Introductory
SPECIES: Medicago sativa | Alfalfa 



ABBREVIATION : 
MEDSAT

SYNONYMS : 
NO-ENTRY


SCS PLANT CODE : 
   MESA


COMMON NAMES : 
   alfalfa
   lucerne
   luzerne
   snailclover
   purple medick


TAXONOMY : 
The currently accepted scientific name for alfalfa is Medicago sativa L.
Medicago sativa readily hybridizes with Siberian alfalfa (Medicago
falcata).  The intermediate form, variegated alfalfa, is named Medicago
sativa media [37].  Some authors consider the hybrid a separate species,
Medicago media [50,110,113].  An alternatively used name
for the hybrid is Medicago x varia Martyn, or M. s. ssp. xvaria (Martyn)
Arcang.  [100,129].

Alfalfa is considered a species complex, with nine facies classified as
subspecies.  Diploid and tetraploid forms are both common,
though all alfalfa cultivars are tetraploid [100].

A recognized white-flowered form is Medicago sativa forma alba Benke.
[37].


LIFE FORM : 
Forb

FEDERAL LEGAL STATUS : 
No special status

OTHER STATUS : 
NO-ENTRY


COMPILED BY AND DATE : 
Janet Sullivan, October 1992.


LAST REVISED BY AND DATE : 
NO-ENTRY


AUTHORSHIP AND CITATION : 
Sullivan, Janet. 1992. Medicago sativa. In: Remainder of Citation

Related categories for Species: Medicago sativa | Alfalfa