Question
Plant description of Trifolium repens in terms of leaves and flowers
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
**Trifolium repens**, commonly known as white clover, is a perennial plant belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). Here’s a detailed description of its leaves and flowers:
### Leaves:
- **Structure**: The leaves of Trifolium repens are compound, typically comprising three leaflets (trifoliate), though occasional four-leaved mutations can occur.
- **Shape**: Each leaflet is usually ovate to slightly oblong with a rounded apex and a notch towards the base.
- **Size**: The leaflets generally measure about 2 to 5 cm in length and about 1 to 3 cm in width.
- **Color**: The leaflets are vibrant green and may exhibit a characteristic lighter green or white "V" or “Y” shaped marking on the upper surface, which can vary in prominence.
- **Arrangement**: The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and are borne on long petioles, which can be about 10 to 15 cm long.
### Flowers:
- **Inflorescence**: The flowers are found in dense, rounded heads (capitula) at the end of slender, erect stems that can rise above the leaves.
- **Individual Flowers**: Each head consists of many small, tubular flowers, typically white to pale pink in color.
- **Size**: Each flower measures about 1 to 2 cm in length.
- **Blooming Period**: White clover blooms from late spring through early autumn, often producing flowers in cycles.
- **Pollination**: The flowers are attractive to a variety of pollinators, especially bees, due to their nectar and the easy accessibility of the flower’s structure.
- **Fruit**: After pollination, the flowers develop into small, coiled seed pods containing several seeds.
Overall, Trifolium repens is recognized for its lush green foliage and attractive clusters of white flowers, making it a popular choice in lawns, pastures, and as a ground cover.
### Leaves:
- **Structure**: The leaves of Trifolium repens are compound, typically comprising three leaflets (trifoliate), though occasional four-leaved mutations can occur.
- **Shape**: Each leaflet is usually ovate to slightly oblong with a rounded apex and a notch towards the base.
- **Size**: The leaflets generally measure about 2 to 5 cm in length and about 1 to 3 cm in width.
- **Color**: The leaflets are vibrant green and may exhibit a characteristic lighter green or white "V" or “Y” shaped marking on the upper surface, which can vary in prominence.
- **Arrangement**: The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and are borne on long petioles, which can be about 10 to 15 cm long.
### Flowers:
- **Inflorescence**: The flowers are found in dense, rounded heads (capitula) at the end of slender, erect stems that can rise above the leaves.
- **Individual Flowers**: Each head consists of many small, tubular flowers, typically white to pale pink in color.
- **Size**: Each flower measures about 1 to 2 cm in length.
- **Blooming Period**: White clover blooms from late spring through early autumn, often producing flowers in cycles.
- **Pollination**: The flowers are attractive to a variety of pollinators, especially bees, due to their nectar and the easy accessibility of the flower’s structure.
- **Fruit**: After pollination, the flowers develop into small, coiled seed pods containing several seeds.
Overall, Trifolium repens is recognized for its lush green foliage and attractive clusters of white flowers, making it a popular choice in lawns, pastures, and as a ground cover.