Clover
Clover (Trifolium)
Clover (pronounced /ˈkləʊvər/), also known as Trifolium (pronounced /traɪˈfoʊliəm/), is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the leguminous pea family Fabaceae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with highest diversity in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, but many species also occur in South America and Africa, including at high altitudes on mountains in the tropics.
Etymology
The word "clover" originated from the Old English word "clāfre". The genus name, Trifolium, derives from the Latin tres, "three", and folium, "leaf", so called from the characteristic form of the leaf, which has three leaflets (trifoliate); hence the popular name "trefoil".
Species
There are several species of clover, some of the most common include:
- Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
- White clover (Trifolium repens)
- Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum)
- Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum)
Uses
Clovers are used as fodder plants for livestock, their high protein content makes them a useful feed for cattle, horses and sheep. They are also used in crop rotation systems because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits other crops.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Clover
- Wikipedia's article - Clover
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