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Clover
Trifolium
Clover is an extremely common little plant that we have somewhat neglected while enthusiastically searching for the four-leaf clover. What you may not know, however, is that the four-leaf clover is simply a clover with a genetic anomaly and there is only about one in every ten thousand normal plants. As often happens, something that arises from difference becomes something rare and sought after.
Clover, with its many varieties, is widely used as forage because it is rich in nutrients, both for animals and for the soil. A particularly interesting feature of this plant is that, as a storm approaches, it raises its leaves, which then fold downward. Ancient peoples used “barometer plants” like clover much as we use weather forecasts today.
INSIGHT
There are many plants capable of predicting rain, despite never having studied meteorology, and for this reason they are called “barometer plants.” In Northern Europe, some are even placed outside front doors to help forecast the weather.
They use different strategies, but the most common involves flowers, which close their petals to protect pollen. For example, calendula twists its petals before rain, while mallow appears to wilt just before bad weather arrives; this happens because humidity in the air changes, but after a few days it recovers.
Barometer plants also signal rising humidity in other ways, such as “weeping,” releasing tiny droplets of water from their leaves. One example is Alocasia, a well-known houseplant.
Another plant with a particularly striking behavior is Selaginella. Unlike the flowers mentioned earlier, in very humid conditions it keeps its leaves open, but when the weather becomes dry, it curls into a tight ball, effectively becoming a dry sphere. It is often sold in this state, and as soon as it is placed in water, it turns green again, hence its name, the “resurrection plant.”
Plants are excellent natural weather indicators, so it is always worth observing them if you are planning an outdoor picnic!