There are few things as enduringly Irish as the simple shamrock.
Derived from the Gaelic seamróg (young clover), the three-leaf plant has had a symbolic purpose since the 18th Century, decorating coins, medals and coat lapels of the great and good at home and abroad.
Traditionally the plant was said to have been used by St Patrick to illustrate the Christian Holy Trinity.
But how did the US president ending up being presented with a bowl of them?
Every year the taoiseach (Irish prime minister) makes a trip to the US and has an audience with the president at the White House.
The plant first made its way into the White House in 1952 with the Irish Ambassador to the US John Hearne delivering a box for President Harry Truman.
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