Status:
valid
Authors:
Ten.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1813
Citation Micro:
Fl. Napol.1(Prodr.): LXII (1813)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000185391
Common Names
- Neapolitan Melilot
- Neapolitan Sweet Clover
- Neapolitan Clover
Synonyms
- Melilotus spicatus (Sm.) Breistr. [valid]
- Trifolium spicatum Sm. [valid]
- Melilotus globosus Steven [unknown]
- Melilotus gracilis DC. [valid]
- Melilotus globulosus Steven [valid]
- Melilotus neapolitana Ten. [unknown]
- Melilotus intricatus Nyman [valid]
- Melilotus microcarpus C.A.Mey. ex Boiss. [invalid]
- Melilotus glaucescens Godr. ex Trautv. [valid]
- Melilotus heterophyllus Scheele [valid]
- Melilotus imbricatus Besser ex Ser. [invalid]
- Medicago gracilis (DC.) E.H.L.Krause [illegitimate]
- Melilotus besserianus Ser. [valid]
- Sertula neapolitana (Ten.) Kuntze [valid]
- Sertula besseriana (Ser.) Kuntze [valid]
- Trigonella wojciechowskii Coulot & Rabaute [valid]
- Melilotus neapolitanus microcarpus Rouy [valid]
Description
Melilotus neapolitanus (also called Neapolitan 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 neapolitanus 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 neapolitanus are yellow and fragrant, and the seeds are small, dark brown and oblong. The seedlings are slender and have a light green color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Melilotus neapolitanus 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 neapolitanus
Melilotus neapolitanus is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in dry grasslands and open woodlands.
Melilotus neapolitanus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Melilotus neapolitanus?
Melilotus neapolitanus
Where is Melilotus neapolitanus native to?
Southern Europe
What type of soil does Melilotus neapolitanus prefer?
Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Species in the Melilotus genus
Melilotus altissimus,
Melilotus dentatus,
Melilotus indicus,
Melilotus infestus,
Melilotus italicus,
Melilotus macrocarpus,
Melilotus siculus,
Melilotus arenarius,
Melilotus neapolitanus,
Melilotus polonicus,
Melilotus serratifolius,
Melilotus speciosus,
Melilotus sulcatus,
Melilotus tauricus,
Melilotus wolgicus,
Melilotus hirsutus,
Melilotus albus,
Melilotus elegans,
Melilotus segetalis,
Melilotus suaveolens,
Melilotus bicolor,
Melilotus officinalis,
Melilotus schoenheitianus,
Melilotus gorkemii,
Melilotus melilotus-officinalis,
Melilotus officinalis,
Melilotus haussknechtianus,
Species in the Fabaceae family