| Abstract [eng] |
Siberian squill (Scilla siberica Haw.) is a bulbous geophyte naturally distributed in Eastern Europe and Western Asia; however, in many European countries, including Lithuania, it has been introduced and locally naturalized. The aim of this study was to determine the reproductive traits influencing the spread of S. siberica in different populations. The objectives of the study were: 1. To evaluate the population structure and individual density of S. siberica in different habitat conditions; 2. To investigate the above-ground and below-ground structures of individuals belonging to different maturity groups in different habitat conditions; 3. To assess the morphological traits of S. siberica fruits, seed number and seed weight in relation to habitat conditions; 4. To evaluate the effects of habitat conditions and individual density within populations on the overall variation of morphological traits in S. siberica; 5. To determine the significanse of morphological and reproductive traits for the spread of S. siberica. The study was carried out from April to June 2025 in four populations in Vilnius city: Žvėrynas, Užupis, Rasos and Naujoji Vilnia. Population density and structure, morphological traits of individuals and reproductive traits were assessed. The highest individual density was recorded in the Žvėrynas population, although generative individuals accounted for the smallest proportion there. The lowest individual density was recorded in Naujoji Vilnia, where generative individuals accounted for the largest proportion. Seedlings were found only in the Žvėrynas and Užupis populations. Differences in morphological traits depended on the maturity group of individuals: in generative individuals, the greatest variation was observed in above-ground biomass and bulb weight, whereas in vegetative individuals, leaf lenght and insertion depth varied the most. Capsule and seed traits also differed among populations. The lowest values of the number of capsules, seed number and seed weight were recorded in the Rasos population, whereas the highest values were recorded in Naujoji Vilnia. Habitat type and individual density had a significant effect on the variation of morphological traits; however, ther effects differed between generative and vegetative individuals. |
