HISTORICAL ASPECTS OF RESEARCH ON SPECIES OF THE GENUS HERACLEUM L. IN THE TERRITORY OF UKRAINE

The historical aspects of research on species of the genus Heracleum L. (Apiaceae), particularly Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier and Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden, in the flora of Ukraine are considered. Special attention is given to the analysis of literary sources covering the period from the 18th century to the present, as well as to the issues of invasion of these species in Ukraine and globally. The morphological, ecological, geographical, and molecular-genetic characteristics of the species, as well as problems of their taxonomy, are highlighted.It has been established that H. mantegazzianum and H. sosnowskyi species demonstrate high invasive capacity due to their ecological plasticity, adaptive strategies and ability for active spread. The necessity of further research aimed at improving identification methods, developing effective measures of invasion control and monitoring of populations at different levels is outlined.