Varieties. 
Name. 
History. 
Agricultural 
value. 
Geographical 
distribution, 
Habitat. 
84 
the flowers are two or three times as long as the tube of the calyx; they become reflex after flowering. 
The calyx is glabrous, its tube short and ten-ribbed, about one-third or one-fourth as long as the 
corolla; its teeth are five, linear-lanceolate, and almost equal in length. The corolla is at first white, later 
rose-coloured: the young flower-heads are therefore white, but when older, they also become rose-coloured. 
The petals are free. The base of the standard (veriilum) forms a split tube which surrounds the bases 
of the wings and keel; its apical portion, the limb, 1s erect and flatly spread out during flowering, but before 
and after that stage, it is folded along the middle line. The two wings (ale) are inserted on the calyx-tube; 
their claws are long and narrow; the limb is broad, and has a prolongation directed backwards (fig. 3). 
The two lowest petals form the keel (carina); the long and narrow claws are free from one another 
posteriorly, but cohere anteriorly (fig. 4). The wings adhere to the keel at a point situated in front 
of the appendages of the wings. The Stamens are ten in number; the nine lower form a split tube; 
the upper free stamen covers the slit. The open passage to the honey lies right and left of the base of 
the free stamen. The pistil is composed of a long ovary containing 2 to 3 ovules (figs. 3 to 6), and 
a style bearing a terminal stigma projecting somewhat beyond the anthers (fig. 5). 
The structure of the flower is essentially the same as that of while clover, Hence, although no 
observations have been made upon the fertilisation of Alsike, it may be inferred that the fertilising 
process is much the same as that of white clover (which see), 
When the flower is ripe, both calyx and corolla persist; at this stage, the corolla is brown and 
membranous, and the standard folded longitudinally. The fruit is a flat, 1 to 3 seeded pod, longer 
than the calyx; the pericarp is thin, and the bent style persists at its apex. The seeds are small and 
slightly flattened; the radicle is seen projecting on one of the margins, occupying about two-thirds 
of the edge (fig. 8). The form of the seed when viewed from the flat surface (leaving the radicle out 
of account) is that of an ellipse acute at both ends, Along one edge, the radicle forms a projecting 
band with an obtuse apex. The circular spot lying immediately beneath the apex of the radicle is 
the hilum (fig. 9). The colour of the seed, which varies with the ripeness, may be either yellowish- 
green, or dark olive-green, often speckled. 
No varieties are known. 
Linneus gave this clover the specific name hybridwm because he regarded it as a cross between 
the red and the white species. It is often called Swedish clover, and Alsike, because of its extensive 
cultivation in the Swedish village called Alsike, near Upsala. 
Linneus recommended it for cultivation, but its history prior to this is uncertain. 
Whistling states that it was in cultivation in Northern France about the end of last century. In 
1834, George Stephens brought it to England from Sweden, where it had been cultivated long before. 
In Northern Germany, it was known about the beginning of the present century. Between 4840 and 
4845, it came into general use, especially in Saxony. It found its way slowly into the Southern districts. 
Only within the last 10 years, has its cultivation in Switzerland become general. Now, however, it is 
much esteemed there because of its excellent properties. 
Alsike is of a more perennial character than red clover, and can, on an average, be 
used for three years, and, at times, for five. Admixed with other plants, it may last 
even longer. It is little affected by extreme seasons. From soils-on which other clovers 
will not grow, an abundant harvest of first class fodder may be obtained. 
Occurrence, ciimate, soil, manure. This species is indigenous to Europe. in Central France 
(rare), Germany, Switzerland, Northern Italy, Austria Hungary, Croatia, Servia, Bosnia, Poland, Thracia, 
Central and Southern Russia, Scandinavia (except the North of Norway), and Lapland; to Africa, in 
Algiers; to Asia, in the Caucasus and Siberia. It does not occur in N. America. 
In the wild state, Alsike is met with in damp meadows and pastures, on the grassy banks by 
riversides, and on damp uncultivated land. 
