Clover facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clover |
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clover inflorescence | |
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Trifolieae
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Trifolium
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Clover (Trifolium) is a type of plant. It belongs to the pea family and includes about 300 different kinds, or species. You can find clover growing all over the world. It is common in cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Many types also grow in South America and Africa. Some even grow high up on mountains in warm areas.
Clover plants are usually small. They are called herbaceous plants because they have soft stems, not woody ones like trees. Each clover leaf usually has three parts, which makes it look like three small leaves joined together. This is known as being trifoliate.
Clover as a Symbol
Clover is a very well-known plant. It is often linked to the Shamrock. The shamrock is a traditional symbol of Ireland. Legend says that Saint Patrick used a clover to explain the Holy Trinity.
Four-Leaf Clovers
Most clover leaves have three parts. But sometimes, you might find a clover with four parts! These four-leaf clovers are rare. Because they are so unusual, many people think they bring good luck.
Clovers can even have five, six, or more leaflets. These are even rarer than four-leaf clovers. The record for the most leaflets on a single clover is 56. This amazing clover was found on May 10, 2009.
Images for kids
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Colorful flowers of clovers beside Zarivar Lake in Iran
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Four-leaf white clover (Trifolium repens)
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Five-leaf red clover (Trifolium pratense)
See also
In Spanish: Trébol para niños