strawberry clover

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• strawberry clover

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Xerosphaera fragifera
• Amoria fragifera
• Galearia fragifera

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Trifolium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Trifolium fragiferum, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the coastal and inland regions of Denmark. Furthermore, its presence extends northward into the landscapes of Finland and Norway. The species is also well-documented across the islands of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range includes the varied terrain of Ireland.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Trifolium fragiferum is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution that spans from sea level up to high-altitude environments. Primarily categorized as a lowland species, it demonstrates significant ecological plasticity, occupying a mean elevation of approximately 1800 m AMSL. However, its potential range is extensive, reaching a maximum elevation of 2600 m AMSL, which allows it to inhabit diverse topographical zones across varying vertical gradients.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Lowland

Life history

The life history of Trifolium fragiferum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a hemicryptophyte, its perennating buds are located at or near the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or organic matter, which facilitates its survival during unfavorable environmental conditions. This species maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that its photosynthetic structures remain functional throughout much of the year rather than shedding them seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Trifolium fragiferum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. This terrestrial plant is self-supporting rather than being a liana or vine, and it functions as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. The plant exhibits an ascending shoot orientation, with shoot lengths ranging from a minimum of 5 cm to a maximum of 30 cm. In terms of overall stature, the plant height is relatively low, typically reaching a mean of 0.169 m, with a minimum height of 0.05 m and a maximum height of 0.3 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.3 m

Plant height mean:

0.169 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Shoot length max:

30 cm

Shoot length min:

5 cm

Shoot orientation :

ascending

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Trifolium fragiferum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway and a specialized capacity for nitrogen fixation, indicating a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria to enhance nutrient uptake. The plant's vegetative structure is defined by an alternate leaf arrangement, with leaf morphology primarily described as elliptic. The dimensions of these leaves vary significantly, with lengths ranging from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 11.3 cm, and widths spanning from 0.3 cm to 1.6 cm, resulting in a mean leaf size of 1.92 cm². Furthermore, the plant exhibits a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 252.4 cm²/g, reflecting its leaf mass distribution and resource allocation strategies. As a non-carnivorous species, its nutritional requirements are met through soil nutrient absorption and atmospheric nitrogen fixation rather than the capture of prey.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf arrangement :

alternate

Leaf form :

elliptic

Leaf length max:

11.3 cm

Leaf length min:

0.5 cm

Leaf size mean:

1.92 cm²

Leaf width max:

1.6 cm

Leaf width min:

0.3 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

252.4 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Trifolium fragiferum is primarily sexual, characterized by bisexual flowers that facilitate genetic diversity. The flowering period typically begins in June and extends through September. These flowers are pink in color and range in length from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 0.7 cm. The plant utilizes a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on insects, with bees serving as a key pollinator. Notably, self-fertilization is absent, necessitating these biotic interactions for successful reproduction. Following pollination, the plant develops a capsule-type fruit with an average length of 0.3 cm. This fruit is dehiscent, meaning it opens at maturity to release its seeds. Each fruit is prolific, containing between 101 and 1000 seeds. The seeds themselves are remarkably consistent in size, with a mean and fixed length of 1.75 mm. Their mass varies from a minimum of 0.00056 g to a maximum of 0.0017 g, with a calculated mean seed mass of approximately 0.00148125 g. For dispersal, the plant employs an anemochorous syndrome, utilizing the wind to spread its seeds. There is no evidence of asexual reproduction in this species.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flower colour :

pink

Flower length max:

0.7 cm

Flower length min:

0.5 cm

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Sep

Fruit length mean:

0.3 cm

Fruit type :

capsule

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Reproduction sexual :

bisexual

Seed length mean:

1.75 mm

Seed mass max:

0.0017 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00148125 g

Seed mass min:

0.00056 g

Seeds_per_fruit :

101-1000

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Trifolium fragiferum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Isoflavones.

Flavonoids

1. Molecular and cellular biochemistry

Isoflavones

1. Molecular and cellular biochemistry

Activities

Trifolium fragiferum has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Molecular and cellular biochemistry