Scientific publications

Nine species of Orchidaceae were studied through fieldwork in July 2018 in the integrated nature reserve Pizhemskiy (middle-course Pechorskaya Pizhma River catchment, Komi Republic): Coeloglossum viride (L.) Hartm., Corallorhiza trifida Châtel., Cypripedium calceolus L., C. guttatum Sw., Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soó, Epipactis atrorubens (Hoffm.) Besser, Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br., Listera cordata (L.) R. Br., and L. ovata (L.) R. Br. Data on their distribution and phytocoenotic affiliations in this territory are provided. L. ovata was found in this protected area for the first time. Point maps of the orchids’ distribution in the surveyed part of the Middle Timan were compiled. Mostof the studied plant populations are confined to calcareous rock outcrops in the valley of the Pechorskaya Pizhma River. A total of 35 coenopopulations of seven orchid species were studied during the expedition. Orchids were found to be well adapted to the environmental conditions of the Middle Timan as evidenced by the relatively high abundance of the coenopopulations, successful reproduction, and conformance of ontogenetic spectra to specific biological characteristics. The main limiting factor for the reproduction of orchids is the short growing season. Early-summer frosts damage flower buds, especially in early flowering species (C. calceolus, C. guttatum), while late-summer frosts lead to the formation of damaged reproductive shoots in E. atrorubens. It can be concluded from the research results that the Pizhemskiy Nature Reserve is a unique area where habitats of such rare and vulnerable plants as orchids are preserved in their original state, offering good conditions for sustainable existence of their populations.