Influence of environmental factors on the functional traits of the rhizome and population structure of Nepeta sibirica L. (Lamiaceae)

The aim of the work was to identify the environmental factors affecting changes in the functional characteristics of the rhizome of plants and the structure of their populations. Nepeta sibirica L. a perennial herbaceous long-rhizomatous plant, was chosen as the subject of this study. This species is widely distributed in Western and Eastern Siberia, Eastern Kazakhstan and Northern Mongolia and can survive in different habitats (mountain and plain steppes, meadows and disturbed habitats). The morphological features and population structure of the species were analysed statistically. The results showed that in ruderal habitats, active shoot formation results in many rejuvenated ramets, which affects the structure of the populations. In indigenous communities, the presence of stones in the substrate and the degree of disturbance of the community have a statistically significant effect on the development of the rhizome and the structure of the populations. Among all the factors considered, moisture, disturbance of communities, the presence of pebbles and sand, grazing degree, disturbance of substrate and relief have the most significant influence on the ontogenetic composition of populations. The results obtained allow for the evaluation of the relationship between the functional characteristics and populations of other long-rhizomatous plant species and their role in other plant communities.