Medicago sativa, commonly known as alfalfa or lucerne, is a perennial legume native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean. It is recognized by its trifoliate leaves and clusters of purple to violet flowers. The name alfalfa comes from Arabic, meaning “the best fodder,” reflecting its long history of cultivation and importance to pastoral cultures. Unlike many wild legumes, Medicago sativa has exceptionally deep roots, allowing it to survive drought and access nutrients far below the soil surface—a trait that made it one of the most influential plants in the development of traditional agriculture.
