Flora Detail

Common Name Narrow-leaf Clover (Introduced)
Family Fabaceae (Legumes)
Date Observed 02-08-2025
Category Grasses
Catalogue No. 1151RGu
Flowering Time Spring
Colour Pink to Mauve
Locations Observed
Estuary
Koppie
Nature Reserve Many
Small Holding
Village Many
Greater Rooiels

Trifolium angustifolium

Information

Narrow-leaf Clover (Introduced)

Trifolium angustifolium (narrow-leaf clover) is an erect, moderately hairy annual herb (family Fabaceae) growing 10–60 cm tall, native to the Mediterranean, Europe, and Western Asia. It is characterized by slender, linear-lanceolate leaflets (30–50 mm long), and solitary, terminal, cylindrical flower heads of pale pink-purple flowers. 
Key Details of Trifolium angustifolium
Habitat: Commonly found in dry, disturbed areas, grasslands, and pastures.
Leaves: Trifoliate, with very narrow leaflets (2–4 mm wide, 12–15 times as long as broad).
Flowers: Cylindrical spikes (1–5 cm long). The calyx is 10-veined, featuring long, needle-like, ciliate teeth that harden in fruit.
Flowering Time: Late spring to summer.
Fruit: A small pod (legume), usually containing one seed, enclosed within the persistent calyx.
Distribution: Native to the Mediterranean region, Southern Europe, and Western Asia; naturalized in Australia, parts of North America (California, Oregon), and South America.

Appearance: Often appears as a bristly, narrow-leaf clover due to the long, sharp calyx lobes.
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