Τριφύλλι το μάλλινο
Etymology of Trifolium tomentosum
The name of the genus, "Trifolium", derives from the Ancient Greek "τρία" [tria], meaning "three" and the Latin "folium", which means "leaf", hence "three-leafed", referring to the three leaflets that comprise a leaf. This word is a calque of the Ancient Greek "τρίφυλλο" [trifyllo], which actually means the same thing. The epithet "tomentosum" derives from Medieval Latin "tomentum", meaning "floss, wool"; hence, tomentosum is "very woolly", referring to the fruits resembling woolly balls.
Trifolium tomentosum in Cyprus
Trifolium tomentosum is a common Trifolium species encountered all around Cyprus at an altitude of up to 1400 metres. It is an indigenous plant, but not endemic. It primarily grows on grassland and uncultivated fields. It blooms during Spring, from March to May.
How to recognize Trifolium tomentosum
Trifolium tomentosum is similar in appearance to Trifolium resupinatum, and distinguishing between them can be subtle. However, there are several key morphological differences that help in their identification.
General Differences
Although both species can be found in similar habitats, T. tomentosum is generally more common. The most notable differences include:
Flower Head Size
T. resupinatum typically has larger flower heads (10–20 mm in diameter), nearly twice the size of those of T. tomentosum (5–11 mm in diameter).
Flower Head Shape
T. tomentosum has hemispheroid to spherical flower heads, while those of T. resupinatum tend to be flatter or lobulate.
Peduncle Length
The peduncles (flower stalks) of T. tomentosum are shorter—less than 20 mm and shorter than the subtending leaves. In contrast, T. resupinatum has longer peduncles, ranging from 20–50 mm, which are usually longer than the subtending leaves.
Detailed Morphological Features
Trifolium tomentosum:
Calyx Throat: Densely hairy, with a ring of hairs inside the throat.
Fruiting Heads: 5–11 mm in diameter; hemispheroid to spherical.
Peduncle: Subsessile or short, <20 mm long.
Stem Height: 5–15 cm tall.
Trifolium resupinatum:
Calyx Throat: Glabrous (without hairs).
Fruiting Heads: 10–20 mm in diameter; often lobulate.
Peduncle: Elongated, 20–50 mm long.
Stem Height: 10–40 cm tall.
