What is the Original of the Irish Shamrock?
Do you know that there is no such thing as a "Shamrock Plant"? The Irish word "shamrock" translates to the English word "clover. However, there are hundreds of varieties of clover. The question is what is the "Original Irish Shamrock"? Here is what some respected authorities have to say:
"White Clover, Trifolium repens forma minus, family Leguminosae, was the original shamrock of Ireland..." Academic American Encyclopedia, Vol. 17, 1990.
"In Ireland, the plant most often referred to as shamrock is the white clover." The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol. 17, 1993.
"Those most commonly called shamrocks are: the white clover, Trifolium repens, a creeping white flowered perennial..." Collier's Encyclopedia, Vol. 20, 1992.
"The clovers also occupied a position in the cultural life of early peoples. White clover (T. repens L.) in particular was held in high esteem by the early Celts of Wales as a charm against evil spirits. According to Evans (1957), this pagan tradition was continued by early Christian leaders and became the symbol of the Holy Trinity for the Irish people." Clover Science and Technology, N.L. Taylor, 1985.
These authorities agree that
the White Clover,Trifolium repens L. is the
"Original Irish Shamrock"
plant that produces our shamrocks
has been identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as Trifolium
repens L., White Clover...
"The Original Irish Shamrock"
