| Abstract [eng] |
Aim of the research – determine the distribution and population structure of Equisetum variegatum in Lithuania. Research results have increased the knowledge about one of the rarest horsetails in Lithuania: its prevalence, population structure, demographic status, and ecological plasticity in our country. The new scientific data, presented in this work on E. variegatum partial tuft morphologic structure and their biologic age groups. Collected data on E. variegatum underground structures significantly expands our knowledge on the biology of this horstail species. Usage of partial tuft maturity age spectrum to investigate the structure of E. variegatum populations allows an objective assessment of the clone-forming plant population status. One of the main reasons of E. variegatum (a semi-rare or rare species in our country) population degradation in natural habitats is the overgrowth by bushes. The obtained results showed that the most important cause of E. variegatum habitat increase in Lithuania is the ability to settle, and over time become dominant, in anthropogenic habitats. |
