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Herbs & Plants

Trifolium hybridum

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Botanical Name :Trifolium hybridum
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Trifolium
Species: T. hybridum
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fabales
Synonyms : Trifolium elegans. Trifolium hybridum elegans
Common Name : Alsike clover

Habitat :Originating in mainland Europe, it has become established as an introduced plant in the British Isles and throughout the temperate regions of the world.

Description:
Trifolium hybridum is a perennial   plant,   growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from Jun to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.It can fix Nitrogen….

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The stalked, pale pink or whitish flower head grows from the leaf axils, and the trifoliate leaves are unmarked. The plant is 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) tall, and is found in fields and on roadsides – it is also grown as fodder (hay or silage). The plant blooms from spring to autumn (April to October in the northern hemisphere).  Despite its scientific name, alsike clover is not of hybrid origin. The plant gets its common name from the town of Alsike in Sweden.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It cannot grow in the shade.It requires moist soil.

Cultivation :
Succeeds in a moist, well-drained circum-neutral soil in full sun. Succeeds in poor soils. Closely related to T. repens. It grows well in an apple orchard, the trees will produce tastier fruit that stores better. It should not be grown with camellias or gooseberries because it harbours a mite that can cause fruit drop in the gooseberries and premature budding in the camellias. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Buttercups growing nearby depress the growth of the nitrogen bacteria by means of a root exudate.

Propagation
Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in situ. If the seed is in short supply it might be better to sow it in pots in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Flowers;  Leaves;  Tea.

Leaves and flower heads – raw or cooked. Boiled, or after soaking for several hours in salty water. A delightful and healthful tea is made from the dried flower heads[183]. They are usually mixed with other teas. The dried flower heads and seeds can be ground into a nutritious flour.

Medicinal Uses  :
A cold infusion of the plant has been used as a wash on the breasts of a nursing mother in order to increase the milk flow.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trifolium_hybridum
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Trifolium+hybridum
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TRHY

http://chestofbooks.com/flora-plants/weeds/Fodder-Pasture-Plants/Alsike-Clover-Trifolium-Hybridum-L.html

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