Distribution of the species
Clover occurs in the mountain meadows of Mt. Paggaio, especially in valleys (shallow pits with a circular or elliptical shape that we find at high altitudes of limestone mountains), where the soil is relatively deep and rich. It also has a frequent appearance on road sides and in the openings of shrublands and forests, at all altitudes.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
Relatively common species, with a large population on Mt. Paggaio. Perennial, herbaceous legumes, with a hairy stem that reaches a length of up to 20-50 cm. Its leaves are compound and divided, as the name of the genus indicates, into three individual blades, called leaflets. These leaflets are elongated or elliptical in shape, sparsely hairy on a smooth surface. Many flowers grouped together, densely arranged on a wide spherical or oval disk (head). The heads are either single or in pairs at the top of the shoot. If you can count 10 nerves (like small lines) on the outside of the tube of the small purple to pink flower, and see the five teeth-like spikes at its top, then you definitely have excellent vision. If you also see the, longer than the other four, lower tooth, then you just had a free eye exam. Some details that help to identify it, from other species of clovers, are the shape of the leaflets, which look like flattened spears, with their top strongly elongated, which narrows sharply. Characteristic is the presence of two leaves with flattened leaflets under each head. It blooms in June. It is grazed by all species of farm animals, as well as wild, especially hare and partridge. It also has significant beekeeping value and is a soil conditioner, as it improves soil fertility by enriching it with nitrogen.
Due to its relatively wide distribution on Mount Paggaio, no particular threats and pressures were observed or reported, which could lead to a significant reduction in its population.
Conservation status
Least Concern.
Conservation state
Assigned to the “LC-Least Concern” category by IUCN, which does not necessarily mean that the species is safe or should not be protected. It rather means that the species “is not in immediate extinction risk if the current conditions are maintained”.