OPHRYS GENERA IN THE TERRITORY OF THE TEPE-OBA BOTANICAL RESERVE. POPULATION'S ANALYSIS

Abstract

Abstract. Aim. To determine the amount and age structure of Ophrys oestrifera and O. apifera populations on the territory of the Tepe-Oba botanical reserve (South-East Crimea), study the morphological features of plants. To evaluate the current populations' state and identify factors of threats. Material. Three populations of Ophrys oestrifera and one population of O. apifera were found and studied on the territory of Tepe-Oba, their quantitative and age composition (structure) were determined, vitality of individuals for O. oestrifera populations was defined. Results. O. oestrifera grows in three localities on the areas of 10 to 400 m2 and in the numbers of 28 to 342 individuals. The population of O. apifera has its area of 10 m2 and its size is 15 generative specimens. Populations O. oestrifera No. 1, 2 are young, normal and stable. Populations of O. oestrifera No. 3 and O. apifera have not yet reached their dynamic equilibrium (balance). O. oestrifera index of vitality doesn't significantly different in three populations (IVC=1,00– 1,09), that indicates approximately the same kind of growing conditions in the studying territory. However, growing in the same conditions O. apifera has some biometric differences from the O. oestrifera . For example, O. oestrifera plants are 1.5 times higher, inflorescence length is on average 2.5–3 times longer, and number of flowers in the inflorescence is 1,5 times more than those O. apifera . Main conclusions . The condition of O. oestrifera population in the territory of Tepe-Oba is satisfactory. Insignificant differences diversity in their vital structure can be associated with a e condition of O. apifera population is threatening because of its low size, small area and the lack of pregenerative plants in the age spectrum.