Properties and Importance of Prometheum sempervivoides (Fisch. Ex Bieb.) H. Ohba as Ornamental Plant Naturally Grown in Erzurum

The purpose of this study is to reveal the usage possibilities in the landscape and to bring an alternative species to the ornamental plant sector by determining the form, length and habitat characteristics of Prometheum sempervivoides (Fisch. ex Bieb.) H. Ohba taxon, naturally grown in Erzurum province and its close environment. Within the scope of this research, Erzurum province and its surroundings were scanned and it is determined that there are large populations of this taxon in Ispir and Askale districts. The plant vegetative characteristics of P. sempervivoides taxon in the regions where the plant was found were examined. At the same time, the altitude of the regions was determined and the soil structures were observed and the possibilities of use in landscape applications were evaluated. As a result of field trips, photographs of the plants were taken and their point coordinates were determined by GPS. The morphological characteristics of the specie (plant height, stem length, number of leaves, number of branches of the middle cluster, leaf width and length, flower diameter, stem diameter and branch diameter characteristics, habitat) were recorded. Plant height were varied between 9.0- 16.70 cm by taking the average of the data obtained from all locations. The highest plant height data were obtained from POS-4 coded genotypes from a location at an altitude of 1942 m in Askale district. Stem length varied between 3.60 and 9.30 cm, and the highest stem height was determined in the averages of POS-4 genotypes. While the maximum number of leaves was determined with an average of 19.00 in POS-10 genotype; POS-9, POS-8 and POS-2 genotypes were also included in the same statistical group. The highest value obtained for the number of branches of the middle cluster was determined in the POS-3 genotype. These values differed between 4.00 and 10.00 number/ plant. As a result of the research, it has been revealed that the species can be used in landscape studies due to its efficacy with its flower color and star-shaped flowers, red showy leaves and ground cover properties. In addition, It can be recommended that they can be used in rock gardens, in collections of succulents etc., since they have adapted to different environments such as stony rocky habitats, steep slopes and arid soil conditions.