A trifolium that applies make-up on the leaves

Post by **MWP admin** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 11:56 am

I found an interesting species that puzzled me, and do not recall that I have seen something alike. Unfortunately, the plants were too young and did not offer any distinguishing characters, but the tifoliate leaves on long peduncles gave me a good clue for Trifolium species, while leaves no doubt that it belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae).

But there was a rather unique feature that 'impressed' and alerted me to follow it. The leaflet had a striking reddish longitudinal line which was quite attractive (see image)

Can someone tell us what is this species? Could be a just a common Trifolium sp. that have this feature when young, and we simply never observed it, but my heart tells me that it could be something more interesting?!?!

IL-PINE · Post by **IL-PINE** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:05 pm

never really saw this!

RutgerB · Post by **RutgerB** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:45 pm

I've seen something like this. I thought it was a Melilotus. I think only young leaves have stripes sometimes.

Post by **MWP admin** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:34 am

Thank you for your answer, which makes sense, because the previous site visit on this islet (May2011) I have recorded Melilotus indicus. I keep your reply in mind. At any rate, I have brought a specimen and planted it at home to follow it. It seems to undergo a slow recovery and hopefully would not die. One can also sow some seeds of Melilotus indicus to see how the plantlets would look like.

THANKS AGAIN

Danpav · Post by **Danpav** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:44 am

Hello
I agree with Melilotus sp.
Daniel