Melilotus albus [White Sweet-clover]

[Andrea B.]

Blum, A.G. (2015) Melilotus albus Medik. (Fabaceae) White Sweet-clover. Flowers photographed in ultraviolet and visible light. http://www.ultraviol...e-sweet-clover/

 

Synonyms:

• Honey Clover
  
• White Melilot
  

Comment:

Bees make a wonderfully flavored honey from M. albus. The plant is also grown to provide hay to feed animals.

While not native to North America, White Sweet Clover is now found all over the US and Canada.

The flowers are primarily UV-absorbing but some show a small amount of UV reflectivity at the base of the corolla.

 

 

Reference:

1. New England Wild Flower Society (2015) Melilotus albus Medik. White Sweet-clover. https://gobotany.new...elilotus/albus/

 

Visible Light [f/11 for 1/200" @ ISO-400 with Onboard Flash and Baader UVIR-Block Filter]

 

Ultraviolet Light [f/11 for 15" @ ISO-400 with SB-14 UV-modified Flash and Baader UV-Pass Filter]

^{Long exposure was used to include multiple flashes for more even lighting.}