The name melilotus (μέλιλωτος) was used in use in Greece since ancient times, but precisely which plant it referred to is uncertain, but it is now used as the genus name for a group of trifoliate plants of the Fabaceae, bean and pea family. Melilotus indicus native to North Africa, Asia and Europe it is now naturalised throughout the world. The sweetclovers are considered a valuable constituent of animal pastures and in hay; it is also valued as a provider of pollen and nectar for bees and makes excellent honey.