which type of clover is the "shamrock"?

[size=large]There are a few varieties of the lovely "clover" which are defined as "shamrock", the symbol of Ireland.[/size]

[size=large]Is there a variety in particular that is more appreciated in Ireland or are they all equally well known? [/size]

 

wiki seems to have a very comprehensive answer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamrock

 

Oxalis is the Shamrock family, it is not a member of the clover family.

 

wilki covers that.
Quote..." Oxalis—are sometimes designated as shamrocks."

 

Oxalis ARE shamrocks. They are not clovers.

 

This may be of interest to you daitheplant.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3519116.stm

Quote from the above....

WHICH IS THE TRUE SHAMROCK?
trifolium dubium (lesser trefoil) 46%
trifolium repens (white clover) 35%
medicap lupulina (black medick) 7%
oxalis acetosella (wood sorrel) 5%
trifolium pratense (red clover) 4%

Source: Survey of Irish people by Charles Nelson, 1988

 

In Ireland, wood sorrel grows everywhere, under trees and in the glades. I'm sure this must be "shamrock". I brought some home and I have it growing in my garden as a lovely reminder of happy holidays

 

[size=large]Good to know...[/size]

 

Many years ago I bought a packet of 'shamrock seed' whilst on holiday in ROI as a souvenir.

When they germinated I was most dissapointed that they looked like this:




rather than like what I expected:



(pics from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamrock)