Three Maples (Acer L., Aceraceae Juss.) in the Republic of Mordovia, Russian Federation

Abstract

Genus Acer in the Republic of Mordovia is presented by four plant species: Acer campestre L., A. negundo L., A. platanoides L. and A. tataricum L. For A. campestre and A. tataricum we investigated accompanying flora composition and conducted its analysis; characteristics of populations were carried out. Seed reproduction of A. negundo was investigated in seminatural and anthropogenically disturbed habitats. Seed reproduction is of little importance for the maintenance of A. campestre populations on the north-eastern border of its range. This is offset by an active vegetative propagation by root offsprings. So, very few A. campestre individuals reach the generative age. A. tataricum is capable to grow in open as well as in woodland habitats in floodplains. Sufficient light and moderate moisture are the most significant environmental factors for A. tataricum populations. Depressing of tatarian maple is observed under conditions of shading in plant community with A. negundo dominance. Analysis of the accompanying floras of A. campestre and A. tataricum shows the coenotical confinement of these maple species. Seed reproduction of A. negundo was significantly higher in seminatural habitats with dominance of ash-leaved maple than it was in urban environment. Probably, this is a manifestation of indirect facilitation of the adult A. negundo tree canopy for the growth of its own seedlings by oppressing of other plants (e.g. A. tataricum seedlings). Thus, we showed relevance for investigations of interactions between closely related tree species.

Keywords

• acer campestre
• acer negundo
• acer platanoides
• acer tataricum
• invasive species
• population
• rare species
• republic of mordovia