Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum, Cent. Pl. I: 25 (1755))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Cent. Pl. I: 25 (1755)

Year: 1755

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trifolium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Egypt to Pakistan

Description

Egyptian clover, known scientifically as Trifolium alexandrinum, is a notable species within the Fabaceae family. First documented by L. in the mid-18th century, this plant has a rich historical significance and diverse utility.

Native to the regions stretching from Egypt to Pakistan, Egyptian clover thrives in the varying climatic conditions found across this expanse. It stands out as a versatile and valuable forage crop, primarily cultivated for its high-yielding and protein-rich fodder, making it a staple for livestock nutrition in many agricultural practices.

The plant itself exhibits the characteristic trifoliate leaves common to clover species, with lush green foliage that contributes to soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation, a beneficial trait for sustainable farming systems. During its blooming period, Egyptian clover produces clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers, which are not only visually attractive but also play a crucial role in supporting local pollinators.

In terms of utility, Egyptian clover serves various purposes beyond its primary role as livestock feed. It is an excellent cover crop, used to prevent soil erosion and improve soil health by adding organic matter. Its adaptability and resilience make it an ideal choice for regions facing challenging growing conditions, thus supporting the livelihoods of farmers in both traditional and modern agriculture.

Historical references dating back to the publication “Cent. Pl. I: 25 (1755)” highlight the longstanding recognition and study of Trifolium alexandrinum. Over the centuries, its agricultural value has only grown, paralleled by increasing research into its benefits and optimal cultivation practices.

In summary, Egyptian clover is much more than just a plant; it is a cornerstone of agricultural ecosystems across its native range, contributing to both ecological balance and economic stability. Whether through enhancing soil fertility, serving as nutritious fodder, or sustaining local biodiversity, Trifolium alexandrinum remains a vital resource in the botanical and agricultural spheres.

Common Names

Dan: aleksandriner-kløver
Deu: alexandriner klee, alexandriner-klee, alexandriner-klee, ägyptischer klee
Eng: egyptian clover, berseem clover
Heb: tiltan alexandroni, תלתן
Fra: trèfle d’alexandrie, bersim
Swe: alexandrinerklöver, storklöver
Ara: barseem
Spa: bersim, trébol alenjandrino
Por: bersim, trevo-da-alexandria, trevo-de-alexandria
Hun: egyiptomi here
Ita: trifoglio alessandrino
Nld: alexandrijnse klaver
Cym: meillion yr aifft, meillionen yr aifft
En: Egyptian clover, Berseem clover, Berseem, Alexandriner Klee, Alexandrinischer Klee
Ar: Barseem, نفل البرسيم, Bersim
Bg: Александрийска детелина
Zh: 埃及三葉草, 埃及车轴草
Cs: Jetel egyptský
Da: Aleksandriner-kløver
Nl: Alexandrijnse klaver
Fi: Egyptinapila
Fr: Bersim, Trèfle d’Alexandrie, Trefle D’Alexandrie
De: Alexandriner-Klee, Alexandrinischer Klee, Ägyptischer Klee, Alexandriner Klee, Alexandriner-Klee, Ägyptischer Klee
He: תלתן אלכסנדרוני, Tiltan alexandroni, תלתן
Hi: बरसीम
Hu: Egyiptomi here
It: Trifoglio alessandrino, Trifoglio d’Alessandria, Bersim, Egyiptomi Here
Mk: Александриска детелина
Pa: ਬਰਸੀਮ
Fa: برسیم( شبدر مصری)
Pt: Trevo-da-Alexandria, Bersim, Trevo-de-alexandria
Ru: Клевер александрийский
Sd: برسيم
Es: Bersim, Trébol alenjandrino, Trebol De Alexandria
Sv: Alexandrinerklöver, Storklöver
Zh-tw: 埃及三葉草
Tg: Берсим
Tr: Mısır üçgülü
Uz: Bersim
Cy: Meillionen yr Aifft, Meillion yr Aifft

Synonyms

• Trifolium alexandrinum var. madarensae (Kožuharov)
• Trifolium alexandrinum subsp. serotinum ((Zohary & Lerner) P.Silva)
• Trifolium albiceps (Ehrenb. ex Sweet)
• Trifolium alexandrinum var. serotinum (Zohary & Lerner)

Distribution

• Egypt (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Albania (introduced)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kriti (introduced)
• Lebanon-Syria (introduced)
• Libya (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• North Caucasus (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Turkey (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 25, 2019 by planthonson planthony (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2021 by foran singh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 18, 2021 by Koos Kooijman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Gérard LEVESLIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 25, 2018 by LUCAS survey – European Union (©)

Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2021 by Dario Rothauer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by patrick stelmach (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Gérard LEVESLIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2012 by LUCAS survey – European Union (©)

Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

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

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

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

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

Bark

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Gérard LEVESLIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5358907)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:522827-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium alexandrinum L.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 6.5