Ecological and biological adaptations of the hemiparasite Odontites luteus (L.) Clairv. (Orobanchaceae) on the territory of the conservation stow “Levadki” Oak Grove (Russia)

Abstract

The abundance of Odontites luteus (L.) Clairv (Orobanchaceae) was studied on the territory of the conservation stow “Levadki” Oak Grove (Russia). The average species abundance was 11.75 ind./m2 on the study area during the growing season. The phenological phases of the plant hemiparasite were studied, the indicators of seed productivity and the efficiency of its fruit formation were examined. O. luteus, being an annual plant, forms a significant number of flowers and fruits within a single specimen (the average number of seeds is 1,930). The specific affinity of the semi-parasite to the host plants has been studied.