Coastal flora of high-altitude lakes of the Digor Gorge of North Ossetia-Alania

Abstract

The article presents data on the flora of 10 high-altitude lakes of the Digor Gorge, which are located at an altitude above 2500 m above sea level, of which 5 lakes along the expedition route are described hydrographically for the first time. The floristic composition was studied by general field methods; photographs of growing plants were taken. The taxonomic composition of the riparian flora is given, life forms are identified. According to the results of the inventory of the flora of the studied lakes, 81 plant species were identified. Of the whole variety of families found, the share of Compositae (Compositae, or Asteraceae) accounts for 17.3%, the share of Sphagnaceae (Sphagnaceae) and Carnation (Caryophyllaceae) - 6.2% each, the share of Cereals (Gramineae, or Poaceae) - 4.9 %, the share of Labiaceae (Labiatae, or Lamiaceae), Buttercups (Ranunculaceae), Bell (Campanulaceae), Gentian (Gentianaceae), Buckwheat (Polygonaceae), Cruciferous (Cruciferae, or Brassicaceae) - 3.7 % each. The remaining families are represented by a smaller number of species. Most of the identified species belong to grasses - 79.0 %. Mosses account for 14.8% of the species composition, shrubs account for 3.7%, lichens and ferns account for 2.5 %. Despite a number of similarities and common patterns in the formation of communities, the coastal flora of each lake has individual characteristics, differing in floral composition, occupied area and spatial distribution.