Tulipa Biebersteiniana Research Articles

Pollen micromorphology and ultrastructure of some species of Tulipa and its taxonomical implication

Pollen micromorphology of nine species of the genus Tulipa (including three subgenera Tulipa, Clusiana, and Eriostemones) and one species from the genus Amana were examined using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the pollen wall ultrastructure of five selected taxa from the studied species of Tulipa and one species of Amana were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Pollen micromorphology (especially exine ornamentation, sulcus margin and sulcus membrane ornamentation, operculum ornamentation) and pollen wall ultrastructure (sporoderm thickness, tectum/foot layer ratio, number of intine layers in sulcus membrane region) varied in the studied taxa. A dendrogram of the pollen micromorphological characteristics (obtained from LM and SEM observations) distinguished three pollen types and six subtypes. Amana edulis (subtype A) and Tulipa biebersteiniana (subtype B) were placed in pollen type 1. Tulipa tetraphylla (subgenus Eriostemones) with Tulipa urumiensis and Tulipa kolpakowskiana (subgenus Tulipa) were placed in pollen type 2. Tulipa clusiana (subgenus Clusiana) and Tulipa suaveolens (subgenus Tulipa) belonged to pollen type 3. Information from pollen wall ultrastructure provided better differentiation of these taxa for better taxonomical resolution. Pollen micromorphology along with ultrastructure can be useful for better understanding the systematic affinities of the species in the genus Tulipa and its relation with the genus Amana and for establishing subgenus rank for T. biebersteiniana and T. clusiana.

The vitality of individuals and the vital structure of coenopopulations of Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult. et Schult. fil. (Liliaceae) on the Ergeni Upland

Vital spectra are one of the most biologically important population characteristics. Currently, the study of the vital signs of rare species, which include the object of study Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult. et Schult. fil. (Liliaceae), is becoming increasingly actual. This work is devoted to the study of the vitality of specimens and the vital structure of coenopopulations of T. biebersteiniana in different parts of the Ergeni Upland. The study was carried out during two growing seasons (2022‒2023) in five coenopopulations from different plant communities confined to light chestnut soils of varying degrees of salinity. The vitality of specimens in the studied coenopopulations of T. biebersteiniana, estimated by the IVI index, varied widely – from 0.448 to 1.686. At the same time, the difference between the maximum values of individual vitality of specimens in most coenopopulations was greater in the second year of the study. The vitality values of the studied T. biebersteiniana cenopopulations, expressed by the IVC index, ranged from 0.800 to 1.270, which is consistent with the data provided in the literature. The dynamics of the values of the vitality index of T. biebersteiniana coenopopulations revealed a clinal character, increasing from the northern to the southern part of the Ergeni Upland. The highest values of the vitality index in the coenopopulations of T. biebersteiniana in the southern part of the Ergeni indicate the most favorable conditions for realizing the potential of the species in this part of the upland. The conditions of the second year of research, which were wetter and with a higher temperature during the period of plant growth and development, contributed to an increase in the vitality of both specimens and coenopopulations of T. biebersteiniana. The studied coenopopulations of T. biebersteiniana belonged to the vital type “prosperous”.

Plant populations at the edge of species’ distribution range: Characterization of central versus peripheral population traits

Related to the ongoing climate change, more and more attention has been paid on small sized, range edge populations. These populations are not only geographically marginal, but they usually live at the limits of their ecological tolerance and therefore have higher ecological plasticity. While these range edge populations may play primarily role in the reorganized biomes during the climate change the study on the morphological-phenological traits and population diversity as well as evolutionary history are prioritized. Distribution of many plant species native to the south-eastern regions of Europe extends towards the plains and mountainous areas of Central Asia. Our comparative studies including Plantago maxima, Rhodiola rosea and Tulipa sylvestris aim at detecting specific traits and diversity patterns of populations living on distant geographic sites, or at central versus peripheral locations.

Looking into 16th-century botanical history to understand the complex taxonomy of Tulipa sylvestris in Europe

Tulipa sylvestris is a small yellow tulip that was introduced to northern Europe in the 16th century. Unlike the tulips that came from the Ottoman empire and gave birth to modern cultivars, T. sylvestris came from the Mediterranean and became a garden escapee that successfully naturalized across Europe. Its taxonomy is complex due to morphological diversity, polyploidy and naturalization of cultivated plants. Two subspecies are provisionally accepted in Europe: subsp. australis, a diploid native in the Mediterranean (up to Central Asia) that grows on mountainous rocky grasslands, on poor soils; and subsp. sylvestris a tetraploid that is naturalized across Europe and grows in rich soils at low altitudes, mainly at field margins, vineyards and gardens. Sometimes these two subspecies are regarded as distinct species, but their taxonomic delimitation is unclear.

