About

Trigonella suavissima is a herbaceous plant that is endemic to Australia. It is a member of the genus Trigonella and the family Fabaceae. Common names include Cooper clover, Menindee clover, calomba, Darling trigonella, sweet fenugreek, channel clover, sweet-scented clover and Australian shamrock.

The species was formally described by English botanist John Lindley, based on plant material collected during an expedition by Thomas Mitchell.

Where it grows

Trigonella suavissima is endemic to Australia and can be found in all the Australian states except Tasmania, which has a rather wet climate compared with the other seven states. The species grows in drier regions in the north-west parts of each state.

Uses

The major consumers of Trigonella suavissima are the Aboriginals, which they called Galuuba. Facilitating engagement through strong relationships between primary healthcare and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, it was recorded that Trigonella suavissima was eaten raw by the people in Diamantina in Queensland, Australia. Experts also found that besides toxic compounds, the species also contain various secondary compounds such as saponins and flavonols that have medical uses. It cannot replace current grain legumes like Cicer arietinum i.e. chickpeas, Lupinus angustifolius i.e. blue lupins and Pisum sativum i.e. peas, Trigonella suavissima is still a viable option as a substitute when the harvest of the grain crops are unsustainable under arid climate and infertile soil.

Other Trigonella plants

Trigonella berythea · Blue fenugreek · Trigonella falcata · Fenugreek · Trigonella maritima · Fenugreek