Trifolium ochroleucon

Trifolium ochroleucon, also known as Trifolium ochroleucum[1] or sulphur clover, is a species of clover in the family Fabaceae. It is a perennial and can be found in grassy places, predominantly on clay soils.[2] It is native to Europe, including the British Isles.[3]

Trifolium ochroleucon
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Genus:	Trifolium
Species:	T. ochroleucon
Binomial name
Trifolium ochroleucon Huds.
Synonyms
Trifolium ochroleucum Huds.

Name

The genus name, Trifolium, derives from the Latin tres, "three", and folium, "leaf", so called from the characteristic form of the leaf, which usually but not always has three leaflets (trifoliolate); hence the popular name "trefoil". The species name, ochroleucon, is Latin for "yellowish-white", referring to the colour of the flowers.

Distribution

The plant is localised in the British Isles,with the main stronghold of the species being in East Anglia, whilst the species is also present in Lincolnshire, Merseyside and Worcestershire.[4] It is fairly widespread throughout the rest of Western and Central Europe, and it has also been recorded from Iran and North Africa.[5]

References

1. "Sulphur Clover". RHS. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
2. Complete Guide to British Flowers, First Edition, Collins, 2006.
3. "Sulphur Clover". Plantlife. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
4. "Trifolium ochroleucon". NBN Atlas. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
5. "Trifolium ochroleucon". Online Atlas of the British and Irish Fauna. BRC. Retrieved 6 May 2020.