Monitoring of orchid population in the area of Pierzchno, county of Środa Wielkopolska (Wielkopolska)

Abstract

The subject of the research was the population of orchid growing in the area of Pierzchno in Wielkopolska. This position was found in 2001 where two kinds of orchids were recorded – Orchis morio and Dactylorhiza majalis. Male orchid occurs in the particular position in this geographical region. Quite numerous population of Dactylorhiza majalis (broad-leaved marsh orchid) and counting only a few specimens of the population of Orchis morio were followed in 2013–2015. The research concerned both individual and group features. During this period, we observed a clear progression of broad-leaved marsh orchid population. It resulted in an increase in the number of ramets and the area occupied by it. In the first year of research two experimental plots were extracted and in the next growing season, a third surface was found, occupied by the species. Locating juveniles in the second season also confirms the population dynamics. In the last year of observation, orchids appeared only on the second surface, which substantially increased its dimensions. Unfortunately, in the case of populations of the male orchid clear regression was noted because fewer individuals grew from year to year. On the meadow nearby Pierzchno favourable living conditions were found for Dactylorhiza majalis and unfavourable ones for Orchis morio, which could lead to the disappearance of this population. key words: Orchis morio, Dactylorhiza majalis, population, individual features, group features, Pierzchno