Clover, Small Plants Rich in Benefits

Clover is a group of water spikes (Salviniales) of the genus Marsilea which in Indonesia are easily found on the edge of the rice field or irrigation channels.

The typical plant morphology of this genus is the ental shape resembling an umbrella that is composed of four leaves opposite. Because of this leaf shape, the name “clover” is used for several dicotyledonous plant species that have similar leaf, like klover.

All members of this genus are heterospor, with two different types of sexual spores.

The leaves of this plant (usually M. crenata) commonly used as food that is known as pecel clover, typical food of Surabaya. Spore storage organs (called sporokarp). M. drummondii is also used by indigenous Australians (aborigines) as food ingredient. M. crenata (clover) is also known contain phytoestrogen (plant estrogen) that has the potential to prevent osteoporesis. This plant is also potential as bioremediation plant, because it can absorb heavy metals Cd and Pb. This ability is compromised in using clover as a food ingredient, especially when the leaves are taken from heavy metal contaminated land. (wikipedia.org)