Alfalfa, Medicago sativa, also called lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries around the world.Alfalfa, Medicago sativa, also called lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries around the world.The Spanish-Arabic name alfalfa is widely used, particularly in North America and Australia. But in the UK, South Africa and New Zealand, the more commonly used name is lucerne. It superficially resembles clover, with clusters of small purple flowers followed by fruits spiralled in 2 to 3 turns containing 10-20 seeds. Alfalfa is native to a warmer temperate climate such as that of Iran.It has been cultivated as livestock fodder since at least the era of the ancient Greeks and Romans.PropertiesThe seeds, leaves and stems of the alfalfa plant have important properties- derived from the root of the plant which reach up to 12 meters in the subsoil and absorb the elusive trace minerals from the depths. The most important this trace minerals is manganese which is vital to the human digestive system in its manufacture of insulin. Alfalfa is an outstanding alkalizing food. Alfalfa build up for a healthy and vigorous old age and resistance to infectionCommon name: lucerneColor: violetHeight: about one meterDifficulty level: EasyPlanting & CareSunlight: full sunSoil: A well-draining area with a pH level between 6.8 and 7.5.Care:What is Lucerne for Lucerne should be sown as a four or five year temporary ley.It is not a grazing plant as it causes bloat and is much better suited to the production of silage for dairy cows, cattle or sheep.For specialist use it may be made into hay for the equine market where it is also known as alfalfa.Where to Grow It Successfully Lucerne is suited to naturally alkaline and free-draining soils.It is severely restricted on soils with pH below 6.2.Liming will not be enough to correct naturall