Vascular plants new and rare for the Vodlozersky National Park

Abstract

Vodlozersky National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the boreal zone of Russia: its area is 4724 km2. The vastness and difficulty of access of some areas are reasons for the park’s flora to be only partially known. Lately, 13 not previously reported native species have been detected in the park: Anemonoides nemorosa, Carex rotundata, Cypripedium calceolus, Diphasiastrum × zeilleri, Epipactis helleborine, Euphrasia parviflora, Juncus alpinoarticulatus subsp. fischerianus, Lemna trisulca, Malaxis monophyllos, Myriophyllum sibiricum, Neottia nidus-avis, Ophioglossum vulgatum, and Rumex pseudonatronatus. Four of the novel species were found in the Arkhangelsk part of the park, and nine – in the Karelian part. In addition, the native Epipogium aphyllum and Veratrum lobelianum were reported for the first time for the Karelian part of the park, the latter being a result of introduction from the park’s northern part by water tourists. A finding new only for the Arkhangelsk part is Botrychium lunaria. Native species Cypripedium calceolus and Neottia nidus-avis are red-listed in the Republic of Karelia; species subject to biological surveillance are Botrychium lunaria and Ficaria verna in the Arkhangelsk Region, and Malaxis monophyllos in Karelia. Two of the species – Cypripedium calceolus and Epipogium aphyllum – are listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation. Surveys have also detected 12 novel alien species: Allium fistulosum, A. sativum, Campanula latifolia, Chelidonium majus, Cosmos bipinnatus, Epilobium pseudorubescens, Impatiens glandulifera, Leonurus cardiaca subsp. villosus, Malus domestica, Myosotis sylvatica, Rheum rhabarbarum, and Symphyotrichum novi-belgii; they were all found in the park’s only settlement – Kuganavolok Village. These species are quite common in various secondary habitats in Karelia.