This small shrub is displaying vibrant flowers on the Mediterranean Beds.
Containing 34 species of annuals, perennials, subshrubs and shrubs the genus Hippocrepis occurs from Europe to Pakistan, and in Macaronesia and the Arabian Peninsula. Members of the genus are characterised by their pinnate leaves, umbels or solitary flowers and nine united stamens. This species, H. emerus, is the only shrub within the genus, and occurs in open woodland and hillsides in Europe and the Caucasus. It is a deciduous shrub reaching 2m in height and usually has a slender habit. The pinnate leaves comprise up to nine leaflets, and flowers are produced from spring to autumn, and comprise two lateral petals (wings) and an erect upper petal (banner or standard) which often has a red mark on its back. The fruits are considered to resemble a scorpion’s tail, hence the common name scorpion senna. The generic name Hippocrepis means horse shoe and is applied in reference to the curved seeds of many members of the genus.