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 a sample from a population at Malaya Khatipara Mountain revealed that the species is capable to 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 square meters (PhiPT = 0.349; p = 0.001). We suppose this may happen due to lack of adaptations to seed dispersal. We also suppose that the observed concentration of genetically admixed individuals in upper parts of slopes is due to peculiarities of pollinators’ behavior. The size of vegetative clones does not exceed 1 square meter.
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