Phytocenotic characteristics of Psathyrostachys caespitosa-Krascheninnikovia сеratoides communities in Yakutia

Abstract

In this article we describe the phytocenotic characteristics of the winterfat steppes dominated by Krascheninnikovia ceratoides and Psathyrostachys caespitosa in Central and Southwestern Yakutia. The winterfat steppes under study are located in the well-warmed southern treeless steep slopes (45–50°) on the valley side of the Lena River. The communities are characterized by low diversity and include 28 species (26 genera and 15 families). Moreover, they have sparse distribution pattern. Woody and rooted herbaceous plants, representing a significant part of the life forms, are determined by an arid environment. In these conditions the leading position belongs to xerophytes. All the studied communities are located outside the borders of Specially Protected Natural Sites. Over the past decades, the habitat area of the winterfat (Krascheninnikovia ceratoides) has significantly decreased. These unique relic steppes are valid for the status of protected botanical monuments of nature. Particularly as the rare species protected in the republic (Hedysarum gmelinii, Phlojodicarpus sibiricus, Sibbaldianthe adpressa, Astragalus lenensis, Ephedra monosperma) grow together with Krascheninnikovia ceratoides in winterfat communities.