Round-leaved Psoralea (Hoita orbicularis)

Hoita orbicularis is a species of legume known by the common name round-leaved psoralea or roundleaf leather-root. It is endemic to California, where it is relatively widespread throughout the state's mountain ranges, growing most often in moist habitat. It is a perennial herb growing prostrate or nearly so at ground level with large leaves each made up of three round leaflets up to 11 centimeters (4 1⁄4 in) long each. The herbage is glandular and often hairy. The inflorescence is an erect raceme which may be up to 35 centimeters (13 2⁄3 in) long. Each of the many flowers is one or two centimeters long, pealike, and generally a shade of light to medium purple in color. The fruit is a hairy, veiny legume pod just under 1 centimeter (1⁄2 in) long.