Securigera, as currently understood, is a genus of ca. 12-13 species, native to the Mediterranean area and northeastern Africa. It is closely related to Coronilla and the generic limits of both genera were modified by Lassen (1989a). Securigera is best distinguished from Coronilla by its angled (not terete) stems.
One species, Securigera varia, is widely cultivated for ornament, forage or erosion control and now occurs far beyond its original distribution range. It is sometimes regarded as invasive, for instance in North America.
Additional alien: Securigera securidaca (L.) Degen et Dörfl. (syn.: Coronilla securidaca L.) (Medit., grain alien?).
Literature:
Lassen P (1989a) A new delimitation of the genera Coronilla, Hippocrepis, and Securigera. (Fabaceae). Willdenowia 19: 49-62.
Lassen P. (1989b) Om kroniller, släktet Coronilla, i Norden. Svensk Bot. Tidskr. 83: 83-86.
Schmidt B. (1979a) Zur Determination von Coronilla Sippen. Gleditschia 7: 33-41.
Schmidt B. (1979b) Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Sippenstruktur der Gattung Coronilla L., Feddes Repert. 90: 257-361.
Zog I.G. (1970) A contribution to the taxonomy of the genus Coronilla L. (Leguminosae). Bot. Zhurn. 55: 982-994.