Family: Fabaceae
Author: (L.) Mill.
Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 2 (1768)
Year: 1768
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Medicago
Vegetable: False
Observations: Medit.
Description
Snail medic, scientifically known as Medicago scutellata, is a notable plant hailed from the Mediterranean region. A member of the Fabaceae family, this legume stands out for its distinctive coiled seed pods, which strikingly resemble the shell of a snail, hence the common name.
Medicago scutellata is an herbaceous annual plant characterized by its trifoliate leaves and delicate, yellowish flowers that bloom during the spring. The plant usually grows to a modest height, making it an excellent ground cover. One of its remarkable features is its ability to thrive in various soil conditions, a testament to its adaptability and resilience in the Mediterranean climate.
This plant plays a pivotal role in agriculture and ecology. As a legume, snail medic is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen through its symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria in its root nodules. This natural fertilization process enriches the soil, making it a valuable plant in crop rotations and sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, its dense growth helps in preventing soil erosion, thereby contributing to soil conservation.
Historically, snail medic has been cultivated not only for its agronomic benefits but also as a forage crop. Its palatability and nutritional profile make it a favored choice for livestock grazing, providing essential nutrients to cattle, sheep, and other grazing animals.
From an ecological perspective, the blossoms of Medicago scutellata attract various pollinators, including bees, which play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. The plant’s growth cycle also supports various forms of wildlife, offering habitat and sustenance, thereby promoting a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
For botanists and plant enthusiasts, Medicago scutellata offers an intriguing subject of study owing to its unique morphological features and ecological significance. It was first documented in the 8th edition of the Gardener’s Dictionary in 1768 by Miller, who established its botanical nomenclature based on Linnaean taxonomy principles.
In cultivation and garden settings, snail medic can serve as an ornamental plant due to its aesthetically pleasing appearance and its functional uses in permaculture designs and regenerative agriculture projects.
In summary, Medicago scutellata, or snail medic, is much more than an interestingly named plant. It is an integral part of agricultural systems and ecosystems, with a range of benefits from soil improvement to supporting wildlife, all while adding a touch of natural beauty to its surroundings.
Common Names
Deu: schild-schneckenklee, schneckenklee
Eng: snail medick, shield medick, snail medic, snail trefoil, snail-clover, snail clover
Por: luzerna-escudelada
Ita: medica scutellata
Swe: snäcklusern
En: Snail medic, Snail medick, Snail trefoil, Snail-clover, Shield medick, Snail Clover
Ar: فصة حرشفية
Fr: Luzerne à écussons, Luzerne en écusson
De: Schneckenklee, Schild-Schneckenklee, Schlüssel-Schneckenklee
He: אספסת קעורה
It: Medica scutellata, Erba medica scudata, Erba-medica scudata
Pt: Luzerna-escudelada
Sv: Snäcklusern
Vi: Linh lăng khiên
Synonyms
- Medica scutellata ((L.) Bubani)
- Medicago scutellaris (Rchb.)
- Medicago polymorpha var. scutellata (L.)
- Medicago inermis (Lam. ex Steud.)
- Pocockia scutellata ((L.) Trautv.)
- Cochleata scutellata ((L.) Medik.)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Corse (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Krym (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Austria (introduced)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Japan (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Uruguay (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Feb 18, 2020 by Bargahi Rahman (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2021 by Valter Di Cecco (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 25, 2021 by Calo (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2021 by yudum karakulakyan (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken May 13, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2021 by Valter Di Cecco (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2022 by Lugifa Lugifa (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.
Fruit
Taken May 13, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Go Glaso (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Go Glaso (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken May 1, 2007 by EOL − Luigi Rignanese (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 1, 2007 by EOL − Luigi Rignanese (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 1, 2007 by EOL − Luigi Rignanese (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 1, 2007 by EOL − Luigi Rignanese (cc-by-nc)
Other
Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Bark
Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2965397)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:506418-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Medicago scutellata (L.) Mill.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 5.9
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]
Soil nutriments: 5