Description: Prostrate or climbing herbs.
Leaves alternate, pinnately 3-foliolate; lower surface of leaflets gland-dotted, lateral leaflets asymmetric; terminal petiolules more than 4 times longer than lateral petiolules; stipules linear-lanceolate; stipels minute or absent.
Inflorescences axillary racemes, rarely solitary; bracts caducous; bracteoles absent. Calyx with upper 2 teeth united. Standard auriculate; keel incurved. Stamens diadelphous; anthers uniform. Ovary usually 2-ovuled; style incurved; stigma terminal.
Pod compressed, frequently glandular, 2-seeded.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 300 species, tropical & subtropical regions. Australia: 7 species (native), all mainland States except Vic.
Text by C. Gardner & T. A. James
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Leaflets more than 5 cm long, apex acuminate; racemes shorter than leaves | Rhynchosia acuminatissima |
| Leaflets less than 5 cm long, apex obtuse to sub-acute; racemes longer than leaves | 2 |
| 2 | Pods with short, fine hairs only | Rhynchosia minima |
| Pods with both short, fine hairs and long, tuberculate hairs
Back to 1 | Rhynchosia australis |
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