MORPHOSTRUCTURE OF MOEHRINGIA HYPANICA GRYNJ & KLOKOV IN THE NATIONAL NATURE PARK «BUZKY GARD»

Abstract

The ecological, edaphic and morphological features and population status of the endemic species Moehringia hypanica Grynj & Klokov were studied within the steppe zone of Ukraine. For the first time, soil analysis, which was taken directly from the places of growth of individuals of the studied species, was carried out. The highest soil content was found in niches under stones (25%), and the lowest in microcracks of granite rocks (5%) of the total volume. The levels of soil supply with mobile nutrients and humus were analysed. The analysis of the cationic and anionic composition of the water extract of the soil showed that M. hypanica belongs to the non-saline soils (the amount of salts does not exceed 0.1%). The content of all salts does not exceed the toxicity thresholds. The results of the soil analysis showed that in order to preserve the populations of these endemic plants, it is necessary to maintain a stable chemical composition of the substrate and prevent human interference. For the first time, it was found that during flowering and fruiting, M. hypanica lacks moisture in the air and substrate. The ability of the plants to grow and develop fruit formation under drought and heat conditions indicates their drought tolerance and thermophilicity. During the expeditionary research, we noted that the populations are dominated by young generative and medium generative plants, with a small number of old generative and virgin individuals. The presence of these aged individuals indicates sufficient seed reproduction. The morphological characteristics of seeds, fruits and age states of M. hypanica plants were determined for the first time.