Question

Which answer best describes alfalfa as opposed those of red clover?

-Stems originate from the crown but do not elongate much until the shoot apex shifts to become reproductive.
-Deep rooting perennial that undergoes contractile growth which places the crown 0.50 to 0.75 inch below soil.
-Before flowering, leaves are borne on long petioles that extend well above the stem and its shoot apex, allowing leaves to be grazed with minimal loss of shoot apices.
-Has contractile growth but the crown is not deep.
-Short-lived perennial with a prominent taproot that is extensively branched.

Answer 1

Alfalfa is a deep-rooting perennial that regrows from a crown and has a unique pollination mechanism requiring insects to trigger the stamens for successful seed set.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best description of alfalfa as opposed to red clover includes its adaptation to persist through a crown, deep root system, and its pattern of flowering. Alfalfa has stems that originate from the crown; this crown allows for regrowth after the above-ground portion of the plant is harvested or dies back. Alfalfa is a deep-rooting perennial that actively seeks out water with a root system that can penetrate up to 15 meters into the soil, which is particularly important for water acquisition in dry habitats. The crown tends to be situated just below the soil surface, enabling the plant to resprout effectively. Regarding reproduction, alfalfa flowers are irregular and require pollination, which is achieved through an interesting mechanism where stamens 'slap' the underbelly of a pollinator, such as an insect, when it lands on the flower to trigger pollination, a task in which honeybees are notably poor.