Many thanks to first-time BPotD contributor Josef Stuefer aka josef.stuefer@Flickr for today's photograph (original via the Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool).
Trifolium alpinum, or (unsurprisingly), alpine clover is a perennial native to the acidic-soil grasslands and rocky slopes of the Alps, Pyrenees and northern Apennines in southwestern Europe. Up to a dozen flowers in globose inflorescences are borne on leafless stems, approximately 5-20cm high (2-8in.). The flowers are sweet-smelling, but I've not had the pleasure so can't attempt to describe it. Of alpine Trifolium species in Europe, it has the largest flowers (according to the Alpine Garden Society's Encyclopaedia of Alpines).
Alpine clover has been assessed by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization for its suitability in ecological restoration of alpine habitats. Details appear in Site-Specific Grasses and Herbs: Seed production and use for restoration of mountain environments. On Trifolium alpinum: "Because of its suitability for sites with a low pH as well as its deep taproot, alpine clover is an important component (and nitrogen supplier) of grassland mixtures that are appropriate to the habitat. Nutrient-rich forage with high digestibility."
For additional photographs, see Wikimedia Commons (this photograph appears there too): Trifolium alpinum or Botany.cz: Trifolium alpinum.
Great photo. Must be nice to see this along your hike. The view is nice too.
Absolutely stunningly beautiful shot. Thanks for the plant and the pic. Its a keeper.
Exquisite!
"suitability in ecological restoration of alpine habitats" -- and terraforming Mars?
Absolutely love the way you have laid out this photo with the fading background. Lovely. Thanks.
Break-your-heart beautiful, both the plant and the view! Thanks for this--I need it this morning!
Hermosa planta con sus flores la foto contrasta en forma muy bella con el paisaje ... Felicidades Josef
Another wonderful example of why I visit this site every morning to enjoy the beauty of this Earth. Thank you Josef and Daniel.
I, too, needed this beautiful scene this morning -- lovely foreground of alpine clover leading to the glaciers and mountains of Switzerland. Many thanks, Josef & Daniel! Questions about "nutrient-rich forage with high digestibility" : At this elevation, would that be marmots, pika, etc.? Foraging on the tundra? Eek!
That is gorgeous! Exquisite. What a wonderful way to start the morning, as has been said. If I lived there I would walk my dog more . . .
oh the wonders of this earth are so many
the photo looks like a fine painting
charles martin heade comes to my mind
i have been linking but i just want
to enjoy and not ponder thank you
They are so lovely.
On my way to work had not one, but TWO, flat tires. Finally arrived two hours late to see this exquisite photo to remind me what is really important. Thank you for the daily photos and this one especially.
Fabulous photo! Gardens are wonderful, and for many it's the only place to view plants, but there's nothing like seeing a plant like this in it's natural place. The photo really captures that sense of magical encounter. Thanks.
Wow, that looks absolutely nothing like any Trifolium I've ever seen (think tick trefoil and its ilk).
Sam
Nice pics,wld lùv 2 see it life.,.nice work.
Great photo, and a rather nicer looking plant than our local burr clover.
Wonderful contrasts, near and far.
Incredible photo! I love it!