Trifolium subterraneum

Trifolium subterraneum, the subterranean clover (often shortened to sub clover), subterranean trefoil, is a species of <a href="/facts/Clover/bKr90Vct">clover</a> native to Europe, Southwest Asia, Northwest Africa and <a href="/facts/Macaronesia/mbdgpk8q">Macaronesia</a>. The plant's name comes from its underground seed development (<a href="/facts/Geocarpy/BQktcHKk">geocarpy</a>), a characteristic not possessed by other clovers.
It can thrive in poor-quality soil where other clovers cannot survive, and is grown commercially for animal <a href="/facts/Fodder/b4Hw0Lq0">fodder</a>. There are three distinct subspecies used in <a href="/facts/Agriculture/TGztqzJs">agriculture</a>, each with its own ideal climate and soil type, allowing for wide distribution of the plant over varied environments.

<ul><li>T. subterraneum subsp. subterraneum is the generalist subspecies, and it can be grown in the widest range of environments.</li>
<li>T. subterraneum subsp. yanninicum is grown in moist areas that are prone to flooding or waterlogging.</li>
<li>T. subterraneum subsp. brachycalycinum is a more sensitive plant, requiring dry, cracked soil for its germination.</li></ul>
Some <a href="/facts/Systematics/fagPXIkh">systematists</a> consider the three plants to be separate species. There are many strains and varieties of these subspecies, but few are in wide use. The technique of mixing the subspecies in one field is popular as a method of ensuring a dense crop. Also, subterranean clover is sometimes mixed with <a href="/facts/Alfalfa/Yesc424s">alfalfa</a> for a longer-lasting grazing pasture.
This species is self-fertilizing, unlike most legume forage crops such as alfalfa and other clovers, which are pollinated by insects, especially <a href="/facts/Honeybee/GetXQWM0">honeybees</a>. The flowers of subclover are often located beneath its leaves and are low in nectar, making access both difficult and unappealing for bees. These characteristics also make the plant less attractive to certain types of pest insects.
Subterranean clover is one of the most commonly grown forage crops in <a href="/facts/Australia/qLHpbppq">Australia</a>. It provides high quality forage to livestock. It is also grown in places such as <a href="/facts/California/zLW2vdQJ">California</a> and <a href="/facts/Texas/B987WHF0">Texas</a>, where the extreme ranges of soil type and quality, rainfall, and temperature make the variable tolerances of sub clover especially useful.
Subterranean clover can contain high levels of estrogenic compounds that may interfere with health and reproductive capability of animals that consume it.

Trifolium subterraneum open-in-new

Trifolium subterraneum