

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The most diverse genus

What's the most diverse genus of plants on the Bodega Head peninsula?

Did you guess clovers (Trifolium spp.)?  Do you know how many species of clovers have been documented on Bodega Head?

Answer: 21 species of Trifolium have been recorded so far.  Can you guess how many are native vs. introduced?

Answer: 10 native, 11 introduced.  What habitats are they found in?

Most of the native species are found in grasslands or coastal prairie on the outer portion of Bodega Head.  A few are found in wet seeps along coastal bluffs.  Most of the introduced species are found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and around buildings.

It's a little too early to find clovers in bloom, but I'll post some more photos as they start to flower.  Meanwhile, here's another image look for evidence of herbivory!

P.S.  This post was inspired not only by this spectacular group of plants, but also by a certain Boston sports team coming to town on Friday night.  We're off to see them play in Sacramento Go Celtics!

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