Review article

DISTRIBUTION OF RED CLOVER (TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE L.) IN CROATIA

Dubravka Dujmović Purgar orcid.org/0000-0002-6150-3010 ; Agronomski fakulet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Kazimir Koraca
Jasmnia Bertoša
Snježana Bolarić orcid.org/0000-0002-0555-8922 ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

Clover (Trifolium) is, after alfalfa, an important forage legume in Croatia. In the world, the genus Trifolium includes approximately 250 annual and perennial species. In Europe, 99 species of genus Trifolium are recorded; out of which 76 exist in Croatia. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is distinguished by its importance and distribution. Food value of red clover is very high, but the other value of red clovers lies in its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. It is a honey plant, but also has medicinal value. Red clover is cultivated as an agricultural crop or in grass-clover mixtures. It also grows as a botanical component of meadows and in ruderal habitats as natural species. This species is widespread and can be found in all regions of Croatia. The meadows were investigated in northwestern part of Croatia (NW Croatia) during two vegetational seasons (2007, 2008). Data from our own research were supplemented with data on red clover habitats from existing Croatian literature.

Keywords

Trifolium spp.; red clover; distribution; natural populations; genetic variability; Croatia

Hrčak ID:

43022

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/43022

Publication date:

16.11.2009.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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