Melilot

Melilot (Melilotus), a genus of clover-like plants of the natural order Leguminosæ. The Common Melilot, a yellow-flowered annual, common in Britain, has when in flower a peculiar sweet odour like Tonka Bean, which increases in drying. The flowers and seeds are the chief ingredients in flavouring Gruyère cheese.—The Blue Melilot (M. caerulea), a native of the north of Africa, with short racemes of blue flowers, is cultivated in many parts of Europe, particularly in Switzerland and the Tyrol, and has the peculiar melilot odour in a high degree. The name Bokhara Clover has been given to one or more species.