Ontogenesis of a rare Russian plant Chephalaria litvinovii Bobrov (Caprifoliaceae Juss.) in the Penza Region

This article examines the features of ontogenesis, the formation of biomorphs (in the ontogenetic aspect) and the phytocoenotic confinement in the Penza Region of a rare plant of Russia endemic Chephalaria litvinovii Bobrov. Field research methods are complemented by a laboratory experiment on the effect of low positive temperatures on the germination of achenes. The conducted studies showed that the individual development of individuals of this species includes 4 periods and 9 ontogenetic states, the morphometric indicators of which are presented in the work. It is shown how the monocentric biomorph of this caudex polycarpic in the old generative age state is replaced by an implicitly polycentric one due to the formation of hypogeogenic rhizomes. The stimulating effect of a temperature of +2°C for 2 weeks on the germination of achenes is shown. There is a phytocoenotic association of C. litvinovii with swampy, and, less often, true and steppe meadows in river floodplains, as well as in forest clearings and edges. The obtained materials can serve as a basis for the development of more effective measures for the protection of the species, including in cultural conditions during introduction in botanical gardens.