Identification of legumes

The important perennial forage legumes used by farmers in the UK are red and white clovers and lucerne. Sainfoin, birdsfoot trefoil and alsike are less important. A detailed description of each is given in Table 19.3. 

With the exception of the first leaf (which may be simple), all leaves are compoimd. In some species the mid-rib is extended slightly to form a mucronate tip. Other features on the leaf may be serrated margins, the presence or absence of marks, colour and hairiness (Fig. 19.12 and Fig. 19.13). The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, and they consist of a stalk which beats two or more leaflets according to the species (Fig. 19.14). 

These sheath-like structures are attached to the base of the leaf stalk. They vary in shape and colom (Fig. 19.12). 

The flowers ate brightly coloured and, being arranged on a central axis, form an indefinite type of inflorescence (see Fig. 19.14). 

Mucronate tip Centre leaflet with prominent stalk Broad, serrated and sharply pointed May be hairy Lucerne 

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