Alysicarpus vaginalis aka Alyce Clover

Alysicarpus vaginalis, or alyce clover, belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range spans East Africa, Madagascar, and tropical Asia. It also reaches the western Pacific. It grows on grassy slopes, roadsides, and sandy shores. It also grows in parks and can weed lawns. Farmers grow it for pasture, hay, and soil improvement.

This herb can live one year or several short years. Dry seasons tend to make it act as an annual. Where rain falls year-round, plants may live longer. Many stems grow from the rootstock and spread outward. Grazing keeps plants low, while uncut plants can stand upright. Reported heights range from about 1–3 feet (0.3–0.9 metres). Dense stands can reach about 3.3 feet (1 metre). Florida reports uncut plants reaching 5 feet (1.5 metres). Leaf shape, flower colour, and growth form vary widely.

Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant forms seed pods. The pods turn brown as the seed crop ripens. In Florida, seed harvest often starts around mid-October. Plants can reseed when growers leave enough growth to flower. Close grazing or hay cutting can prevent seed production. Stored seed may need scarification to help it sprout. This treatment opens the hard seed coat so water can enter.

Alyce clover needs warmth and soil that drains well. It grows well in moderate shade, including beneath shrubs. Its best daytime temperature range is 22–30°C. It grows in climates with dry seasons lasting six months. Yet it favours sites with ample yearly rain. Florida guidance recommends fertile soil with pH 5.5–6.0. Flooding and salt hinder growth. Young shoots can suffer severe damage at −1°C. Dormant plants may survive about −5°C, but hard frosts kill plants. Seed can produce new plants in the next warm season.

Growers use this legume for green manure and soil stabilisation. It tolerates mowing and heavy grazing. Root-knot nematodes can cause severe damage, especially in sandy soils. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food uses or hazards. This does not establish that people can safely eat it. Traditional remedies use roots for coughs and fevers. Other recorded uses involve seeds for gut complaints. People also use the whole plant for wounds and fractures. These records describe folk uses, not proof of medical benefit.