Description
Alfalfa (Latin scientific name: LotuscorniculatusL) is a generic Vervain (scientific name: Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf et CE Hubb.) is a plant of the family Gramineae and Verbena. The leaf sheath is membranous and the sheath mouth is ciliated; the leaf tongue is membranous, white, about 0.5 mm long, Upper edge torn; leaf blade linear, 15-20 cm long, 4-6 mm wide, glabrous on both sides. The first glume is as long as the spikelet, flat on the back, with 7-9 veins, with ridges on both sides, apex or long acuminate; the second glume is thick paper, adnate in the recess of the raceme axis, But its apex is free; the first floret only has membranous lemma; the second floret is bisexual, the lemma is membranous, long ovoid, about 4 mm long.
Verbena is distributed in North Africa, European Mediterranean countries, and Asia; in China, it is distributed in Northeast, North, Central, South, and Southwest China. It grows in fields, ditches, river beaches and other humid places.
Verbena has good palatability and is an excellent forage for livestock, poultry and fish. When the stems and leaves are tender, there is a slight sweetness, and horses, cattle, and sheep like to eat after the side is broken. Good soil-fixing and water-retaining performance, can be used as soil-retaining plants for embankment, slope protection and bank protection
