Trifolium Subterraneum *

In this chapter, the binomial Trifolium subterraneum (Leguminosae) is used to subsume three subspecies or species, T. subterraneum L; T. yanninicum Katz. and Morley, and T. brachycalicinum Katz. and Morley. ¹⁷ The Linnaean and common names for the species refer to the burial of its seeds by the geotropic peduncle after flowering, one of many features — including its flowering behavior — which adapt it to the Mediterranean climates of its origin. Introduced accidentally into Australia, it has become an important pasture and soil fertility-building plant there and in New Zealand and, as a result, is now being reassessed in its Mediterranean home. ^{15 , 21}