About Hoita orbicularis (Lindl.) Rydb.
Hoita orbicularis, a legume species, is commonly called roundleaf leather-root. This species is endemic to California, and is relatively widespread across the state's mountain ranges. It most commonly grows in moist habitat. It is a perennial herb that grows prostrate, or nearly prostrate, at ground level. It produces large leaves, each composed of three round leaflets that can reach up to 11 centimetres (4+1⁄4 in) long. The above-ground plant parts are glandular and often hairy. Its inflorescence is an erect raceme that can grow up to 35 centimetres (13+2⁄3 in) long. The raceme holds many flowers, each one to two centimeters long, pealike in shape, and typically colored in a shade of light to medium purple. The fruit is a hairy, veiny legume pod that measures just under 1 centimetre (1⁄2 in) long.
