Ecological and cenotic characteristics of Colchicum laetum (Colchicaceae) habitats in the Volgograd region

Abstract

During the flowering period of Colchicum laetum Stephen (September 16–19, 2020), seven habitats were studied in the Volgograd region. C. laetum occurs on small (0.006–4 ha) unploughed areas of the steppes adjacent to gullies. In the community, 28 species of vascular plants were recorded, including C. laetum, only 10 species vegetated (from 2 to 7 in the community): Artemisia austriaca Jacq., A. santonicum L., Bassia prostrata (L.) Beck, Cynanchum acutum L., Dianthus polymorphus M. Bieb., Euphorbia seguieriana Neck., E. virgata Waldst., Grubovia sedoides (Pall.) GL Chu, Limonium bungei (Claus) Gamajun., Medicago falcata L. The participation of C. laetum is from single individuals to quite abundant, with a projective cover not exceeding 5%. A preliminary assessment of habitat by vegetation according to the Ramenskoye scales showed that one community is quite rich, one is rich and one is not rich. The humidification is from dry steppe to desert. Only one community does not experience anthropogenic impact. In the second the arrival of vehicles was marked. In the third grazing is carried out, accompanied by a failure.