Trifolium cherleri

Τριφύλλι του τσέρλερ

Etymology of Trifolium cherleri: The name of the genus, "Trifolium" derives from the Ancient Greek "τρία" [tria], meaning "three" and the Latin "folium", which means "leaf", hence "three-leafed", referring to the three leaflets that comprise a leaf. This word is a calque of the Ancient Greek "τρίφυλλο" [trifyllo], which actually means the same thing. The species' name, "cherleri", is a tribute to Jean Henri Cherler (1570-1610), Swiss physician and botanist, professor at the Academy in Nîmes (it is quite possible that he was the one who recorded it first).

Around 35 Trifolium taxa (species and subspecies) have been identified in the wild Cypriot habitat so far.

Trifolium cherleri is a quite common plant in Cyprus. It is encountered all around the island up to an altitude of 1225 metres. It primarily grows on low grassland. Its flowering period is usually from March until May.