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Description
Medicago Polymorpha, commonly known as burclover or California burclover, is an annual plant belonging to the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region but has spread to other regions such as North America, South America, Australia, and Asia. It is considered a weed in some regions but is also used as forage for livestock.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Medicago |
Appearance
The Medicago Polymorpha plant can grow up to 60 cm in height and has a spreading growth habit. It has trifoliate leaves that are green in color and have toothed margins. The flowers are small and yellow and grow in clusters. The fruit produced by the plant is a pod that contains one or two seeds.
Care Guide
Medicago Polymorpha grows best in well-drained soil and requires regular watering. It can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers slightly acidic soils. Fertilization should be done with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. The plant needs full sun exposure to grow properly. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Medicago Polymorpha is susceptible to several pests and diseases such as aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and root rot. These can be controlled through regular inspection and treatment with appropriate pesticides or fungicides.
Habitat
Medicago Polymorpha is commonly found in disturbed areas such as pastures, roadsides, and fields. It can also grow in open woodlands and grasslands. It is adapted to a range of climatic conditions and can tolerate drought and high temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Medicago Polymorpha poisonous to humans?
A: No, Medicago Polymorpha is not poisonous to humans.
Q: Can Medicago Polymorpha be used as a cover crop?
A: Yes, Medicago Polymorpha is commonly used as a cover crop due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
Q: What is the lifespan of Medicago Polymorpha?
A: Medicago Polymorpha is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year.
Q: What is the origin of Medicago Polymorpha?
A: Medicago Polymorpha is native to the Mediterranean region.
Related Plants
- Medicago lupulina
- Medicago sativa
- Medicago arabica
References
- “Medicago polymorpha”. USDA NRCS. 2018.
- “Medicago polymorpha”. Calflora. 2021.
- “Medicago polymorpha”. Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). 2021.
