitrogen fertilizers every 4-6 weeks, reducing in fall and withholding in winter. Apply at quarter strength to avoid root burn and monitor plant response to prevent over-fertilization.

Pruning: Blackdisk medick has unique disk-like seed pods and thrives with regular pruning. Prune in early spring to stimulate new growth and in late spring to manage size and remove damaged branches. Emphasize thinning for better airflow and light, enhancing vigor and minimizing disease risk.

Propagation: Blackdisk medick thrives in Mediterranean climates and well-drained soils, propagated mainly through direct seed sowing. Use a light, sandy mix and maintain consistent moisture. Seeds need light for germination, and once established, blackdisk medick self-sows through coiled seedpods.

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Images of Blackdisk medick

Distribution of Blackdisk medick

Culture

Care Guide for Blackdisk medick

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