<P> A shamrock is a young sprig, used as a symbol of Ireland . Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, is said to have used it as a metaphor for the Christian Holy Trinity . The name shamrock comes from Irish seamróg (ˈʃamɣɾɣoːɡ), which is the diminutive of the Irish word for plant (seamair) and means simply "little plant" or "young plant". </P> <P> Shamrock usually refers to either the species Trifolium dubium (lesser clover, Irish: seamair bhuí) or Trifolium repens (white clover, Irish: seamair bhán). However, other three - leaved plants--such as Medicago lupulina, Trifolium pratense, and Oxalis acetosella--are sometimes called shamrocks . The shamrock was traditionally used for its medicinal properties and was a popular motif in Victorian times . </P>

Why is a shamrock the symbol of ireland
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