Trifolium alexandrinum

General Description:

Trifolium alexandrinum a sparingly appressed, pubescent annual, commonly cultivated in the semi-desert countries like Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Iran, and introduced into India as a fodder crop, Stems 30-60cm long, branching, glabrous or glabrate; leaves 3-foliolate; leaflets oblong or broadly elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, 1.5-5.0cm long, rather shallowly denticulate; floral heads villous to bristly-cilinate, rather short-peduncled to almost sessile, ovoid, becoming cuneate-oblong, 14 to 20mm. long 15mm thick; flowers yellowish; pods oblong-ovoid, included, 1-seeded.Seed-rate: The seed at the rate of 20-25kg is sufficient to sow one hectare. It is recommended to use 1-2kg more when the crop is sown early in September. The berseem is sown either broadcast or drilled. The seed may be soaked in water for 10-12 hrs before sowing.