The International Legume Database and Information Service (ILDIS) notes that Burchell's clover is native to the montane shrublands, grasslands and bamboo thickets of eastern and southern Africa. This species is rarely found in cultivation, despite its attractive, thimble-sized inflorescence. Instead, a trip to Africa would reveal that it is an important perennial legume for livestock grazing at 3000m or higher above sea level.
This (cropped) photograph was taken three years ago, and I've not had the opportunity to verify if these plants remain (it's not something you'd casually notice when not in flower due to its size!).
Photography resource link: “Just Say Yes!”, an article by Alain Briot for Nature Photographers Online. After reading this essay, all I can say is “Yes!”
Please share your comments about the photograph(s) and accompanying write-up. Telling a story about the subject of the photograph(s) is also much appreciated! If you have a gardening question, the best place to ask is on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Thank you!
Another beautiful image. I used the uncropped version of this, as well as a number of others of Daniel's fine photographs, as desktop wallpaper. His image of Adiantum venustum (May 12, 2005) is my all-time favourite. I wonder if other BPotD readers would be interested in more wallpaper images. I wonder if people would be willing to donate money in support of the garden for such things.
That's a wonderful composition, I love the colors. Neat flowers too ... with the wings wrapping around and overlapping. Is that common in Trifolium? I'll have to look more closely next time I see one.
Daniel, unfortunately this plant no longer exists in the UBCBG collection!