Flora synopsis of the “Kamenny lake tract” natural monument (Kostanay region)

The article presents the results of the floristic diversity study of the state natural monument of local significance ‒ “Kamenny lake tract” with a total area of 2.5 hectares. According to natural conditions, this territory is included in the subzone of arid forb-feather grass steppes on low-humus southern chernozems and dark chestnut soils, plowed up to 80%. Under the birch forest soils are dark gray, loamy, and sandy; on slopes they are leached chernozem; near-shore soils are meadow-marsh soils. The studies were carried out in 2019-2022. On the basis of field studies, five main ecotopes were identified: shrub thickets on slopes, birch forest on steep slopes, upland meadows with shrub thickets, meadow-marsh communities on coasts, and meadow-steppe communities. A synopsis containing species’ habitat information within the specially protected natural area was compiled. In the study area, the total list of higher vascular plants includes 177 species from 48 families and 132 genera. The leading families areAsteraceae, Rosaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Caryophyllaceae. The basis of the flora is herbaceous plants, followed by woody, aquatic plants. The steppe ecological-coenotic group is the richest by the volume of species. In the flora of the “Kamenny lake tract” a large proportion of species has significant extent areas: cosmopolitan, holarctic, and palearctic. The holarctic and palearctic types are the largest number of species. The Red Book of Kazakhstan species in the study area areAdonis wolgensis, Stipa pennata, and Tulipa biebersteiniana.

Bioecological analysis of the flora of suburban and urban forests of Samara

The article presents the results of the study and analysis of the flora of the forests of suburban and urban forests of Samara. 279 plant species have been identified in the study area, among which only five are rare and protected at the regional level (Campanula latifolia L., Fritillaria ruthenica Wikstr., Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult. et Schult. fil., Cephalanthera rubra (L.) Rich., Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill.). In the spectrum of life forms, trees are represented by 24 species, shrubs – by 23 species. Among herbaceous perennials, the rhizomatous group of plants predominates – 57 species, or 20,4%. In the group of juveniles, numbering 68 species, or 24,3%, annuals predominate – 41 species, or 14,6% of the total flora. In the surveyed forests, the forest group of plants naturally dominates among the phytocoenotypes – 71 species, which is 25,4% of the total flora. The ecological group of mesophytes, being the leading one, includes 184 plant species, which makes up 65,9% of the flora. The analysis of the flora showed a significant proportion of weed-ruderal representatives. Indigenous oak-linden forests currently retain their positions in the region, however, maple forests occupy a significant territory among them. The anthropogenic factor (recreation, fires, clearings) has a significant impact on the floristic complex. Recreation and forest fires in some cases are the main reason for the transformation of forest plant communities in the territory of Samara and its suburbs.

Taxonomic Analysis of Early Spring Plants of Shabran District Flora

Studies the early spring flora of the Shabran district, provides a taxonomic analysis of wild grasses, populations of species belonging to the Ophrys and Orchis genera of the Orchidaceae family, the genus Tulipa of the Liliaceae family, the genera Muscariand Bellevalia of the Asparagaceae family, as well as the new range of the species Spiranthes spiralisfor the study area. The data is mapped based on GPS coordinates. As a result of our research in the Shabran district, 26 species belonging to 13 families and 23 genera were identified. Among the herbarium materials there are rare species listed in the Red Book of the Azerbaijan Republic (Crocus adami, Galanthus caucasica, Pyrus salicifolia, Rosa sosnovskyi, Tulipa biebersteiniana, Orchis oestrifera, Ophrys caucasica, etc.).

