Leaf type: Trifoliate, with individual leaflets that are oval to heart-shaped
Leaf margin: Smooth to slightly serrated
Phyllotaxis: Alternate (trifoliate leaves)
Colour: Green, green with red and brown spots
Life cycle: Annual
Leaf (upper side)
Growth habit & biology
Medicago arabica grows as an annual or, if the seeds germinate in late summer, as a winter-hardy annual.
The trifoliate leaves usually have a dark red to brownish spot, but may also be pure green.
The leaf margins are smooth to slightly serrated and may also be dark red to brownish in color.
The shoots grow prostrate or semi-erect and can reach up to 50 centimeters in length.
Distribution & habitates
Medicago arabica is native to the Mediterranean region but is also considered naturalized in some Central and Northern European countries.
It is also reported to occur as a naturalized species in Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, and East Asia (source).
Medicago arabica grows in meadows, on embankments and slopes, along roadsides, and in or near fields. It thrives best in sunny and warm locations.
Botany
The spotted medick, spotted burclover or heart clover (Medicago arabica) is a member of the legume family (Fabaceae).
It is not related to the similar-looking wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella).
