Subterranean clover
Trifolium subterraneum
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A small herb. It grows along the ground. It is often hairy. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The leaflet colour and shape can vary. They can have dark or white marks like a crescent or spots. The leaflets tend to be round and broader at the end with a notch. The lower surface is more hairy. The flowers occur in groups or 3 or 4. They are creamy-white. These are in the axils of stems. The flowers droop downwards when mature. The flowers develop a burr which is forced towards the soil. It gets buried in the soil.
There are about 240 Trifolium species. They are mostly temperate.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Albania, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Bulgaria, Chile, Crete, Europe, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Lord Howe Island, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, Yugoslavia
How it is used for food
CAUTION: These leaves can have significant levels or hormones (Oestrogens).
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Leaves