Melilotus speciosus - Uses, Benefits & Common Names
Status:
valid
Authors:
Durieu
Source:
ildis
Year:
1845
Citation Micro:
Rev. Bot. Recueil Mens.1: 365 (1845)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000185396
Common Names
- Showy Melilot
- Showy Sweet Clover
- Showy Clover
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Find Suppliers & Request SamplesSynonyms
- Melilotus speciosa Durieu [unknown]
- Sertula speciosa Kuntze [valid]
- Trigonella speciosa (Durieu) Coulot & Rabaute [valid]
Description
Melilotus speciosus (also called Showy 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 speciosus 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 speciosus 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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Find Suppliers & Request SamplesCultivation and Propagation
Melilotus speciosus 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 speciosus
Melilotus speciosus is native to Europe and can be found in dry grasslands and open woodlands.
Melilotus speciosus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Melilotus speciosus?
Melilotus speciosus
Where is Melilotus speciosus native to?
Central and Eastern Europe
What type of soil does Melilotus speciosus 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
References
Michel Charles Durieu de Maisonneuve (1796-1878): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Durieu' in the authors string.
Legume Data Portal link for: Melilotus speciosus Durieu: Based on the 2022 Legume checklist.