Ontogenetic structure of Ziziphora interrupta (Lamiaceae) coenopopulations in Tajikistan

Abstract

The structure of five Ziziphora interrupta coenopopulations in Tajikistan was described in the article. It was found that most coenopopulations are stable, have a centered ontogenetic spectrum with a maximum on mature generative individuals. This is due to the slow rates rates of plant development in the middle and fast at the beginning and end of ontogenesis. The deviation from the typical centered spectrum is associated with the irregularity of seed renewal and the polyvariant ontogeny of individuals growing on mobile substrates and steepness of slopes. The right-sided spectrum is formed as a result of anthropogenic impact (collection of medicinal raw materials), what leads to a gradual aging of the coenopopulation and its loss from the community.