Suckling Clover - introduced (*Trifolium dubium)

Family: Fabaceae (Pea family).

Native of Europe.

Occurrence: A widespread weed, sometimes extending into forest areas.

Identification:

• the yellow pea-flowers are in clusters at the end of long stalks
• the leaves are trifoliate (i.e. there are three leaflets at the end of the main leaf stalk)
• the central leaflet has a longer stalk than the other two leaflets
• the seeds are in small pods are clustered at the end of the flower stalks, and enclosed in the spent flower.
• the plant may be prostrate or semi-erect
• the tiny leaves (stipules) at the base of the main leaf stalk taper to a fine point.

Similar Species: Medics (Medicago species) resemble Suckling Clover in that they have clover-like leaves and clusters of yellow flowers. The medics differ in that the seed pods are spiralled; the pods often have 3 to 5 coils, which may be smooth or with interlocking spines.

Photos: 1: Suckling Clover. The seed pods are small and enclosed in the spent flowers. The flower heads are about 5 mm in diameter and contain up to 20 flowers. Barker Street, Castlemaine. 2: Kalimna Reserve.