The collection of the representatives of <i>Commelinaceae</i> Mirb. in greenhouses of Peter the Great Botanical Garden and features of its exposition

Abstract

Collections of greenhouse plants of the Peter the Great Botanical Garden of the BIN RAS are very diverse and include more than 12500 taxa. Over the long history of the collection, certain principles of acquisition were formed: geographical, systematic, phylogenetic, environmental and morphological. For greenhouse collections, the presence of rare and endangered species, medicinal, food and economically important plants is very important. In addition to the correct approach to the selection of plants, you must also carefully consider the competent demonstration of the taxa presented. Plants that visitors can see in the exposition greenhouses should have a habit more or less corresponding to how these species look in natural conditions. In the case of blooming, decorative leaf species or cultivars, try to find an exposure option in which their decorative qualities will be presented most fully. The object of our study was representatives of Commelinaceae family. Among these plants, in addition to the well-known to us Tradescantia L. and Callisia Loefl., there are a large number of species and cultivars that are highly decorative, and there are also representatives with medicinal and environment-improving properties. The analysis of exposure options for plants of this group is carried out. The most suitable ones were selected depending on the structural features of the shoot system, and the severity of the decorative qualities of these plants. Data are provided on the results of processing cuttings of Tradescantia zebrina Bosse. retardants. These drugs should prevent the stretching of the shoots, lead to a thickening of the stem, an increase in the size of the leaf plate, more active growth of the roots. This experiment was aimed at reducing the time spent on maintaining the decorativeness of a number of species and cultivars of Commelinaceae grown in pots.