Tulipa sylvestris L. в коллекции Центрального сибирского ботанического сада СО РАН

The article presents the results of a long-term introduction of Tulipa sylvestris L. in the SB RAS Central Botanical Garden collection. Plants of the species T. sylvestris bloom abundantly and have a reproductive factor of 1–2 for the daughter bulbs. It was found that the short phase of flowering is characterized by smooth temperature changes, the most dramatic for a long period. We also established a direct dependence of the duration of the flowering period on the amount of precipitation during this period, the correlation coefficient was 0,7. Under the conditions of the CSBG, the species introduced T. sylvestris increased the parameters of the morphometric characters and decreased the indicators of an important decorative feature – the length of the petal. The number of days with of temperatures above zero and the number of sunny days have a significant impact on the quantity and parameters of vegetative organs. The amount of precipitation has a positive effect on the length of the anther, thus increasing the length of the stamen. The length of the filament and the height of the goblet also depend on the number of sunny days. The result can be considered an assessment of the success of the introduction, which for individuals of the species T. sylvestris was six points out of seven. The evaluation of resistance to introduction showed that plants of this species can be considered highly resistant in cultivation.

Tracing the introduction history of the tulip that went wild (Tulipa sylvestris) in sixteenth-century Europe

Tulipa sylvestris, commonly called the “wild tulip”, was introduced from the Mediterranean to northern Europe in the sixteenth century and became widely naturalized. Research has focused on tulips that came from the Ottoman Empire, but the introduction path of this native European, early ornamental tulip is unclear, and so is its taxonomic status: three subspecies are provisionally accepted, sometimes treated as species. Here we elucidate the history of introduction of T. sylvestris and discuss its taxonomy based on our historical findings. The first bulbs came from Bologna (northern Italy) and Montpellier (southern France) in the 1550–1570 s. Several renowned botanists were involved in their introduction, namely Gessner, Wieland, Aldrovandi, De Lobel, Clusius, and Dodoens. There were various introduction routes, including one from Spain which was apparently unsuccessful. The strong sixteenth-century Flemish botanical network facilitated the introduction and naturalization of T. sylvestris across Europe. Based on the latest tulip taxonomy, the diploid subspecies australis is native in the Mediterranean, and the tetraploid sylvestris is naturalized over Europe, but our historical findings show that both sylvestris and australis were introduced to northern Europe. This underlines the need to reconsider the taxonomic status of T. sylvestris, highlighting the importance of botanical history in understanding the complex taxonomy of naturalized cultivated plants.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ СЕЗОННОГО РАЗВИТИЯ ПАСТБИЩНЫХ УГОДИЙ ЯШАЛТИНСКОГО РАЙОНА КАЛМЫКИИ

The basis of the forage base of most regions of the Republic of Kalmykia is natural lands. The current state of natural pastures in the republic is due to the specifics of natural and climatic and anthropogenic factors. In our work, we consider the main types of steppe vegetation, which are used as natural pastures in the Republic of Kalmykia. Among them, drought-resistant, salt-tolerant and grazing-resistant perennial herbs and subshrubs, many annuals, ephemers and ephemeroids predominate. Formation of the productivity of forb-ephemeral vegetation, the representatives of which are: kermeks (Limonium platiphyllum, L. sareptanum), blueheads (Eringium planum, E. campestre), kahris (Cachrys odontalgica), ferulas (Ferula caspica, F. nuda), tulips (Tulipa biebersteiniana, T. biflora, T. gesnerii), bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa) and others, begins in the second half of April, reaching a maximum of 5.9 ... 6.7 c/ha in May. The high productivity of pastures of the grass-wormwood plant community up to 9.8 c/ha is provided by Austrian wormwood (Artemisia austriaca), white wormwood (Artemisia lersheana), Welsh fescue (Festuca valesiaca), Lessing's feather grass (Stipa lessingiana), prutnyak (Kochia prostrata), yarrow tansy (Tanacetum achilleifolium), sage (Salvia desertorum, S. stepposa, S. aethiopis) and others. The productivity of the chamomile-fescue community in dry years ranges from 2.0 to 5.3 c/ha, in wet years - 5.4...11.2 c/ha and is characterized by a smooth course with a maximum falling on one of the summer periods. The dominant community is the compound chamomile (Pyrethrum millefolium), edificators are feather grass (Stipa capillata, S. ucrainica, S. lessingiana), fescue (Festuca valesiaca), thin-legged slender (Koeleria cristata) and others.

A phylogenetic analysis of the wild Tulipa species (Liliaceae) of Kosovo based on plastid and nuclear DNA sequence.

