Morphological, Biological and Ecological Features of Rare Plant Species of the Sumy Region

Abstract

One of the main methods of conservation of biological diversity is the protection of rare plant species. Biological and morphological features of rare plant species of the Sumy region are considered. Biological and morphological features of 150 rare protected plant species of the Sumy region were assessed according to six characteristics: the form of growth, the lifeform according to Raunkier, the life span, the structure of the root system, the presence of altered subterranean organs, and the type of reproduction. Separately, the characteristic habitat of each plant species was estimated. It was established that herbs predominate in the protected plants. Basically they are related to two types of life form – hemicryptophytes or cryptophytes. Protected plants for life expectancy are perennials. Underground organs of perennial plants are diverse. Protected plant species multiply by spores or seeds. Information on the morphological, biological and ecological biodiversity of protected plants in the Sumy region is useful in improving the system of protected natural areas and ecological network in the north-east of Ukraine.