A Plant with Many Virtues!

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), also known as lucerne, is a perennial plant from the Fabaceae family, native to the Mediterranean regions.

Thanks to its rare ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen through symbiosis with specific bacteria, alfalfa has been introduced across Europe to improve soil fertility. This plant is also an excellent forage for livestock.

Its distinctive flowers range in color from pale pink to deep purple and attract a wide variety of pollinators , who find in them a precious source of nectar and pollen. The honey produced by bees visiting these flowers is delicate and highly valued.

Did You Know?

The flowers of alfalfa open upon contact. This mechanism allows pollinators to easily collect nectar while ensuring the plant’s pollination at the same time.

Photo Pixabay