Alien species of the genus Lonicera (Caprifoliaceae) in the flora of right-bank Ukraine

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to determine the taxonomic composition of alien species of the genus Lonicera in the flora of the Right-Bank Ukraine and to study the state of their naturalization. The work is based on floristic field studies in the region and an inventory of the taxonomic composition of plantations of M.M. Gryshko National Botanic Garden of NAS of Ukraine (Kyiv), Syrets Arboretum (Kyiv), and Arboretum Oleksandriya of NAS of Ukraine (Bila Tserkva). Except alien species are cited earlier – L. tatarica and L. caprifolium, in the investigated spontaneous flora of the botanical garden and arboretums other species L. × notha and L. ruprechtiana have been found, which now have a local distribution. L. tatarica is widely distributed in parks and forest plantations throughout the territory. This species is well naturalized and it is now a common alien species. It is noted that the species is very polymorphic in the culture, but it is most adapted to local conditions typical form spontaneously spread. L. caprifolium often occurs in culture as an ornamental species and sometimes naturalizes, mostly near parks. L. ruprechtiana is found in collections in arboretums and botanical gardens. This species is characterized by successful generative reproduction and it is an escaped plant in the examined parklands. It is stated that the L. ruprechtiana is potentially expansive and therefore should not be recommended for widespread use in parklands and forest plantations. The hybridogenic L. × notha spontaneously arises in the centers of introduction upon contact of parental species – L. ruprechtiana and L. tatarica. This species may have a potentially high invasive ability. It is noted that several species of the genus: L. japonica, L. maackii and L. micrantha – have successfully naturalized in culture in the Right-Bank Ukraine and can replenish adventitious fraction of the flora in the future. It is established that 4 species of the genus Lonicera are alien species of the flora of Right-Bank Ukraine: L. tatarica, L. caprifolium, L. × notha and L. ruprechtiana. The last two are given for the first time for the flora of Ukraine. They are at the initial stage of naturalization and refer to colonophytes. A way to deter further expansion of L. × notha and L. ruprechtiana is to prevent a further spread of L. ruprechtiana in culture. Manuscript received 29.04.2020