Trifolium amphianthum
I have a long standing offer of a good bottle of scotch, steak dinner, or equivalent if anyone can find a living population of Trifolium amphianthum. This species is often listed as a synonym of the South American species, Trifolium polymorphum . Other than morphological similarities, there is no evidence for it being included as a synonym since the type was collected by Drummond in Texas in 1838 before few if any non-native species were well established in Texas. It is now treated as a good species in the Flora of North America Vol. 11. It is easy to identify by its perennial stoloniferous nature, pink or red showy chasmogamous flowers, and small cleistogamous flowers that grow into the ground forming a peanut, hence the common name, peanut clover.
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I wish I lived closer to its probable habitat! :-) Cool idea: a plant bounty! Now what are the odds of a plant bounty hunter starving to death? Hehe! When were the last living plants observed?
I found this source that helped me see what it looks like. Is this the right plant?
https://books.google.com/books?id=G9g9AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA174&lpg=PA174&dq=Trifolium+amphianthum&source=bl&ots=vpbUpYA8v_&sig=5l-FqnZ0Rohx3zlc0PoPHA5_MZE&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiMivPZ3KvRAhWn34MKHS2TDlcQ6AEIJjAC#v=onepage&q=Trifolium%20amphianthum&f=false
This is the first bounty I've seen offered so it wouldn't take long to starve I'm sure. :) I first made the offer in my little paper that includes a key to Trifolium in Texas (link). Your link is the correct plant. The last time it was seen alive was in 2000 in Madison County. Amanda Neill collected it as part of her master's work. The most recent collection before her was in the 1980's, but most are from the 1950's and before. I've searched the Madison County location 3 times since then with no luck.
http://phytoneuron.net/2013Phytoneuron/32PhytoN-Trifoliumnigrescens.pdf
Steak, huh? Hmmm.... :)
I think I originally offered surf and turf so if that's what you prefer, I'll oblige. :)
Interesting and strange that one of the species closest to extinction in Texas isn't even on any watch lists. It's possible that this species pops up after disturbance and disappears for many years waiting for optimum conditions (whatever they are). Other than Amanda and Dr. Turner, no one alive has ever seen it.
I guess there's been none found yet?
If a population is found, we all go to it and Eric's buying steak for everyone. :)
It still remains hidden in the ground somewhere, hopefully. Sam, I'd be happy to have anyone that actually finds it and anyone else that wants to make the trip!
As an update, it was collected in 2008 by an astute A&M student in Fayette County, but we've looked twice with no luck.
Friendly reminder to keep your eyes open as spring approaches. Still hasn't been found.
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