Ball clover (Trifolium nigrescens, Fl. Ital. Fragm.: 12 (1808))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Viv.

Bibliography: Fl. Ital. Fragm.: 12 (1808)

Year: 1808

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trifolium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Azores, Medit. to Iran

Description

Ball clover, scientifically named Trifolium nigrescens, is a notable member of the Fabaceae family. This resilient and adaptable plant species has established its presence across a diversity of geographical locations, spanning from the picturesque islands of the Azores to the rich cultural landscapes of the Mediterranean and extending further eastward to Iran.

First described in 1808 in the literary work “Fl. Ital. Fragm.” by the esteemed botanist Viv., Ball clover has since captured the interest of botanists and horticulturists alike. The plant itself is characterized by its distinct spherical flower heads, which not only enhance the aesthetic value of the regions they inhabit but also play a crucial role in local ecosystems.

As a member of the clover family, Ball clover contributes significantly to soil health through its nitrogen-fixing abilities. This natural process enriches the soil, promoting the growth of other plant species and fostering a balanced ecosystem. Additionally, its flowers are a valuable resource for pollinators such as bees, thereby supporting biodiversity.

Ball clover thrives in a variety of environmental conditions, demonstrating a remarkable tolerance to different soil types and climates. Its widespread distribution from the temperate zones of the Mediterranean to the more arid regions of Iran attests to its adaptability and resilience.

Whether encountered in wild meadows, cultivated gardens, or agricultural settings, Ball clover’s presence is a testament to the intricate and interdependent relationships within plant communities. Its role in enhancing soil fertility, supporting pollinators, and providing ground cover makes it a plant of considerable ecological and agricultural importance.

Common Names

Deu: schwarzwerdender klee, schwärzlicher klee
Eng: small white clover, ball clover
Dan: sort kløver
Cat: trèvol blanc
Swe: härmklöver
En: Ball clover, Small white clover
Ar: قداب (قَدَاب)، جدوب (جَدّوب), قرط (قُرط)، قدب (قَدْب)، قرض (قَرَض), نفل مسود
Bg: Чернееща детелина
Ca: Trèvol blanc
Da: Sort kløver
Fr: Trèfle noircissant
De: Schwarzwerdender Klee, Schwärzlicher Klee, Schwärzender Klee
He: תלתן רפה
It: Trifoglio annerente
Fa: شبدر سیاه‌شونده
Es: Trébol negro
Sv: Härmklöver

Synonyms

• Amoria nigrescens ((Viv.) Fourr.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 27, 2021 by Palmieri Nicola (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2019 by Omar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by ojancos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2014 by parramon marta (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Maria Mikulska (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2022 by Pietro Carnevale Lavezzoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2021 by roberto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2022 by Roland Zschuppe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Cruda Monia (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Judicaël CASTAGNET (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Flóra Hajdú (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2022 by Perr Dubo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken May 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 24, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Alexandros Galanidis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by PT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by Antonio López Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2022 by Perr Dubo (cc-by-sa)

© 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/5358774)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:523445-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium nigrescens Viv.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.9

Ph minimum: 5.6

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]