Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
italicus
ID:
186054

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) Lam.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1779

Citation Micro:
Fl. Franç.2: 594 (1779)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000185383



Common Names

  • Italian Melilot
  • Italian Sweet Clover
  • Italian Yellow Clover


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Synonyms

  • Trifolium italicum L. [valid]
  • Melilotus melilotus-italicus (Brot.) Asch. & Graebn. [valid]
  • Melilotus italica (L.) Lam. [unknown]
  • Melilotus rugosus Moench [valid]
  • Melilotus rotundifolius Ten. [valid]
  • Sertula italica (L.) Kuntze [valid]
  • Trigonella italica (L.) Coulot & Rabaute [valid]
  • Melilotus messanensis caespitosus O.E.Schulz [valid]
  • Melilotus messanensis validus O.E.Schulz [valid]
  • Trifolium melilotus-italicum Brot. [unknown]
  • Melilotus italicus confertus O.E.Schulz [unknown]
  • Medicago italica (L.) E.H.L.Krause [unknown]

Description

Melilotus italicus (also called Italian Melilot, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Europe and North Africa. It has a height of 10-50 cm and its leaves are pinnate and oblong. It prefers dry, sunny habitats such as grasslands, roadsides, and cultivated fields.

Uses & Benefits

Melilotus italicus is used as a fodder crop, as a green manure crop, and as a cover crop. It is also used as a medicinal plant, as a food crop, and as an ornamental plant.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Melilotus italicus are yellow and fragrant, and the seeds are small, dark brown and oblong. The seedlings are slender and have a light green color.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Melilotus italicus is a hardy, drought-tolerant annual plant that can be grown from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Seeds should be sown in a sunny spot and kept moist until germination. The plant can also be propagated by cuttings taken from new growth.

Where to Find Melilotus italicus

Melilotus italicus is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in dry, sunny areas. It is a common weed in many parts of the world.

Melilotus italicus FAQ

What is the scientific name of Melilotus italicus?

Melilotus italicus

What is the common name of Melilotus italicus?

Italicus Melilotus

What is the natural habitat of Melilotus italicus?

Melilotus italicus is native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Spain, Italy, and Greece.

Species in the Fabaceae family

References

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck (1744-1829): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Lam.' in the authors string.