Initial stages of ontogenesis and some biological peculiarities of development of Rhodiola rosea L. and R. iremelica Boriss. introduced in Bashkortostan

摘要

The initial stages of ontogenesis and biological peculiarities of development of the taxonomically critical species R. rosea and R. iremelica were comparatively studied for elucidation of their taxonomic status. Results of 3 years' monitoring at Ufain Russia testify to the similarity of successive ontogenesis periods and states; latent (seeds), pregenerative (sprouts, juvenile, immature and virginal) and generative (young generative). Distinguishing features between the 2 species are identified for the successive ages of the plant, starting with the shape and colour of cotyledons and first leaves. R. rosea differs from R. iremelica in a narrower leaf plate with less surface area. The leaf index is typically 1.7-3.6 for R. rosea, 1.7-1.8 for R. iremelica. The start times and transitions of phenophases of the species are similar, but R. rosea enters into some phenophases earlier than R. iremelica. The taxonomic independence of R. rosea and R. iremelica is supported by the morphological peculiarities of vegetative and generative organs, and biological peculiarities of species development.