Four-leaf clover

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4-leaf white clover (Trifolium repens L.) Four-leaf Clover Trifolium repens 2.jpg
4-leaf white clover (Trifolium repens L.)

The four-leaf clover is a rare variation of the common three-leaf clover that has four leaflets instead of three. According to traditional sayings, such clovers bring good luck, [1] although it is not clear when or how this idea began. One early mention of "Fower-leafed or purple grasse" is from 1640 and simply says that it was kept in gardens because it was "good for the purples in children or others". [2]

Contents

The term four-leaf is botanically a misnomer, as clovers typically only have a single leaf consisting of varying numbers of leaflets.

Occurrence

A 2017 survey of approximately 5.7 million clovers in six European countries found the frequency of 4-leaf clovers to be about 5000 to 1 (one 4-leaf clover for every ~5000 normal 3-leaf clovers), twice the commonly stated probability of 10,000 to 1. According to this survey, the frequency of a 5-leaf clover is ~24,400 to 1, and of a 6-leaf clover is ~312,500 to 1. The exact reported frequencies are 5076 to 1 for 4-leaf clovers; 24,390 to 1 for 5-leaf clovers; and 312,500 to 1 for 6-leaf clovers. [3]

The clover with the most leaves ever found had 63 of them, and was discovered by Yoshiharu Watanabe of Nasushiobara city, Tochigi prefecture, Japan, on 2 August 2023. The clover was from the species Trifolium repens L., or the white clover; [4] beating the previous record, a 56-leaf clover (of the same species) found by Shigeo Obara of Hanamaki city, Iwate prefecture, Japan, on 10 May 2009. [5] [6] Both men obtained clovers with such a number of leafleats through crossbreeding cloverplants with a high rate of clovers with an abnormal number of leaflets, causing that, on average, cloverplants generated clovers with a higher number of leaflets in each generation. Shigeo Obara used the method of natural crossbreeding, while Yoshiharu Watanabe used both natural crossbreeding and manual crossbreeding. [7] [8]

The world record for number of four-leaf clovers collected in one hour by an individual is 451, set by American Gabriella Gerhardt in 2019. Gerhardt also has a record-breaking collection of 118,791 four-leaf clovers, as well as 1437 six-leaf clovers and 209 seven-leaf. [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]

As stated, clovers can have more than four leaves. 5-leaf clovers are less commonly found naturally than 4-leaf clovers; [14] [15] however, they too have been successfully cultivated. [16] Some 4-leaf clover collectors, particularly in Ireland, regard the 5-leaf clover, known as a rose clover, as a particular prize. [17]

Cause

A 4-leaf clover amongst others with three leaves Four Leaf Clover (7258825680).jpg
A 4-leaf clover amongst others with three leaves

It is debated whether the fourth leaflet is caused genetically or environmentally. Its relative rarity (1 in ~5,000 clovers [3] ) suggests a possible recessive gene appearing at a low frequency. Alternatively, four-leaf clovers could be caused by somatic mutation or a developmental error of environmental causes. They could also be caused by the interaction of several genes that happen to segregate in the individual plant. It is possible all four explanations could apply to individual cases. This means that multiple four-leaf clovers could be found in the same cloverplant, and a cloverplant that already has a clover with an abnormal number of leaflets has a higher chance of growing or having another abnormal clover than a cloverplant that doesn't have any. [18]

Researchers from the University of Georgia have reported finding the gene that turns ordinary three-leaf clovers into the coveted four-leaf types. Masked by the three-leaf gene and strongly influenced by environmental conditions, molecular markers now make it possible to detect the presence of the gene for four-leaves and for breeders to work with it. The results of the study, which also located two other leaf traits in the white-clover genome, were reported in the July/August 2010 edition of Crop Science , published by the Crop Science Society of America. [19]

The other leaf traits, the red fleck mark and red midrib, a herringbone pattern that streaks down the center of each leaflet in a bold red color, were mapped to nearby locations, resolving a century-old question as to whether these leaf traits were controlled by one gene or two separate genes. White clover has many genes that affect leaflet color and shape, and the three in the study were very rare. These traits can be quite attractive, particularly if combined with others, and can turn clover into an ornamental plant for use in flower beds. [20]

According to an experiment made in 2019 by the, at that moment, 17-year old Minori Mori, from Tsukuba, Japan, four-leaf clovers seem to be more likely to appear in well-fertilized soil. Phosphates (a common ingredient in fertilizers) have been proved to play a role in the frequency of development of four-leaf clovers in cloverplants. A plant hormone called auxin, which plays an important role in plant development, has also been shown to increase the probability of mutations in clovers, especially the development of clovers with more than four leaflets. One study reportedly achieved clovers with five to eight leaflets (within a ten day span) using double of the regular dose of phosphate fertilizer and seeds from a cultivar that produces clovers with four leaflets more frequently. Auxin was also given to the plants with their water, with a concentration of 0.7%. [21]

