SNAILCLOVER Meaning and
Definition
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Snailclover is a noun that refers to a type of small plant belonging to the clover family (Fabaceae) with the scientific name Medicago scutellata. It is also commonly known as snail medic or snail alfalfa. This perennial herbaceous plant is native to the Mediterranean region, but it has been widely cultivated and naturalized in other parts of the world.
Snailclover typically has a prostrate or creeping growth habit, with stems that branch out and spread on the ground. Its leaves are compound, consisting of three leaflets that are oval or oblong in shape, and have a characteristic "snail-like" coiled or spiral appearance when viewed from one side. The leaflets are often marked with a distinct white or silver chevron pattern.
The plant produces small, yellow flowers in tight clusters, usually from spring to early summer. These flowers give rise to spirally coiled pods containing seeds. Snailclover is an excellent forage plant, appreciated for its high nutritional value as livestock feed, particularly for grazing animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. It is also utilized in erosion control and soil improvement due to its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, enriching the soil with nutrients.
In summary, snailclover is a low-growing perennial legume with spiraling leaves, yellow flowers, and coiled pods. It is commonly cultivated as a forage crop and is beneficial for both livestock nutrition and soil health.
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A plant, so called from its pods resembling the shells of snails.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SNAILCLOVER
- anailclover
- znailclover
- xnailclover
- dnailclover
- enailclover
- wnailclover
- sbailclover
- smailclover
- sjailclover
- shailclover
- snzilclover
- snsilclover
- snwilclover
- snqilclover
- snaulclover
- snajlclover
- snaklclover
- snaolclover
- sna9lclover
- sna8lclover
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