POPULATION STATUS AND AGE-RELATED FEATURES OF HORNY ASTRAGALUS (ASTRAGALUS CERATOIDES BIEB.) AT THE EDGE OF THE AREAL

Abstract

The paper addresses the age-related condition and structure of Astragalus ceratoides population in the Karakansky ridge (Kemerovoregion) of a rare species located on the northeastern edge of the areal. The main threat to the existence of Astragalus ceratoides is habitat destruction as a result of economic activity, as well as regular spring burning in places of origin. The number of plants in the population is high: 100 per m2 . The population structure is dominated by middle-aged and young generative plants, which proves their normal state. Studies have shown that despite the strong anthropogenic impact the population of Astragalus ceratoides on the Karakansky ridge is in a stable condition.

Keywords

• astragalus ceratoides, cenopopulation, ontogeny, developmental structure, morphology