Trifolium lupinaster
L.
Lupine Clover, Siberian Clover
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(c) Daba, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Daba
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(c) Dina Nesterkova, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Dina Nesterkova
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Dina Nesterkova, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Dina Nesterkova
Summary
Source: WikipediaTrifolium lupinaster is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. Its native range is Eastern Central Europe to Japan.
Description
A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30-60 cm tall. The leaves have 5 leaflets spread out like fingers on a hand. The leaflets are 25-50 mm long by 5-16 mm wide.
Edible Uses
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. It is a very variable species. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a moist, well-drained circum-neutral soil in full sun. Succeeds in poor soils. It grows well in an apple orchard, the trees will produce tastier fruit that stores better. It should not be grown with camellias or gooseberries because it harbours a mite that can cause fruit drop in the gooseberries and premature budding in the camellias. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Buttercups growing nearby depress the growth of the nitrogen bacteria by means of a root exudate.
Propagation
Pre-soak seed for 12 hours in warm water, then sow in spring in situ. If seed is scarce, sow in pots in a cold frame instead. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle, and plant out in late spring. Can also be propagated by division in spring.
Other Uses
Functions as a dynamic accumulator and nitrogen fixer.
Notes
There are about 240 Trifolium species. They are mostly temperate.
Synonyms
References (4)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Sp. pl. 2:766. 1753
- Urgamal, M., Oyuntsetseg, B., Nyambayar, D. & Dulamsuren, Ch. 2014. Conspectus of the vascular plants of Mongolia. (Editors: Sanchir, Ch. & Jamsran, Ts.). Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. “Admon“ Press. 334pp. (p. 121-143).
- Wujisguleng, W., & Khasbagen. K., 2010, An integrated assessment of wild vegetable resources in Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, China. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 6:34
