Trifolium clypeatum

Τριφύλλι το ασπιδωτό

Etymology of Trifolium clypeatum: 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. "Clypeatum" is the neutral Latin for "resembling (a Roman) shield; shield-shaped", referring to the shape of the standard/banner of each flower.

Around 35 Trifolium species and subspecies/kinds have been identified in the wild Cypriot habitat so far.

Trifolium clypeatum is a common plant in Cyprus. It is encountered all around the island, except for central-eastern Cyprus, but up to an altitude of 750 metres, meaning it can't be seen in the higher villages of the Troodos mountains range. Its flowering period is from January until April.