Introduction studies of Caucasian species of the genus Primula L. in the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden and Institute

Abstract

The results of introduction studies of 15 Caucasian species of the genus Primula L. (Primula abchasica, P. acaulis, P. algida, P. amoena, P. cordifolia, P. darialica, P. farinosa, P. juliae, P. komarovii, P. macrocalyx, P. pallasii, P. ruprechtii., P. saguramica, P. sibthorpii, P. woronowii) conducted in the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden and Institute are presented. Currently, the institute’s collection contains 8 species (P. acaulis, P. amoena, P. juliae, P. macrocalyx, P. pallasii, P. ruprechtii, P. saguramica, P. woronowii). Ecological and geographical analysis has shown that the species best adapted to the conditions of the Arctic are those that live in the alpine (P. algida, P. amoena, P. cordifolia, P. juliae, P. pallasii, P. ruprechtii, P. sibthorpii – introduction coefficient [IC] =9.4) and subalpine zones of mountains (P. macrocalyx, P. acaulis – IC=8.2). While plants found in the broad-leaved forest zone are less adapted to the new living conditions (P. komarovii, P. saguramica, P. woronowii -IC=6.4). The current research establishes that species of the genus Primula can serve as a source of plant assortments to replenish landscaping in cities in the Murmansk region. For this purpose two new decorative and sustainable species (P. macrocalyx h P. ruprechti) are recommended.