There are reports of farms in the US which specialize in four-leaf clovers, producing as many as 10,000 a day (to be sealed in plastic as "lucky charms") by introducing a genetically engineered ingredient to the plants to encourage the aberration (there are, however, widely available cultivars that regularly produce leaves with multiple leaflets – see below). [22]

Multi-leaved cultivars

A 5-leaf Trifolium repens Five-leaf clover.jpg
A 5-leaf Trifolium repens

There are some cultivars of white clover ( Trifolium repens ) which regularly produce more than three leaflets, including purple-leaved T. repens "Purpurascens Quadrifolium" and green-leaved T. repens "Quadrifolium". [23] Some clovers have more spade-shaped leaves, rather than the usual rounded ones. This may be a genetic mutation. Some genetic mutations in clovers include spade-like shaped leaves or a dotted rusty color on the leaves. Trifolium repens "Good Luck" is a cultivar which has three, four, or five green, dark-centered leaflets per leaf. [24]

Other species

Other plants may be mistaken for, or misleadingly sold as, "4-leaf clovers"; for example, Oxalis tetraphylla is a species of wood sorrel with leaves resembling a 4-leaf clover. [25] [26] Other species that have been sold as "4-leaf clovers" include Marsilea quadrifolia . [27] [28]

As a good luck charm

Sir John Melton's 1620 satirical play Astrologaster includes the line "That if a man walking in the fields, finde any foure-leaued grasse, he shall in a small while after finde some good thing." in a list of superstitious ceremonies. This is often thought to be the first reference to 4-leaf clovers bringing good luck. [29] [30]

A description from 1869 says that 4-leaf clovers were "gathered at night-time during the full moon by sorceresses, who mixed it with vervain and other ingredients, while young girls in search of a token of perfect happiness made quest of the plant by day." [31] In an 1877 letter to St. Nicholas Magazine, an 11-year-old girl wrote, "Did the fairies ever whisper in your ear, that a 4-leaf clover brought good luck to the finder?" [32]

Symbolic usage

4-leaf clover pictured in the coat of arms of Laane-Nigula Parish Laane-Nigula valla vapp.svg
4-leaf clover pictured in the coat of arms of Lääne-Nigula Parish
The 4-leaf clover is used as a symbol by multiple agrarian political parties in Northern and Eastern Europe. Nordic Agrarian party logos.jpg
The 4-leaf clover is used as a symbol by multiple agrarian political parties in Northern and Eastern Europe.

Meanings

Some folk traditions assign a different attribute to each leaflet of a clover. The leaves have been used by Christians to represent hope, faith, love and luck. [43] Others say that 4-leaf clovers granted the power to see fairies. [44] [45]

