Finds Of Ampelopsis Japonica (Thunb.) Makino In The Russian Amur Region

Abstract

Special attention of scientists is focused on rare plant species that often grow in extreme natural and climatic conditions, under the negative influence of anthropogenic factors. Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino is one of the rarest species of vascular plants on the globe, it has the status of a protected species and is listed in the Red books. The main range of this species is located in Eastern China, but it was described as a new species for science from collections from Japan. In Russia, Ampelopsis japonica grows on the Northern border of its range. The article provides information about the distribution of Ampelopsis japonica, its findings in the Russian Amur region, habitat features, cenotic and ecological conditions of growth, as well as issues of conservation of the species. In the left-Bank part of the Russian Amur region, our findings are the first and only. They are confined to isolated low-mountain formations of the middle Amur lowland-the Dolgusha and Ostryak mountains. The habitat of the species is characterized by a stony substrate with a small amount of soil and moisture. However, on mount Ostryak, plants are noted under the canopy of sparse broad-leaved forest with a predominance of Mongolian oak Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. In the study region Ampelopsis japonica it has not only vegetative, but also generative organs, it successfully bears fruit and reproduces. The findings of this species in the Amur region have expanded scientific information about its geographical distribution and Northern border.