In Kosovo, the genus Tulipa is represented by eight taxa, most of which form a species complex surrounding Tulipa scardica. To investigate the phylogenetic relationship of these Tulipa species a Bayesian analysis was undertaken using the ITS nuclear marker and trnL-trnF, rbcL and psbA-trnH plastid markers. The resulting phylogenetic trees show that Kosovarian Tulipa species consistently group into two main clades, the subgenera Eriostemones and Tulipa. Furthermore, our analyses provide some evidence that the subspecies of Tulipa sylvestris are genetically distinguishable, however not significantly enough to support their reclassification as species. In contrast, the markers provide some novel information to reassess the species concepts of the T. scardica complex. Our data provide support for the synonymisation of Tulipa luanica and Tulipa kosovarica under the species Tulipa serbica. Resolution and sampling limitations hinder any concrete conclusion about whether Tulipa albanica and T. scardica are true species, yet our data do provide some support that these are unique taxa and therefore should continue to be treated as such until further clarification. Overall, our work shows that genetic data will be important in determining species concepts in this genus, however, even with a molecular perspective pulling apart closely related taxa can be extremely challenging.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genome of Tulipa patens (Liliaceae)

The chloroplast genome and evolutionary relationship analysis of Tulipa patens could provide fundamental genetic reference for its molecular breeding and biological research. The complete chloroplast genome of T. patens was sequenced and reported here. The genome was 152,050 bp in length, containing a pair of inverted repeated regions (26,330 bp) which were separated by a large single copy region of 82,184 bp, and a small single copy region of 17,206 bp. A total of 133 functional genes were annotated, including 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The phylogenetic relationships of 10 species indicated that T. patens was closely related to Tulipa sylvestris.

Morpho-anatomical features of the flower Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult. еt Schult. in the South of the Central Russian Upland

The processes of formation of many species are observed in the south of the Central Russian Upland. For these conditions, the morpho-anatomical features of the tepals of Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult. Et. Schult. fil as the adaptive potential of seed propagation were studied for the first time. The tepals are arranged in two circles and differ in morphological and anatomical features. Differences in the structure of the main cells of the epidermis on the abaxial and adaxial sides were revealed. On the abaxial side, the main epidermal cells are rectangular, sometimes fusiform or rarely diamond-shaped, arranged in rows. They are covered with a weakly longitudinally wrinkled cuticle. The side walls of the abaxial surface are straight or slightly curved. On the adaxial surface, the side walls are zigzag, passing to the lateral edge in strongly sinuous. The localization, estimated functions and sizes of the hairs on the leaves of the tulip were determined. Single celled trichomes are located in two places.

State, population characteristics of Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult & Schult Fil. on the territory of the left bank of Transnistria and features of its reproduction in vivo and in vitro

The ontogenetic states of T. biebersteiniana in the broad interpretation which grows in Transdnistria was refined. In the tract of Kalagur-Stroentsy four age states were defined, on limestone faults along the valley of the Dniester - five. A comparative study of the main demographic indicators of mesophilic and xerophilous ecological groups of T. biebersteiniana has been conducted. The morphometric indicators of the populations of both ecogroups have been identified and analyzed: total population density, ontogenetic spectrum, projective cover, and age and efficathy indices. The method of propagation of mesophilic and xerophilous ecogroups representatives has been clarified. Mesophilic plants propagated vegetatively, the forming bulbs have a sporophyte origin, and the mature mesophilic populations are renewed homophasically. Xerophilous plants reproduce mainly sexually; the reproduction of developing populations is mainly heterophasic. Both ecogroups were rejuvenated, so their resistance as the survival in phytocenosis was unified by the comparable reproduction and replacement indices. The surveyed mesophilic and xerophilous populations were classified as young, left-handed, normal, and incomplete. Populations of both ecogroups, being young, with high reproduction and replacement indices, were not affected by the tulip breaking virus, and were relatively resistant and adapted to their biotope. Prospects for their continued existence now are quite favorable in the absence of sudden and sharp effects on them of possible biotic and abiotic stressors. There is a low net reproduction in the plants of the mesophilic group in natural populations. The inducing of additional micro bulbs in the culture of in vitro based on indirect somatic embryogenesis is promising to increase T. biebersteiniana propagation rate.

ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТЬ МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ СТРУКТУРЫ РАСТЕНИЙ В ЦЕНОПОПУЛЯЦИЯХ TULIPA BIEBERSTEINIANA SCHULT. ET SCHULT. (LILIACEAE) В УСЛОВИЯХ КАЛМЫКИИ

В статье приведены данные по изучению изменчивости морфологической структуры растений в популяциях Tulipa biеbersteiniana Schult. et Schult. (Liliaceae), произраставщих в пределах двух крупных геоморфологических структур Республики Калмыкия – Прикаспийской низменности и Долине Маныча. В Долине Маныча видовая популяция № 1 произрастала в составе разнотравно-злакового (Poaceae-Mixteherbosa) сообщества и ценопопуляцию № 2 в составе разнотравно-типчаково-полынкового (Artemisia austriaca-Festuca valesiaca-Mixteherbosa) сообщества, произрастающих на лугово-каштановых почвах. В Прикаспийской низменности видовая популяция № 3 входила в состав эфемерово-луковичномятликового (Poa bulbosa-Ephemerosa) сообщества; ценопопуляцию № 4 в состав эфемерово-луковичномятликово-лерхополынное (Artemisia lercheana-Poa bulbosa-Ephemerosa) сообщества, которые произрастают бурых пустынно-степных солонцеватых почвах.Растения из ценопопуляций T. biеbersteiniana, произрастающих в Долине Маныча, имели большие значения признаков, чем ценопопуляции с Прикаспийской низменности. В ценопопуляциях T. biеbersteiniana наибольшее значение всех признаков растений отмечали в 2017 году, наименьшее – в 2016 году, что свидетельствует о более благоприятных для роста и развития растений погодных условиях в этот год.В ценопопуляциях T. biеbersteiniana девять морфологических признаков, характеризующих вегетативную и генеративную сферу растений варьрировали в 2016 на высоком и среднем уровнях изменчивости, в 2017 году – преимущественно на высоком уровне изменчивости.

Two closely related Tulipa species with different ploidy levels show distinct germination rates

AbstractIn the tetraploid Tulipa sylvestris we found larger and heavier seeds that germinated around 28 days earlier than those of the diploid ancestor Tulipa pumila. The faster germination of the tetraploid species is linked to the faster growth of embryos, which reached their final length much earlier than the embryos of the diploid species. In conclusion, we argue a cautionary approach when dealing with comparative studies on ploidy level and germination to avoid misinterpretation of results when set against the natural conditions.

Floristic diversity of the landscape complex “Ivanivski Lakes” of Obolonska lowland (Middle Prydniprovia)

The article describes the landscape complex Ivanivski Lakes, which is a system of closed floodplain bodies of the elongated shape, located on the left bank of the Kryva Ruda River at Semeniv district of Poltava region. According to the physical geographical zoning, the territory is a part of Obolon-Grady district of the southern forest-steppe region, Livoberezhny-Dniprovska forest-steppe province, the foreststeppe zone of Ukraine, the Dnipro terraced plain. The landscape complex of Ivanivski Lakes can be considered arid as it is represented by a steppe vegetation with a dry warm or hot climate, in which specific biogeocoenoses are formed. The Obolon lowland landscape is natural, only partly affected by a small anthropogenic impact. It is shown that the system of reservoirs is characterized by non-permanent watering and in the second half of the summer the lakes dry up, and there are processes of salinization of the soil on shores. The watery horizon of the second terrace, which is distributed within the limits of the natural complex of Ivanivski Lakes, lies close to the surface; its thickness does not exceed 30 m; and productivity is equal to 1.5–2.5 l/sec. The presence of Ca and SO4 indicates the process of leaching from the loess soils. An indicator of this process is the formation of halophilous vegetation, more typical for the Northern Black Sea coast. It is also shown that halophytes do not form a solid surface. On the area of 1,200 hectares a halophytic plant complex was formed, the bases of which are 11 specieshalophytes, with three representatives of the Red Book of Ukraine (Fritillaria meleagroide, Tulipa biebersteiniana and Bulbocodium versicolor) among them. The conducted research showed features of the distribution of plant species from soil and hydrological conditions. The provided research showed the necessity to create a local nature reserve Ivanivski Lakes, and the expediency of joining it to the territory of the Nyzhnosulskyi National Natural Park is substantiated in order to preserve the nature and scientific monitoring of rare natural complexes, which are the indicators of changes in the hydrological regime and microclimate in the region.

