TAXONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ROSEMARY-LEAVED WILLOW (SALIX ROSMARINIFOLIA L.) IN VOJVODINA REGION IN SERBIA

Abstract

. Rosemary-leaved willow ( Salix rosmarinofolia L.) is a rare and protected species in Serbia. The research was based on ecological characteristics of this species (climatic, vegetational and edaphic) as well as its taxonomical characteristics in Vojvodina region - the northern part of Serbia, where two rosemary-leaved willow sites occur (Subotica-Horgos sand and Deliblato sand). The climate is temperate continental. This willow is the dominant species in two ecologically very similar plant communities, Holoschoeno-Salicetum rosmarinifoliae Stjep. Vesel. 1953. in Deliblato sand and Festucetum vaginatae mixtum Gaj. 1986. salicetosum rosmarinifoliae (Mag 1953) Soo 1939 in Subotica-Horgos sand. These communities are strongly xerophilous, when it comes to moisture requirements. They are strongly intolerant to light and they prefer alkaline soils. In relation to warmth, they are mesothermal to thermophilous. Hemicryptophytes are the dominant life form in the spectrum of life forms, followed by phanerophytes and therophytes. Pontic-Central Asian group is the most frequent in the spectrum of floral elements. Two varieties of Salix rosmarinifolia L. are present-var. rosmarinifolia , which dominates in both localities and var. argyotricha . The geological bedrock on both localities is made of sand, and soils belong to Glaysol (Calcaric, Arenic). Fraction of fine sand absolutely dominates, humus content is relatively low, while soil reaction is mildly alkaline. Soils are poorly supplied with phosphorus, while the potassium supply is somewhat better. Occurrence of rusty-grayish zones in deeper soil layer indicates fluctuation in underground water level and reduction-oxidation processes.