Current spread of Crataegus klokovii on Right-Bank Ukraine

Abstract

This study is about the new Crataegus klokovii Ivaschin locations on the territory of Right–Bank Ukraine. Depending on the species concept, the genus Crataegus L. includes about 150–1200 species and it is one of the most systematically complicated plants group of the family Rosaceae. Species often crossed, forming viable but difficult to identify hybrids. The taxonomy of this genus is periodically critical. Common methods were used to object investigations. Its current distribution is analyzed based on literary data and herbarium collections. Crataegus klokovii is represented only in KW and KWU. As a result it can be argued that species is heterogeneous and sporadic distributed on the middle Dnieper mainly on the valleys teritoty of its left bank tributaries. According to the literary data, herbarium collections and original researches it is possible to state attraction of this species to high cliffs, slopes, and also the indigenous banks of rivers. The new locations data of this species on Right–Bank Ukraine are given. The first Crataegus klokovii finding dated to Right–Bank Ukraine was discovered within the right steep bank of the Dnieper River between the villages of Stajki and Grebeni Kagarlyk district, Kyiv region in the suburb area “Dniprovski Kruchi”. We have identified five separate localities at this point. The next habitat was found at a previously explored locality. Territorially, it is located in the northern outskirts of Rzhyshchiv town. Ecological and coenotic features and age status of the Crataegus klokovii population are reflected. The current distribution of individuals and previously found populations is described. Based on the discovery of identified population the authors argue for the optimality and long duration of this species existence in the area. The population is viable and able to recover due to the high number of fruits. The optimum existence of this species corresponds to certain stages of succession, in particular from the stage of the terrophy groups to the shrub stage. The optimum of the species population is meadow and outskirts growth.