PHYTOCENOTIC INCIDENCE OF RHODODÉNDRON AURÉUM GEORGI (ERICACEAE) OF THE UDOKAN RIDGE, TRANS-BAIKAL TERRITORY

Abstract

The paper presents data on phytocoenotic confinement of Rhododendron aureum Georgi, 1775 (Ericaceae) in the Udokan range. Using classical geobotanical methods, 79 populations of Rhododendron aureum were studied within the boundaries of the Trans-Baikal Territory. Within the fragment of R . aureum , the species is found within larch-siberian dwarf pine communities, larch yernic, pure siberian dwarf pine communities and areas of mountain tundra. Ecological densities and distribution differ even in similar communities. The most common associated species are Pinus pumila , Ledum palustre , Vaccinium vitis-idaea , Vaccinium uliginosum and others. The projective coverage of mosses and lichens can also vary from 5 to 95%. This work is particularly important for the assessment of biodiversity and future conservation efforts in areas that are rich in natural resources and minerals