AUTECOLOGICAL AND PHYTOCENOTIC FEATURES OF ECHINOPS EXALTATUS SCHRAD OF WESTERN PODILLIA

Abstract

The study focuses on the autecological and phytocoenotic features of Echinops exaltatus Schrad. within the territory of Western Podillia, located at the north-eastern border of the species’ disjunctive range. This perennial hemicryptophyte of the Asteraceae family is considered a valuable element of natural flora due to its restricted distribution and ecological plasticity. However, the anthropogenic transformation of landscapes poses significant threats to the preservation of its populations, making comprehensive research on its ecology and population structure highly relevant. The research was conducted on the territory of the Sataniv forestry (Khmelnytskyi region), which represents the easternmost localities of Echinops exaltatus in Western Podillia. The environmental conditions of the area are characterized by a combination of limestone-based soils, favorable climatic conditions with moderate humidity, and the presence of unique plant communities formed on the Podillia Tovtry ridge. Vegetation descriptions were performed using the Braun-Blanquet method, while biometric measurements of plants and seed productivity analyses were carried out in five population sites. The aim of the research was to identify Echinops exaltatus populations in the territory of Western Podillia, and to determine their characteristics depending on the conditions of existence and anthropogenic impact. The obtained results indicate significant differentiation between populations depending on habitat conditions. Plant height varied from 1.76 to 2.13 m, while the proportion of juvenile, reproductive, and senescent individuals differed across localities, reflecting the influence of light availability, competition, and soil moisture. Associated plant species included representatives of meadow, forest-edge, and ruderal communities, among them Trifolium hybridum, Cichorium intybus, Festuca gigantea, Dactylis glomerata, Medicago falcata, and Securigera varia. A key finding of the research is the strong impact of anthropogenic factors, particularly mowing, which significantly reduces the generative potential of Echinops exaltatus. Plants damaged during mowing do not produce reproductive shoots, leading to the absence of seed production during the current season. Such pressure may gradually reduce the stability and viability of local populations. The study confirms the importance of long-term monitoring of Echinops exaltatus populations within Western Podillia. It emphasizes the necessity of integrating this species into regional biodiversity conservation programs, particularly within protected areas such as the “Medobory” Nature Reserve and the “Podilski Tovtry” and “Dnistrovskyi Canyon” National Parks. In conclusion, the results contribute to a deeper understanding of the ecological behavior of Echinops exaltatus and provide a scientific basis for the development of conservation measures aimed at preserving this rare species at the north-eastern edge of its natural range.