Bio-ecological features of some rare plants fruits in the Samara Region

The paper presents some preliminary results of the monitoring of Fritillaria meleagroides Partin ex Schult. et Schult. fil. and Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult. et Schult. fil. plants (category of rare and endangered plant species). The results of the field study fulfilled in 20122016 in two population groups of quarter 80 and cenopopulation of quarter 69 in the Krasnosamarsky forestry (Samara Region) were used to determine morphometric parameters of plant species. The data also helped us to assess the variability level and to make a comparison with plant quantitative traits given in the literature. It has been found that the sample indicators fit into the range of values specified in literature sources, with a significant proportion of large fruit 2,03,0 cm in length. The dynamics of the fruit size of Fritillaria meleagroides Partin ex Schult. et Schult. fil. and Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult. et Schult. fil. plants in population groups of quarter 80, as a whole, has general patterns in the difference during some seasons of vegetation. Prevailing values of fruit length of plants in cenopopulations of quarter 69 changed slightly according to year of vegetation, these populations are more resistant and numerous comparing with the populations of quarter 80. As for variability of signs, the values of fruit length and width coefficients of variation does not exceed 25% for Fritillaria meleagroides Partin ex Schult. et Schult. fil. plants and 20% for Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult. et Schult. fil. plants which is optimal for this type of indicators and is consistent with the bioecological specificity of fruit plant. The conditions of ecosystems in 69 and 80 quarters of Krasnosamarsky forestry are favorable for the vegetation of two species plants, the successful preservation and restoration in natural communities can be in the absence of anthropogenic factors limits.

First appearance of smut disease on woodland tulip, Tulipa sylvestris, in Iran

First appearance of smut disease on woodland tulip, Tulipa sylvestris, in Iran

Растительность города Салавата (Республика Башкортостан). V. Естественная и полуестественная травяная растительность (классы Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, Festuco-Brometea и Thero-Salicornietea)

The big cities are ecosystems where the most of the planet population is concentrated. The urban environment is characterized by essential changes of substances circulation, energy flow and the ecological conditions important for vegetation growing (Vladimirov, 1986; Odum, 1986; Burda, 1991; Goryshina, 1991; Berezutski, 2007 etc.). At present, urbanized territories of the world occupy only 5% of the entire land, and about 3 billion people live there., Increase of urbanization forces us to study the vegetation cover of the cities. Within city line, two main variants of vegetation communities are distinguished. The first is anthropogenic. It includes man-planted vegetation and widespread communities of synanthropic species. The second variant represents the remains of natural communities ecotopes on the urban territory. Native and semi-native herb vegetation of Salavat town (classes Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, Festuco-Brometea and Thero-Salicornietea) is classified to 6 orders, 9 unions, 10 associations, 1 subassociation, 7 variants and 6 communities. Among them 3 associations (Elytrigio repentis–Bromopsidetum inermis, Sedo acris–Festucetum pseudovinae, Astragalo austriacae–Stipetum pulcherrimae), 1 subassociation (F. v.–C. f. poetosum angustifoliae) and 5 communities (derivate community Solidago canadensis [Arrhenatheretalia], basal community Poa angustifolia [Cynosurion/Onopordetalia acanthii], derivate community Lolium perenne [Cynosurion] and communities of Geranium sibiricum and Suaeda corniculata) are described for the first time in the South Urals. Grassland communities of the class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea maintaining some trampling and pasture (in the city suburbs) are most widespread. They are rather diverse due to a wide range of ecological characteristics of the habitats (disturbance, moistening, and characteristics of substratum). The steppe vegetation of the class Festuco-Brometea is remained on the southern and eastern slopes of the uplands. The class Thero-Salicornietea communities on habitats with technogenic salinification occur locally. When building the city most of natural vegetation communities were destroyed, or they were transformed in semi-natural phytocoenosis with a high number of synanthropic species in floristic structure. The remained fragments of natural vegetation make an essential contribution, both to city flora, and to urban vegetation. They are refuges of many plant species, including rare and endemic species of the plants. Among endemic species — 1 species (Astragalus wolgensis). Two species (Stipa pulcherrima, S. pennata) are included in the Red List of the Russian Federation and also 2 species from the Red List of Bashkortostan Republic (Stipa korshinskyi and Tulipa biebersteiniana) were revealed. The rare plant species were described in steppe communities and the steppe meadows. These ecosystems need to be protected urgently.