Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC., Prodr. 2 (1825)
Latin for 'velvety', referring to the hairiness of the plant.

Synonyms
Desmodium lasiocarpum (P.Beauv.) DC., Desmodium latifolium (Roxb. ex Ker-Gawler) DC., Desmodium latifolium var. virgatum Miq., Desmodium longibracteatum Schindl., Desmodium velutinum var. longibracteatum (Schindl.) van Meeuwen, Desmodium virgatum (Miq.) Zoll. & Mor.,  Hedysarum lasiocarpum P.Beauv., Hedysarum latifolium Roxb., Hedysarum velutinum Willd.

Description
Shrub up to 3 m tall. Leaves alternate, simple, penni-veined, hairy. Flowers ca. 8 mm long, purple, placed in long racemes. Fruits ca. 11 mm long, yellow, beaded pods.

Ecology
In open vegetation types.

Distribution
Pan-tropical. Originally from tropical Africa and Asia.