What is Trifolium Repens Plant?
Trifolium Repens It is a herbaceous plant that can live for two years. This plant originates from the Fabaceae family of beans. It is native to Europe and Central Asia and is the most widely cultivated species of alfalfa. It was introduced around the world as a forage crop and is now common in North America, Australia and New Zealand grasslands. It is often called “white clover”. Moreover, it is sometimes called “Dutch clover” for the intermediate varieties and “Ladino clover” for the larger varieties. The plant reaches 0.25 to 0.50 feet in height and spreads 1.00 to 1.50 feet in width. The plant blooms from May to June and is usually white.
| common name | white clover |
|---|---|
| You can live the Zwaya | Trifolium Repens |
| Other Common Names | English: Dutch clover
Spanish: Trebol; Tripol Blanco Tripol Rastrero French: Trefle blanc; Trifle outbreak Portuguese: Trevo Branco; Trevo Rastero |
| family | legumes |
| General description | This is a creeping herbaceous plant often encountered in spring and winter. |
| flowers | Small flowers with a peak from white to pale pink and are arranged in dense spherical clusters. |
| tree leaves | Alternate arranged sheets are hairless. The leaves have three leaflets with pear V-shaped markings. |
| fruit / berries | Small pods are hidden under the flowers, and each fruit has three to four seeds. |
Trifolium Repens . Distribution
Trifolium Repens A plant native to Europe and Central Asia. Globally, it is fed as a crop. The plant grows in temperate and subtropical regions and is common in grasses, lawns, gardens, roadsides, open woodlands, and alpine plants.
This alfalfa plant has been widely used as a model organism for global research in ecology and urban development. The plant has been extensively studied for cyanide production. Cyanide is useful for alfalfa plants as a deterrent to herbivores. When analyzing the differences between urban and rural areas, it was discovered that cyanide production increased with increasing distance from city centers.
Varieties and subspecies of Trifolium Repens
Here are the types of Trifolium Repens plants:
- Trifolium repens subsp. macrorrhizum
- Trifolium repens var. Nevadens
- Trifolium repens var. ochranthum
- Trifolium repens var. Orbelikum
- Trifolium repens var. orphans
- Trifolium repens subsp. prostate
Trifolium Repens . cultivation
Trifolium Repens is the most important forage plant in temperate regions. This plant is usually grown in a mixture of forage grasses. Such a combination improves livestock production and reduces the risk of bloating in livestock associated with excess vegetation. This mixture also helps avoid problems arising from ingesting cyanogenic glycoside from pure alfalfa varieties. The plant grows well as a companion plant among lawns, cereal plants, vegetable rows, and pasture grasses. It is often added to weed seed mixes, providing a green cover for poor soil conditions. These plants can also tolerate mowing and grazing and grow on different soil types and pHs. Trifolium Repens Grassland management is also considered organic due to its ability to fix nitrogen and compete with weeds.
Uses of Trifolium Repens
There are multiple uses for this plant. Here are some of these:
It has a high nutritional value. The plant can tolerate grazing. The plant fixes nitrogen, improves soil, and provides pollen and nectar for pollinators. The plant produces high-quality pastures for grazing. It is an excellent feed for livestock and poultry.
The leaves and flowers of the plant are valuable food for survival. The plant is rich in protein, widespread, abundant. It is not easily digestible raw but can be eaten after five to ten minutes of boiling. Dried species of the plant can be smoked as a substitute for tobacco.
In India, this plant is considered a folk medicine for treating worms.
Trifolium Repens . Care Guide
Trifolium Repens does not require much care. Placing them in slightly acidic soil with good drainage and not letting the soil dry out completely helps the plant’s growth.
The plant does well in partial sun, however, and can be planted next to plants that get full sunlight.
The most important requirement for the soil is that it has good drainage.
The plant does best in evenly moist soil. It can tolerate dry ground, but this will hinder the spread of the plant.
Since the plant itself acts as a nitrogen fixer, there is no point in using fertilizers. It helps the plant provide nitrogen for other plants to feed on and hinders the growth of other weeds.
Agriculture problems
The plant is aggressive in growth and considered a lot of weed, especially for those who wish to eradicate their lawns. The plant is susceptible to attack by pests and diseases. The clover root weevil has been identified as the most dangerous pest. This pest feeds on leaves and nitrogen-fixing nodules. This reduces the nitrogen fixing capabilities and general vitality of the plant.
The plant may also become infected with viruses and bacteria. An example is alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), which causes yellow streaks to appear parallel to the leaf veins, distorting leaves and stunting plant growth. To address this, plant varieties that are resistant to it should be used. Root rot infection may occur where some roots are tan to red and seedlings become infected. Maintaining the soil and the ideal soil pH can help protect the plant from disease.
reproduction
The Trifolium Repens The plant is the most widespread alfalfa in the world. It performs well in many types of soil but is best in well-drained clay or loam. The plant grows optimally at pH 5.5 and 7.0. The plant tolerates shade, mowing and field traffic well, and therefore is suitable for use as a cover crop. Alfalfa is grown by digging or broadcasting. The plant is often planted inside pastures or with weed seeds to create a mixed pasture.
conclusion
In general, people are not familiar with the plant until it sprouts the white flowers that attract blooms in late spring. The amazing part of this plant is its ability to spread and form mats. Some consider the plant a herb. In the United States, it is known as an invasive plant because it grows so vigorously. Since it is a nitrogen-fixing plant, it is used in crop rotation and is also a good forage plant for livestock.
questions and answers
The most cultivated form of this plant is?
White clover is the most cultivated in the world.
How fast is this plant growing?
White clover breeds in mats. Trifolium Repens can germinate in a few days and multiply quickly.
When does this plant bloom?
Clover blooms in spring and throughout the first part of summer.
Does the plant attract butterflies?
Yes, they attract many pollinators including bees and butterflies. This plant is a great source of nectar and pollen, which makes it attractive to honeybees.
Is Trifolium Repens Poisonous?
The plant itself is non-toxic.