Medicago orbicularis aka Burless Clover

Taxonomy

Medicago orbicularis, or Blackdisk Medick, is a rare houseplant found throughout the Mediterranean basin and along the European Black Sea coast. It has a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Sinorhizobium medicae and is able to fix nitrogen. This plant is also known as button clover, button medick, and round-fruited medick. To thrive, Medicago orbicularis should be kept in long-lasting, direct light, with soil that is good at retaining moisture and less than 1 foot from a window. As it doubles in size, it may need to be repotted, but does not need additional fertilizers.

Common names

Burless Clover, Burless Trefoil, Snail Trefoil

How to care for Burless Clover

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Burless Clover due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Burless Clover should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Burless Clover is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Snail Trefoil is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Snail Trefoil with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Burless Clover with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

Burless Clover thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Snail Trefoil.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Burless Clover to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Burless Clover should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia