Botanical Garden Research Articles

GEOECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF LAND USE STRUCTURE OF THE PIDGORODNYA TERRITORIAL COMMUNITY

The purpose of the study is to assess the geo-environmental parameters and optimize the land use structure of the Pidgorodnya territorial community. The authors used special methods to determine the anthropogenic load, coefficients of ecological stability and anthropogenic transformation of the territory of the Pidgorodnya territorial community.
 The Pidgorodnya territorial community is located in the center of Ternopil region and Ternopil district, covering an area of 123.47 km². The community is home to 7418 people. The Pidgorodnya community was established in 2020 and unites 7 rural settlements, on the basis of which 6 starosta districts and a center in the village of Pidhorodne were created. The soil cover of the study area is among the most fertile soils in the region. There are two rivers and 8 ponds within the community.
 The article analyses and geo-ecologically assesses the land use structure of the Pidgorodnya community. It is established that the structure of land use in the study area is dominated by arable land (71%), forests occupy 7%, built-up land - 4%, pastures - 9%, hayfields - 5%, perennial plantations - 3%, land under water and swamps - 1%. The share of natural lands in the community is 27%, and the level of community conservation is 1.1%. The community has created 5 protected areas: a botanical garden, 2 botanical reserves and 2 botanical natural monuments with a total area of 135.5 hectares.
 Based on the results of the calculations, the coefficient of anthropogenic transformation of the territory of the Pidgorodnya territorial community was determined, which is 6,16; the coefficient of ecological stability – 0,28; anthropogenic load score is 3,7 and the coefficient of anthropogenic load – 3,7. According to the results obtained, it was found that the territory of the Pidgorodnya territorial community is ecologically unstable with an average degree of landscape transformation, and an average degree of anthropogenic pressure. Based on the calculations and results obtained, we can state the need to optimise the land use structure of the Pidgorodnya territorial community.
 In order to correct and improve the situation and bring the study area to the normative indicators of environmental stability, a number of optimization measures a number of optimization measures should be taken. The article substantiates the optimisation model of land use of the Pidgorodnya territorial community, which provides for a reduction of arable land by 25%, an increase in forest cover by 17%, and bringing the share of natural lands to the optimal level of 50%. Given the landscape features of the study area, we propose to reduce arable land at the expense of low-productive and eroded lands. Thus, the optimised land use structure of the Pidgorodnya territorial community will include 46% arable land, 24% forests, 25% pastures, hayfields and perennial plantations, 4% built-up land, and 1% land under water and marshes. Implementation of this approach requires changing the designated purpose of individual land plots and organising their landscape-adapted use. The prospect of further research is to determine the areas of land for transferring them from the anthropogenic category to the natural category, with further optimisation.
 Key words: geoecological assessment, land use, ecological stability, anthropogenic load.

Biology and ecology of <i>Forestiera neo-mexicana</i> A. Gray and prospects for use in the Lower Volga region

The issues of expanding the assortment of tree and shrub forest plantations in afforestation of arid regions are studied. Forestiera neo-mexicana A. Gray is an introduced and under-recognized exotic tropical plant in the agroforestry of the Volgograd region. The study site was the collection plots of the Volgograd breeding and seed production complex in the Kirovsky district forestry of Volgograd where Forestiera neo-mexicana grows. Bioecological assessment of the use of Forestiera neo-mexicana A. Gray shrub in landscaping and protective afforestation of the Lower Volga region was carried out. Using the methodology of phenological observations developed by the staff of the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences (MBG RAS), the total seed weight, morphometric indices of fruits and the dynamics of the physiological state of the shrub were determined. The bio-ecological properties were evaluated according to five traits: drought resistance (six-point scale of Pyatnitsky S.S.), winter hardiness (seven-point scale of the MBG RAS), evaluation of flowering and fruiting intensity by the method of V.G. Kapper (five-point scale), vitality (three-point scale). According to phenological observations, Forestiera neo-mexicana A. Gray passes all phenological phases in climatic conditions of the Volgograd region. In bioecological evaluation of the Forrestiera properties for five traits, the plant has a high score for flowering and fruiting intensity (5 points), vitality (5 points). The plant is winter hardy (1 point) and drought tolerant (1 point). Forestiera neo-mexicana A. Gray can be cultivated on the areas unsuitable for general land use, on pasture lands and can be used in protective forestry.

A Comparative study of the flowering phenology of wild growing geophytes in two different mesoclimatic areas in the Carpathian Basin

Plant phenology - timing of cyclical or seasonal biological events - has proven to be a very sensitive indicator for climate change impacts. The phenology of many plant species has been advanced by warming, with earlier spring species being more sensitive. To understand better the driving factors of the changing phenology we investigated the phenology of different wild growing geophytes in the Carpathian Basin for three consecutive years. The study has been carried out as an ex situ experiment in two different mesoclimatic sites, one in the Gödöllő Botanical Garden of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (average temperature 11,35 °C), other in the Eötvös Loránd University Botanical Garden, Füvészkert in the central part of Budapest (average temperature 13,16 °C). During the experiment 5 replicates of 5 wild growing geophytes were examined. The results show an advance of 3.64 days in Budapest, with strong variation across species. The earliest flowering species didn’t bloom (Galanthus nivalis) or died (Eranthis hyemalis) by the 3rd year in the site Budapest. If global warming continues, this advance and negative effects on wild growing plant species might be more serious in the future.

The second most abundant dinophyte in the ponds of a botanical garden is a species new to science.

In the microscopy realm, a large body of dark biodiversity still awaits to be uncovered. Unarmoured dinophytes are particularly neglected here, as they only present inconspicuous traits. In a remote German locality, we collected cells, from which a monoclonal strain was established, to study morphology using light and electron microscopy and to gain DNA sequences from the rRNA operon. In parallel, we detected unicellular eukaryotes in ponds of the Botanical Garden Munich-Nymphenburg by DNA-metabarcoding (V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene), weekly sampled over the course of a year. Strain GeoK*077 turned out to be a new species of Borghiella with a distinct position in molecular phylogenetics and characteristic coccoid cells of ovoid shape as the most important diagnostic trait. Borghiella ovum, sp. nov., was also present in artificial ponds of the Botanical Garden and was the second most abundant dinophyte detected in the samples. More specifically, Borghiella ovum, sp. nov., shows a clear seasonality, with high frequency during winter months and complete absence during summer months. The study underlines the necessity to assess the biodiversity, particularly of the microscopy realm more ambitiously, if even common species such as formerly Borghiella ovum are yet unknown to science.

Primary Determination of the Composition of Secondary Metabolites in the Wild and Introduced Artemisia martjanovii Krasch: Samples from Yakutia

Artemisia martjanovii Krasch is a rare representative of the genus Artemisia in Siberia and the Far East. The phytochemical composition of this endangered species is essential for its potential use in medicine. We used tandem mass spectrometry and HPLC-MS/MS methods to describe the metabolome from the stem and leaf extracts of A. martjanovii from Yakutia. The metabolome profile analysis of A. martjanovii grown in the Botanical Garden of the North-Eastern Federal University, Yakutsk, Russia, and the wild A. martjanovii from Khangalassky district, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) differed significantly both in the polyphenol composition and other compound classes. In total, we identified 104 bioactive constituents from stem and leaf extracts, 56 compounds from the polyphenol group, and 48 from other compound classes. Twenty-seven compounds classified as polyphenol groups, i.e., flavones apigenin, trihydroxy(iso)flavone, salvigenin, cirsiliol, cirsilineol, nevadensin, syringetin, gardenin B, thymonin, and chrysoeriol C-hexoside; flavonols: taxifolin, tetrahydroxy-dimethoxyflavone-hexoside, etc.; and 26 compounds from other classes are being reported for the first time in the genus Artemisia L.

Anomalous peony (<i>Paeonia anomala</i> L.) In the Urals and contiguous landsAnomalous peony (<i>Paeonia anomala</i> L.) In the Urals and contiguous lands

Modern varieties of flowering ornamental plants have high economic and social significance. Prominent representatives of active long-term plant breeding are various varieties of peonies, which are actively used in landscaping botanical gardens, urban landscapes and smallholdings. With the development of molecular genetics, the selection of ornamental varieties of flowering plants has received a new impetus in its development. Researchers have identified markers that determine important decorative and economic qualities, such as flower shape, leaf color, corolla color, variety of double flower, aroma, which allows to intensify plant breeding, and also, which is quite important, to certify new varieties. In this article, we have given an overview of the results of longterm studies of representatives of the genus Paeonia in the Urals and contiguous lands, since the mid-twentieth century to the present, both domestic and foreign scientific schools. The article presents data on the locations of the anomalous peony along the Ural mountain range, the morphology and ecology of the growth of representatives of this species, medicinal properties, the results of molecular genetic typing of various marker systems. The points requiring more detailed study are indicated: there is no complete up-to-date information on the distribution of the anomalous peony in the Urals, there is no up-to-date data on the population size, there is no information about the molecular genetic structure of the species as a whole. The anomalous peony is a red book species that has a high level of decorativeness, as well as resistance to diseases that can be used not only in pharmacology, but also in modern plant selection. It is known that the number of populations of anomalous peony is low, in places of meetings it is noted singly, less often in small groups, which is connected with the active use of this species in folk medicine. Vegetative and root systems contain a large number of biologically active components with different properties. To develop measures for the protection and rational use of representatives of Paeonia anomala growing in the Urals, it is necessary to study the species more closely in order to preserve it in nature and further use in breeding and hybridization as a source of genes that will help significantly improve the plant breeding potential of modern varieties.

Beyond a garden: Alignment of Sustainable Development Goals with botanic gardens

The United Nations’ (UNs) 2030 “Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.” This requires much effort of in governmental policies along with public and private sector practices. With regard to this, BGs have a crucial role in bringing this vision of the future. Of the 17 SDGs, Target 15—Life on land is directly associated with the traditional work of botanic gardens (BGs). But other four goals (2—Zero hunger, 4—Quality education, 11—Sustainable cities and communities, 13—Climate action) are also worthy of review and analyze when considering BGs. They could meet the needs of both the local and global communities and are effective in shaping the future and promoting the 2030 goals. In this context, paying attention to the UN's global and inclusive call, this paper focuses on Eden Project, United Kingdom, Ecorium of National Institute of Ecology, South Korea and Konya Tropical Botanical Garden, Turkey. Missions of the projects rely on conservation, restoration, education and community engagement. They address several global concerns, including climate and biodiversity emergency. Aim of this paper is to investigate to what extent the selected BGs can contribute to the SDGs. Results underline BGs as a valuable input in decision-making and policy action concerning environmental justice, equity, and inclusion that encourage transformative steps in achieving the SDGs.

Morphological and molecular identification of Callithrix sp. hybrids

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) are endemic species of Brazil. Currently, both species are distributed in different regions of the country, being the main cause the illegal trafficking. The introduction of exotic animals is the second biggest cause of biodiversity loss globally and can lead to hybridization. In Bauru, São Paulo (SP), there is a record of both species and animals showing intermediate patterns between them. Thus, this work aimed to identify individuals of the genus Callithrix present in the Municipal Botanical Garden of Bauru (MBGB) as either pure or hybrids, through morphological and molecular markers. Ten individuals were sampled, 4 of which were pure species for control and six free-living, which were photographed, morphometrically measured, and from which the fragments of the mitochondrial genes COI and D-loop region were amplified. As a result, all animals showed intermediate patterns between both species. After analyzing the sequences obtained for D-loop and obtaining a high haplotypic diversity (h), low nucleotide diversity (π), Tajima D and Fu’s Fs statistic, it is possible to infer that the animals in the area continue receiving gene flow and the population began from a founder effect. Morphological and molecular data indicate that the individuals sampled are hybrids. From the data generated by this research, it is possible to plan the insertion of management of these animals in the Conservation Unit (UC), to avoid population growth and its outcomes.

Exploring life-history traits of an endangered plant (Vicia biennis L.) to support the conservation of marginal populations

We aimed to investigate the reproduction-related traits of Vicia biennis L., an endangered and poorly known wetland species in its western marginal populations (in Hungary), and discuss the conservational and ecological implications. We measured the mass, viability, and physical dormancy of half-year-old seeds in five in-situ collected seed lots, while potential seed longevity (i.e., seed bank type) was estimated from repeatedly germinating subsamples from four ex-situ collected seed lots for 3–8 years. Plant survival, flowering, and seed production were studied in different light-, irrigation-, and competition conditions in a botanical garden experiment. We found that 1) half-year-old seeds have a high germination capacity (78–100%), 2) and high level of physical dormancy (72–100%) in all examined Hungarian populations, and 3) the seeds can preserve their germination capacity for more than five years, although their viability sharply decreases, probably falling below 10% within ten years, when they are stored at room temperature. The results of the botanical garden experiment suggested that 1) the species is annual, not biennial; 2) it shows strong sensitivity to precipitation and low competitiveness for water; and 3) it can produce hundreds of seeds even in suboptimal (dry or shady) conditions. Although the species was found to be well-adapted to a temporally heterogeneous environment, its future vulnerability can increase depending on the duration of dry seasons. Further investigation of genetic diversity and soil seed bank is needed to estimate the actual vulnerability of the species while strengthening the populations through seed sowing, and additional vegetation control in the habitats is suggested.

Evaluation of the Potential Seed Dispersal Effectiveness of Malus sieversii (Lebed.) M. Roem. by Cattle

The success of plant reproduction is highly dependent on effective seed dispersal. This study aimed to evaluate the potential seed dispersal effectiveness of cattle for Malus sieversii. The impact of cattle on the dispersal quantity and dispersal quality of M. sieversii seeds was explored based on camera trapping, GPS tracking, and germination trials. The results showed that, on average, cattle visited M. sieversii trees 477.33 times during a two-month observation period. Out of these visits, 315 were specifically for fruit removal. The fruit removal rate per cattle visit was as high as 96.67%. Additionally, cattle were able to disperse M. sieversii seeds up to a maximum distance of 533.67 m, with an average dispersal distance of 134.62 m. The average distance of cattle movement was recorded as 176.95 m/h, with peak activity observed during 11:00–13:00 and 19:00–21:00. The germination rate of M. sieversii seeds that passed through the digestive tract of cattle was significantly higher than that of control seeds. Finally, the emergence rate and survival rate of seeds dispersed by cattle to forest edges and gaps were significantly higher than those dispersed to understory. These findings suggest that cattle can serve as effective long-distance dispersers of M. sieversii seeds and may play a crucial role in the regeneration and expansion of M. sieversii populations in the Ili Botanical Garden.

Seasonal Variation in Aeromycoflora of Satpuda Botanical Garden, Nagpur (M. S.), India

Airborne mycoflora disperse through the air and deposited on different surfaces and germinates causing many diseases into host on which they land. The study of aeromycoflora of particular area provides the clear view about interaction of fungal spores in the form of disease on plants. For better understanding of this phenomenon, a systematic Aeromycological survey of Satpuda Botanical Garden, Nagpur has been conducted employing Gravity plate method for late rainy season (Sept.-2018) and late winter season (Jan- 2019). During survey, altogether 3101 colonies have been recorded on nutrient agar jelly which was classified into and 39 species belonging to19 genera. A count of 2345 colonies has been recorded in the month of Jan-2019 while 756 colonies in the month of Sept. -2018. Increase in species diversity & spores concentration was reported in late winter in January-2019 (2345 colonies) against late rainy season in September-2018 (756 colonies).

Three New Records For Turkish Agaricales Inhabiting Ankara University Beşevler 10th Year Campus Area

Aim of the study: The principal objective of this study is to contribute to the Turkish mycobiota by including three newly reported agaricoid macrofungi species.
 Study area: Situated approximately 5 km from the city center in the Beşevler area of the Çankaya district in Ankara, Ankara University's Beşevler 10th Year Campus has qualities akin to both an arboretum and a botanical garden. Serving as a refuge for a wide variety of species, this campus was officially acknowledged as a grade 3 natural site area in 2016. 
 Material and method: The research involved meticulous analysis of the macroscopic and microscopic attributes of the samples. Additionally, the study implemented rDNA sequence analysis utilizing the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing method to further identify the collected samples.
 Main results: After conducting field and laboratory studies, three fungal species from the Agaricales order, namely Hebeloma salicicola, Inocybe griseovelata, and I. tiburtina, have been identified and reported for the first time in Türkiye.
 Research highlights: This research explores the report of three new species of agaricoid fungi from the mycobiota of Türkiye, collected from Ankara University's Beşevler 10th Year Campus

Genomic data inform taxonomy and conservation of Critically Endangered shrubs: a case study of Zieria (Rutaceae) species from eastern Australia

Abstract Zieria buxijugum, Z. formosa, and Z. parrisiae are three closely related, Critically Endangered species of questionable taxonomic validity that occur within six kilometres of each other on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia. We investigated genetic relationships and diversity of these species, along with two related but taxonomically distinct congeners, Z. granulata and Z. tuberculata, and a possible undescribed taxon, Z. aff. tuberculata. Double-digest restriction-site associated sequencing (ddRADseq) was used to generate anonymous genomic loci that were used for phylogenetic, network, and genetic structure analyses, and for estimating genetic diversity of the threatened species. Our results support the current taxonomic status of Z. buxijugum, Z. formosa, and Z. parrisiae, and suggest that Z. aff. tuberculata warrants recognition as a distinct species. We detected no evidence of inbreeding in the three Critically Endangered species, and found their genetic diversity to be similar to that of the more widespread species Z. granulata and Z. tuberculata. Comparison of plant material held in ex situ collections at the Australian National Botanic Gardens with wild plants highlighted several genotypes of the Critically Endangered species that are not represented in the ex situ collection, and we provide suggestions for the future inclusion of those unrepresented genotypes.

Design and Implementation of an IoT-Based Misting Control System for Orchid Plants in the ITERA Botanical Gardens

Orchids are one type of plant that can be cultivated in a greenhouse. The growth of orchid plants is influenced by several factors, including altitude, light intensity, envirnmental temperature, environmental humidity, and water content in the planting medium. If some of these factors do not meet the needs, then the growth of the orchid plant will be disrupted, the roots and flowers produced by the orchid will not be healthy and beautiful. The aim of this research is to create a system that is able to monitor and control the environmental conditions in the place/location where this orchid grows so that it is always in a stable condition. The technology used is misting misting based on an Android application using sensors and IoT to maintain and maintain the condition of orchid plants so that they are always in optimal condition. In the results of the tests carried out, the data obtained were good, namely that this instrument had an accuracy of 80%. The application that has been created is capable of controlling and monitoring the environmental conditions of orchids very well  

Preservation and study of natural species from the genus Iris at the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Solving the problems of preservation and rational use of plant genetic diversity is one of the main tasks for botanical gardens and scientific institutions working in this field. In the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the collection of natural species of the genus Iris has been formed since 2000s. The paper presents research results on the following 11 species: Iris colchica Kem.-Nath., I. ensata Thunb., I. japonica Thunb, I. orientalis Mill.,I. notha M. Bieb, I. pallida Lam., I. pseudacorus L., I. pseudonotha Galushko, I. sibirica L., I. spuria L., I. unguicularis Poir. Most of the species are rare (6), rare and endemic (2). As a result of the studies conducted in 2020-2022, flowering terms for the irises species in collection have been established in the humid subtropics of Russia and 4 groups have been recorded. The first group with the earliest flowering (April, early May) includes I. japonica, I. sibirica. Average flowering terms (from mid-late May) are recorded for I. orientalis, I. colchica, I. pallida, I. pseudacorus. Late flowering terms (from late May - early June) are recorded for I. notha, I. pseudonotha, I. ensata. Late autumn-early winter periods - for I. unguicularis.

Introduction stability of rare species of the genus Iris L. in Botanical Garden of Irkutsk State University

We present in the article the results of an introduction test of three rare species from the genus Iris L., including I. notha Bieb. listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation, I. sanguinea Donn and I. setosa Pall. - in the Red Book of the Irkutsk region. We made phenological observations. The condition of plants after overwintering was assessed on a 4-point scale. We also learned the seed productivity and calculated the percentage of seminification. An assessment of the primary introduction of species is given. All three species received a score of 3 points - they successfully endure winter, bloom, bear fruit, form a sufficient number of shoots. The ability to seed reproduction is defined as satisfactory. Seeds are characterized by high rates of laboratory germination. The success of introduction for I. sanguinea - 90 points, I. setosa -95 points, I. notha - 85 points. The tested species are highly decorative, are actively used in breeding, and are promising for cultivation in the Irkutsk region. We propose a broad introduction to the culture of these species, which will support the strategy of ex situ plant protection.

On the biomorphology of Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Tod.

Currently, many flowering plants have been studied from the standpoint of the doctrine of plant life forms, their structure, development in ontogenesis, distribution, ecology, biology and evolution. Higher spores, including ferns, remain a poorly studied group. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to clarify the features of the structural organization of Matteuccia struthiopteris in order to study the specifics of the species under the conditions of introduction to the botanical garden of Vyatka State University, located in the Ladoga-Vychegodsky South Taiga biome. In the course of the research, the modular organization of the M. struthiopteris escape system was analyzed. It is represented by elementary, universal and basic modules. There are 8 variants in the structure of elementary modules. They differ in the type of frond and their modifications, as well as the presence of subordinate roots. The universal module of M. struthiopteris is a polycyclic anisotropic upper-rosette shoot. The main module of the plant is a system of monopodially increasing polycyclic upper-rosett shoot with lateral underground stolons. As a result, a short-lived sympodium of polycyclic shoots is formed. In the course of a comparative morphological description of individual structures of the plant’s shoot system, the life form of M. struthiopteris is characterized as: vegetatively mobile, yavnopolycentric, sympodially growing rosette stolon-forming herbaceous perennial with early complete morphological disintegration; hemicryptophyte.

Rare and endangered plant species of the Kuban State University Botanical Garden

The paper presents the results of research on rare and endangered plant species growing on the territory of the Educational Botanical Garden of the Kuban State University. A systematic list of 88 plant species from 62 genera and 40 families listed in the regional Red Book has been compiled. A taxonomic analysis was carried out showing the predominant families, as well as the distribution of the studied flora into monotypic, oligotypic and polytypic families. The analysis of life forms according to the I. G. Serebryakov system showed that perennial grasses predominate, the smallest number of species refers to annual grasses. Ecological analysis was carried out on two groups of ecomorphs: in relation to light and moisture. Among the heliomorphs, heliophytes predominate. Xerophytes predominate among hygromorphs. According to the data of the zoological analysis, it was revealed that out of 88 species of the collection of rare and endangered plants of the Kuban State University Botanical Garden, 34 species are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. The zoological characteristics of the studied flora of the KubGU Botanical Garden are given. In order to identify changes in the state of flora, as well as clarity of replenishment of the collection of the Educational Botanical Garden of the Kuban State University, a comparative characteristic of changes in the categories of plant species growing on the territory of the Educational Botanical Garden in the period from 1994 to 2017 was carried out.

Collection of representatives of the Ericaceae family in the botanical garden of the Kuzbass Humanitarian Pedagogical Institute

Representatives of the heather family are distributed in the temperate climate zone almost throughout the globe and are of great economic importance. The collection of representatives of the Ericaceae family in the Botanical Garden of the Kuzbass Humanitarian Pedagogical Institute of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kemerovo State University” consists of 12 species and 28 varieties belonging to 7 genera. Representatives of the genus Rhododendron are represented by 10 species and 7 hybrid varieties. These are predominantly evergreen, semi-deciduous or deciduous shrubs. The collection also includes 11 varieties of common heather with a wide range of flower and leaf colors. Also, in the conditions of the Botanical Garden of KSPI, the varieties Erica carnea L. (ruddy or herbaceous Erica) performed well. Among other representatives of the Heather family, the collection includes 3 species of Kalmia, 2 varieties of Empetrum nigrum L., 2 varieties of Andromeda polifolia L. and Vaccinium myrtillus L. (common blueberry). The experience of relatively successful cultivation of representatives of the heather family allows us to hope for expanding the taxonomic and quantitative composition of the collection, which is actively used for scientific and educational purposes.

Introduction of rare woody plants in the Botanical Garden of the Institute of Biology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The Arboretum of the Botanical Garden of the Komi Institute of Biology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences is one of the northernmost in Russia, which contains more than 500 taxa of woody plants, including 14 rare and endangered species of various categories and protection status. Six of them need regional protection (Pentaphylloides fruticosa, Ulmus laevis, Pinus sibirica, Tilia cordata, Cotoneaster cinnabarinus, Cotoneaster melanocarpus), the rest are in state protection (Euonymus nana, Cotoneaster cinnabarinus, Cotoneaster lucidus, Staphylea colchica, Juglans ailanthifolia, Rhododendron fauriei, Picea glehnii, Taxus baccata, Microbiota decussata) The largest number plants included in the Red Book of the Komi Republic (2019), characterized by a wide ecological amplitude, have been studied more and more. Attraction to the collection of rare woody plants of the Red Book of Russia is limited by harsh climatic conditions. Ten species of plants of state protection are represented by single specimens and are only maintained in the collection. Winter hardiness of plants is determined every season and phenological observations are carried out. Conservation and attraction of rare plant species to the collection in the conditions of the Komi Republic should become an integral part of the biodiversity conservation strategy.