Trifolium vesiculosum

Species category

Agricultural

Common name

arrowleaf clover

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

OvalOval:
Broadly elliptic.
with divergent radicleRadicle:
The rudimentary root of the embryo, developing into the primary root after emergence from the seed coat.

Size

  • Length 1.3–1.6 mm 
  • Width 1.2–1.5 mm 
  • Thickness 0.8–1 mm 

Color

Reddish-brown to brown

Texture

Rough (minutely tuberculateTuberculate:
Having small pimple-like protuberances.
)

Other structures

RadicleRadicle:
The rudimentary root of the embryo, developing into the primary root after emergence from the seed coat.
is approx. same length as cotyledonCotyledon:
The modified storage leaf or pair of leaves of an embryo and seedling (see primary leaf).
lobe; hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
present in indentation.

Identification notes

Seed has a distinct rough seed coatSeed coat:
The protective covering of a seed usually composed of the inner and outer integuments. Also called the testa.
texture because of minute tubercles. RadicleRadicle:
The rudimentary root of the embryo, developing into the primary root after emergence from the seed coat.
lobe is approximately the same length as the cotyledonCotyledon:
The modified storage leaf or pair of leaves of an embryo and seedling (see primary leaf).
lobe. RadicleRadicle:
The rudimentary root of the embryo, developing into the primary root after emergence from the seed coat.
lobe is divergent and the hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
lays in the indentation between lobes.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Trifolium vesiculosum Savi

 Trifolium vesiculosum.  True seeds where the radicle lobe is divergent and the hilum lies in the indentation between lobes. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Trifolium vesiculosum. True seeds where the radicle lobe is divergent and the hilum lies in the indentation between lobes. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.