Features of biology and population dynamics of Cephalanthera rubra (Orchidaceae Juss.) in the Sochi Black Sea region

Abstract

Cephalanthera rubra (L.) Rich. is sporadically distributed in the Sochi Black Sea region. It occurs in the forests of the low-mountain and mid-mountain belts of the southern macroslope of the Main Caucasian Range. The number of individual populations is from two-three to a dozen individuals, usually populations are distant from each other over long distances. C. rubra can be attributed to hemiephemeroids, having spring-early summer green shoots with a period of summer-autumn-winter dormancy. The growing season lasts 3 months. Morphometric indicators of individuals of different ontogenetic states are given. The dynamics of the ontogenetic structure of the population from the area of the hornbeam forest in the vicinity of the village Illarionovka for 8 years is shown. In the ontogenetic spectra of the studied large population, the predominance of generative individuals is constant. The population is full-membered, normal type, stable. The species is self-compatible, autogamy was not revealed. The model species for pollinators seems to be Lathyrus laxiflorus (Desf.) Kuntze, which is absent from the studied population. Fruit formation in different locations does not always occur; it is absent in the studied population. Seeds of Limodorum-type, linear or fusiform, about 1.3 mm long. The species is protected in the Sochi National Park and in the Khosta Department of the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve.