Genetic Differentiation and Clonality in a Local Population of the Caucasian Endemic Trifolium polyphyllum C.A. Mey. (Fabacae)

Abstract

Trifolium polyphyllum is a Caucasian endemic of the Fabaceae family peculiar for its inability of nitrogen fixation. Despite this unique trait, the species is insufficiently studied; in particular, little is known about its propagation and dispersal modes. Analyses of ISSR markers in specimens from a population at the Malaya Khatipara Mountain revealed that the species is capable of both sexual and vegetative propagation; however, the former mode dominates. We found out that separate patches within a local population are considerably genetically differentiated within an area of about 2000 m² (PhiPT = 0.349; p = 0.001). We suppose this may happen owing to a lack of adaptations to seed dispersal. We also suppose that the observed concentration of genetically admixed individuals in the upper parts of slopes is due to peculiarities of the behavior of pollinators. The size of vegetative clones does not exceed 1 m².