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Description
Trifolium Purpureum, commonly known as Red Clover, is a species of clover that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a short-lived perennial plant that is native to Europe, Western Asia, and Africa. It is popularly grown as a forage crop and has many medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Trifolium |
Appearance
Trifolium Purpureum has a stout and hairy stem that grows up to 80 cm tall. It has alternate trifoliate leaves that are green and smooth on the upper surface and hairy on the lower surface. The flowers are pinkish-purple and form dense, spherical heads that are about 2-3 cm in diameter. The plant produces small, round, smooth, and greenish-brown seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Red Clover requires moderate watering. It should be watered regularly but not overwatered.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall.
Soil: Red Clover grows well in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Red Clover grows well in hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The common pests that affect Trifolium Purpureum are aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers. The plant is also susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. It is important to keep the plant well-watered and fertilized to prevent these pests and diseases from affecting it.
Habitat
Trifolium Purpureum is found in meadows, pastures, and fields. It grows well in soil that is rich in nutrients and has good drainage. The plant is also commonly grown as a forage crop for livestock.
Question and Answer
Q1. What is Trifolium Purpureum?
A1. Trifolium Purpureum is commonly known as Red Clover and is a species of clover belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is a short-lived perennial plant that is native to Europe, Western Asia, and Africa.
Q2. What are the common pests that affect Trifolium Purpureum?
A2. The common pests that affect Trifolium Purpureum are aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers.
Q3. What are the care requirements for Trifolium Purpureum?
A3. Trifolium Purpureum requires moderate watering, balanced fertilization, well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients, full sunlight, and can grow in hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Q4. Where is Trifolium Purpureum found?
A4. Trifolium Purpureum is found in meadows, pastures, and fields. It is also commonly grown as a forage crop for livestock.
Related Plants
- Trifolium pratense (Red Clover)
- Trifolium repens (White Clover)
- Trifolium incarnatum (Crimson Clover)
- Trifolium hybridum (Alsike Clover)
References
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/Trifolium-purpureum
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/trifolium_purpureum.shtml
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/red-clover/growing-red-clover-cover-crop.htm
