Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarFabaceaeMelilotus indicus

Melilotus indicus (L.)All.

Synonyms

Melilotus bonplandii, Melilotus indica, Melilotus melilotus-indica, Melilotus melilotus-indicus, Melilotus officinalis, Melilotus parviflora, Melilotus parviflorus, Melilotus permixtus, Melilotus tommasinii, Trifolium indica, Trifolium indicum, Trifolium melilotus, Trifolium melilotus-indica

Common names

Handagog asfar, Scented trefoil, sweet clover

Extract from Wikipedia article

Melilotus indicus, sometimes incorrectly written Melilotus indica, is a yellow-flowered herb native to northern Africa, Europe and Asia, but naturalized throughout the rest of the world.[+]

AI-generated Description

Melilotus indicus is an annual herb native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found growing in sandy soils, often near coastal areas. Local studies have reported its presence in various regions, including the north and west coasts. The plant typically blooms from February to May, producing small yellow flowers. While not widely cultivated, M. indicus is considered a minor weed species in Qatar's agricultural landscapes.

Seeds of sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) taken from Al Sham Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, March 16, 2014
LinkSeeds of sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) taken from Al Sham Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, March 16, 2014
Yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) taken from Onaiza area near Al Sham Street. Doha, Qatar, February 19, 2015
LinkYellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) taken from Onaiza area near Al Sham Street. Doha, Qatar, February 19, 2015
Location on mapsAl Sham Street, Doha, Qatar
Flowers of yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) taken from Onaiza area near Al Sham Street. Doha, Qatar, February 19, 2015
LinkFlowers of yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) taken from Onaiza area near Al Sham Street. Doha, Qatar, February 19, 2015
Location on mapsAl Sham Street, Doha, Qatar
Yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
LinkYellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Pinkish plant of yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, May 1, 2015
LinkPinkish plant of yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, May 1, 2015
Location on mapsAl Wukair Street, Qatar
Flowers and fruits of yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) taken from the base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 14, 2016
LinkFlowers and fruits of yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) taken from the base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 14, 2016
Location on mapsAl Shabi St, Doha, Qatar
Seeds of black medick (Medicago lupulina) and yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) taken from the base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 14, 2016
LinkSeeds of black medick (Medicago lupulina) and yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) taken from the base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 14, 2016

AI-generated summary of observations

Seeds of Melilotus indicus were observed in West Bay, Doha, on March 16, 2014. Later, yellow flowers and plants were spotted in the Onaiza area near Al Sham Street on February 19, 2015. The plant was also found on a field with center-pivot irrigation in Irkhaya Farms on April 10, 2015, and a pinkish variant was observed on May 1, 2015. In Onaiza area, flowers and fruits were seen at the base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street on April 14, 2016. Seeds were also collected from this location, co-occurring with Medicago lupulina. The plant appears to thrive in various environments, including urban areas and irrigated fields, suggesting its adaptability to different conditions in Qatar. Observations span multiple years, indicating the plant's presence is not limited to a specific time or location.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.