See also

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References

  1. ↑ Harry Oliver (2010). Black Cats & 4-leaf Clovers: The Origins of Old Wives' Tales and Superstitions in Our Everyday Lives (reprint ed.). Penguin. ISBN   9781101442814.
  2. ↑ Parkinson J. 1640. Theatrum Botanicum: The Theater of Plants or An Herball of Large Extent. Tho. Cotes. Publisher, London, Pp 1110-1112.
  3. 1 2 Sperling, Uli (24 July 2017). "How rare are 4-leaf clovers really?". Share the luck. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022.
  4. ↑ "Most leaves on a clover". Guinness World Records . 10 May 2009. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  5. ↑ "Most leaves on a clover". Guinness World Records . 10 May 2009. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023.
  6. ↑ "WEEK IN PHOTOS: Unlucky Kangaroo, 56-Leaf Clover, More". National Geographic. 12 May 2009. Archived from the original on 18 May 2009. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
  7. ↑ "56-leaf clover new Guinness record". The Japan Times . Kyodo. 21 September 2010. Archived from the original on 6 July 2024.
  8. ↑ "Record-breaking 63-leaf clover grown by Japanese man". Guiness World Records. Sanj Atwal. 20 June 2024.
  9. ↑ "Four Leaf Clover Hunter Gabriella Gerhardt".
  10. ↑ "Fitchburg woman sets new Guinness World Record for largest four-leaf clover collection". WMTV | News, Weather & Sports. 28 February 2023.
  11. ↑ "City alder Gerhardt holds world record for hobby". Fitchburg Star. Molly Carmichael. 9 February 2021.
  12. ↑ "Fitchburg woman looks to clinch third and fourth world records for clover collection". Wisconsin State Journal . Kimberly Wethal. 2 January 2023.
  13. ↑ "Wisconsin woman breaks world record with 118,791 four-leaf clovers". UPI . Ben Hooper. 27 February 2023.
  14. ↑ Hershey, David (16 March 2000). "Re: how common is a five leaf clover?". MadSci Network.
  15. ↑ "Facts About 5-leaf Clovers". Clovers Online. Clover Specialty Company. 2004. Archived from the original on 27 December 2008.
  16. ↑ "5-leaf clover". Mt. Vernon Register-News. 14 October 2008. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012.
  17. ↑ Mabey, Richard, Flora Britannica, p. 225 (citing Edward and Helene Wenis of Leonia, New Jersey, U.S., writing in BSBI News, 56, 1990)
  18. ↑ Marcel Cleene, Marie Claire Lejeune (2002). Compendium of Symbolic and Ritual Plants in Europe: Herbs. Vol. 2. Man & Culture.
  19. ↑ Tashiro, R.M., et al. Leaf Trait Coloration in White Clover and Molecular Mapping of the Red Midrib and Leaflet Number Traits . Crop Science, 7 June 2010.
  20. ↑ Archived 11 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine The Georgia White Clover Ornamental Collection.
  21. ↑ "Need a little luck? Here's how to grow your own". Science News Explores . Sid Perkins. 15 May 2019.
  22. ↑ Mabey, Richard, Ibid, p. 225
  23. ↑ Lord, Tony (ed), RHS Plant Finder 2006–2007, (20th edition), Dorling Kindersley, London, 2006, p. 743. ISBN   1-4053-1455-9
  24. ↑ Killerplants.com Archived 2008-10-11 at the Wayback Machine (photo)
  25. ↑ The Four Leaf Clover Kit (Mega Mini Kits) (Paperback) . Amazon review. 12 September 2006.
  26. ↑ Good Luck Plant Kit Archived 2008-12-27 at the Wayback Machine . FourLeafClover.com. Retrieved 7 December 2008.
  27. ↑ All About Shamrocks 4-leaf Clovers Archived 2008-12-14 at the Wayback Machine . LollySmith.com. Retrieved 7 December 2008.
  28. ↑ Keenan, Susan M. The Four Leaf Clover Archived 2009-01-30 at the Wayback Machine . HotFact.com. 11 March 2008.
  29. ↑ The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland: JRSAI. Royal Soc. of Antiquaries of Ireland. 1894. p. 134.
  30. ↑ Melton, John (1620). Astrologaster, or, The figure-caster. Rather the arraignment of artlesse astrologers, and fortune-tellers, that cheat many ignorant people vnder the pretence of foretelling things to come, of telling things that are past, finding out things that are lost, expounding dreames, calculating deaths and natiuities, once againe brought to the barre.
  31. ↑ Masters MT. 1869. Vegetable Teratology, An Account of the Principal Deviations from the Usual Construction of Plants. Robert Hardwicke Publisher, London, P 356.
  32. ↑ Child, Madge. 1877. In a letter titled "Four-Leaved Clovers," (St. Nicholas; an Illustrated Magazine for Young Folks), Volume 4, pp. 634-5, in the subsection of letters called "Jack-in-the-Pulpit", July 1877.
  33. ↑ Defendi, Laura (9 November 2017). "Ugo Sivocci and the lucky 4-leaf clover – Cozzi Brothers Museum". eNews Fratelli Cozzi Museum. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
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  35. ↑ "The bleak story of the most mythical clover". Euromarque. 2023. Archived from the original on 8 February 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
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  37. ↑ "SpaceX's 3rd Space Station Resupply Flight Gets 3-Sided Mission Patch". space.com. Retrieved 23 February 2015
  38. ↑ "Clover Park School District Homepage". www.cloverpark.k12.wa.us.
  39. ↑ "Clover Pub - European Pub". cloverpub.com.br.
  40. ↑ "Celtic Computers | Laptop & PC Computer Repair". www.celtic-computers.co.uk.
  41. ↑ "Elsie Carper Collection on Extension Service, Home Economics, and 4-H". usda.gov. Retrieved 11 March 2016
  42. ↑ "How Van Cleef & Arpels Got Its 4-leaf Clover | Barnebys Magazine". Barnebys.com. 14 September 2022. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  43. ↑ Webster, Richard (2008). The Encyclopedia of Superstitions. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 61. ISBN   9780738725611 . Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  44. ↑ Grauschopf, Sandra (20 November 2019). "11 Juicy Facts About 4-leaf Clovers". LiveAbout. Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024. Updated on 30 August 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  45. ↑ "The real 'luck' of clovers". John Muir Trust. 14 March 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
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