Thladiantha dubia Bunge in Bryansk Region: Distribution, Ecology, and Biochemical Characteristics

Abstract

Thladiantha dubia Bunge is an East Asian species, a perennial herbaceous climbing vine, which naturally grows in the Russian Far East, in Northeast China, and on the Korean Peninsula. It is a secondary species in Central Europe, North America, South America (Ecuador), and Japan. Th. dubia is not an invasive plant for the majority of European countries. Th. dubia is bred in the European part of Russia as an ornamental plant, and it is found in a variety of disturbed habitats. In some regions of Russia, it has an invasive status. The distribution of Th. dubia in Bryansk Region was studied using grid mapping. The species was observed in 69 out of 223 examined squares (30.94%). Th. dubia occurs in disturbed habitats, wastelands, and homes. We have discovered and studied communities dominated by Th. dubia. The species forms monodominant resistant communities in anthropogenic habitats. On the basis of the analysis of geobotanical descriptions of the communities, we established the association Thladianthetum dubiae ass. nov. The formation of a monodominant community is possible owing to vegetative propagation and decrease in the illumination of the soil cover. Th. dubia secretes growth inhibitors, colins. Presumably, an invasion vector of Th. dubia is anthropochoria. Th. dubia is a potentially invasive species for Bryansk Region. The biomass of the plant is characterized by a good absorption capacity of some heavy metals, and it can be used as a soil remediator.