Rare plant species of the natural forest stands in the Feofania tract and their phytocoenotic association (Kyiv, Ukraine)

Mykola Kozyr, Anatolii Tertyshnyi, Roman Vasylyshyn
Abstract

Clarifying the current state of distribution of plant species included in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, in particular in the territory of the Feofania tract, is becoming especially relevant, since they are sensitive markers of the level of anthropogenic impact and changes occurring in ecosystems. The aim of the study was to identify new habitats of rare plant species in natural forest stands of the Feofania tract (Kyiv, Ukraine) and to clarify their phytocenotic localisation. Monitoring and geobotanical studies were conducted within the tract during the growing seasons of 2009-2012 and 2021-2024. The structure and condition of the forest stands were also assessed as part of the study. A decline in mature Quercus robur and Carpinus betulus trees was observed, reflecting ongoing ecological changes within the forest ecosystem. As a result, new localities of Lilium martagon, Neottia nidus-avis were established, and Epipactis helleborine was also found for the first time. It is mentioned that Cephalanthera longifolia, found on the territory of the Feofania tract in the 80s of the 20th century, apparently disappeared from the studied area. It has been noted that anthropogenic impact on the location of rare species is increasing. This is confirmed by the penetration of invasive species, in particular Impatiens parviflora, into the phytocoenoses where they occur. Here in the first decade of the 21st century such species from the Red Data Book of Ukraine as Allium ursinum, Crocus heuffelianus, Erythronium dens-canis, Galanthus plicatus, G. nivalis, Gymnospermium odessanum were successfully introduced. Phytocoenoses with the participation of Neottia nidus-avis were detected in the territory of the second compartment (the 6th subcompartment) of the Feofania Monument Park with a stock of wood of the first and second tiers of about 380 m3 / ha and the third compartment (the 6th subcompartment) with a stock of wood of two tiers of about 330 m3 / ha. Regionally rare species Convallaria majalis and Corydalis cava also occur on the territory of the tract. The information obtained will be useful for biomonitoring, distribution and dynamics of these species and phytocoenoses in which they occur

Keywords

rare species; Epipactis helleborine; Lilium martagon; Neottia nidus-avis; protection; anthropogenic impact

Suggested citation
Kozyr, M., Tertyshnyi, A., & Vasylyshyn, R. (2026). Rare plant species of the natural forest stands in the Feofania tract and their phytocoenotic association (Kyiv, Ukraine). Ukrainian Journal of Forest and Wood Science, 17(1), 8-23. https://doi.org/10.31548/forest/1.2026.08
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