Geographical distribution and habitats of Moneses uniflora (Ericaceae) in Ukraine

Abstract

Geographical distribution, ecological conditions and the current state of populations of a regionally rare species of the Ukrainian flora, Moneses uniflora (Ericaceae), were studied. In Ukraine, this species is at the southern limit of its range in Eastern Europe. Locations in the Ukrainian Carpathians and the Polissya Lowland are a part of a large Euro-Asiatic geographical population. A separate exclave of its range is located in the Crimean Mountains. The habitats of M. uniflora in Ukraine are associated with green moss coniferous forests. The species grows in spruce forests in the Ukrainian Carpathians, in pine forests dominated by Pinus sylvestris in the Polissya Lowland, and in pine forests dominated by Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana in the Crimean Mountains. Local populations of M. uniflora in Ukraine are characterized by low numbers (up to one hundred shoots with a predominance of vegetative shoots) and small areas (1–2 m2). Anthropogenic pressure on the habitats of M. uniflora resulted in range decline and determined its current southern limit that coincides with the border between the Forest (Polissya) and the Forest-Steppe zones. In the past, during the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, M. uniflora occurred in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Uncontrolled deforestation and amber mining have led to intense habitat destruction and decline of species populations. Each local population of this species in Ukraine needs to be protected. Moneses uniflora is to be included to the next edition of the Red Data Book of Ukraine.