Ball clover (Trifolium glomeratum, Sp. Pl.: 770 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 770 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trifolium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, W. Europe to Medit and Iran

Description

Ball clover, scientifically known as Trifolium glomeratum, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. This herbaceous plant has garnered attention due to its various ecological and agricultural benefits.

Originating from diverse geographic regions, Ball clover is native to Macaronesia, Western Europe, and extends to Mediterranean areas and Iran. This widespread distribution indicates its adaptability to different climatic conditions and soil types, making it a resilient species that thrives in a variety of environments.

Ball clover is particularly valued for its role in nitrogen fixation, a vital process that enriches soil health. This quality makes it an excellent choice for crop rotation and as a cover crop, significantly benefiting agricultural practices by improving soil fertility and structure.

Characterized by its dense, spherical flower heads, Ball clover is not only functional but also visually appealing. The compact clusters of small, pinkish flowers are a distinctive feature, contributing to its common name. These flowers also serve an important ecological role, attracting pollinators such as bees, thereby supporting local biodiversity.

The plant’s foliage is equally notable, featuring typical trifoliate leaves, which are common among clovers. These leaves are not only important for photosynthesis but also serve as a nutritious forage for livestock. Farmers often value Ball clover for its high protein content and palatability, making it a preferred choice for grazing animals.

First described in the 18th century, Ball clover holds historical significance in botanical literature. Documented in “Species Plantarum” by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, it reflects the long-standing scientific interest in this species.

In summary, Ball clover (Trifolium glomeratum) is a multifaceted plant known for its wide geographic presence, ecological benefits, and agricultural value. Its resilience, nitrogen-fixing ability, attractive blooms, and nutritional forage make it a significant species within the Fabaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: clustered clover, ball clover, bush clover, cluster clover, smooth-head trefoil
Dan: hoved-kløver
Swe: nystklöver
Ita: trifoglio agglomerato
Fra: trèfle aggloméré, petit trèfle à boules
Cat: trèvol glomerat
Nld: kluwenklaver
Cym: meillionen ben-wastad, meillionen glystyrog, meillionen gwastadwedd
En: Ball clover, Bush clover, Cluster clover, Smooth-head trefoil, Clustered clover
Ar: نفل معنقد
Ca: Trèvol glomerat
Da: Hoved-kløver
Nl: Kluwenklaver
Fi: Keräapila
Fr: Trèfle aggloméré, Petit trèfle à boules
De: Knäuel-Klee
He: תלתן מגובב
Is: Skúfsmári
It: Trifoglio agglomerato, Trifoglio glomerato
Ja: Dango-tsumekusa
Fa: شبدر خوشه‌ای
Es: Trébol glomerado
Sv: Nystklöver
Cy: Meillionen glystyrog, Meillionen Ben-Wastad, Meillionen Gwastadwedd

Synonyms

• Micrantheum glomeratum ((L.) C.Presl)
• Trifolium glomeratum var. condensatum (Ball)
• Trifolium axillare (Phil.)
• Trifolium glomeratum var. duodecimnerve (Loscos & J.Pardo)
• Microphyton glomeratum ((L.) Fourr.)
• Trifolium duodecimnerve (Loscos ex Willk. & Lange)
• Amoria glomerata ((L.) Soják)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Amsterdam-St.Paul Is (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Chatham Is. (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tristan da Cunha (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 8, 2020 by space (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2010 by EOL − C. Epicoco (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2021 by av br y fac (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2021 by av br y fac (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 5, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2020 by del Prado Carlota (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2021 by av br y fac (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 6, 2008 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Andy Radnor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2015 by EOL − kevinhintsa (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 19, 2013 by EOL − 2013 Dean Wm. Taylor (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 16, 2013 by EOL − 2013 Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 31, 1883 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5358694)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:523184-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium glomeratum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]