Southern clover (Trifolium cherleri, Demonstr. Pl.: 21 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Demonstr. Pl.: 21 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trifolium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to Iran

Description

Southern clover, scientifically known as Trifolium cherleri, is a notable member of the Fabaceae family. First described in the seminal work “Demonstrationes Plantarum” in 1753, this plant reflects the rich botanical heritage and keen observations of its author, Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as L.

This species thrives across a broad geographical range, extending from Macaronesia to the Mediterranean, and further eastwards to Iran. Its widespread distribution highlights its adaptability to various climates and environments, from coastal regions to inland territories.

Southern clover is a significant part of the ecosystem, offering numerous benefits. As a legume, it plays a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, enriching soil fertility and supporting agricultural practices. Its presence in pastures offers a high-quality forage for livestock, contributing to sustainable farming.

The plant’s botanical characteristics, including its trifoliate leaves and small, clustered flowers, add to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. Southern clover’s ability to thrive in different soils and climates makes it a resilient and valuable species, celebrated for both its ecological and agricultural contributions.

Common Names

Dan: svøb-kløver
Cat: trèvol de cherler
En: Southern clover, Cherler’s Clover, Cupped Clover
Ar: نفل شرليري
Bg: Херлерова детелина
Ca: Trèvol de Cherler
Da: Svøb-kløver
Fr: Trèfle de Cherler
De: Cherlers Klee
He: תלתן הכפתורים
It: Trifoglio di Cherler
: Cupped clover

Synonyms

• Trifolium involucratum (Lam.)
• Trifolium hirtum subsp. cherleri ((L.) Gibelli & Belli)
• Trifolium phlebocalyx (Fenzl ex Tchich.)
• Trifolium obvallatum (Moench)
• Trifolium sphaerocephalum (Desf.)
• Trifolium arachnoideum (C.Presl)
• Trifolium cherleri var. perpusillum (Briq.)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

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

Bark

Taken Apr 21, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Patrick Leboulenger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Flower

Taken May 29, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (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 Apr 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken May 12, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean MAURE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Apr 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 16, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 16, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5358769)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:522998-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium cherleri L.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]