Biocollection of species of the genus barrenwort (Epimedium L.) in the botanical garden VILAR

Abstract

Representatives of the genus Epimedium L. (family Berberidaceae) are herbaceous spring-flowering perennials with medicinal and decorative significance. The collection of the VILAR Botanical Garden contains three species of the genus of the Russian Federation flora - E. colchicum (Boiss.) Trautv., E. koreanum Nakai, E. macrosepalum Stearn and three hybrid taxa widely used as ornamental plants - E. х rubrum E. Morren, E. х versicolor E. Morren, E. х warleyense Stearn. The article presents the results of studying the phenological features of the seasonal development of four species of the genus Epimedium in the conditions of the VILAR Botanical Garden. It is shown that, in the conditions of the Botanical Garden, they go through the phases of the annual cycle of development, with the exception of fruiting; winter-hardy and drought-resistant, not affected by diseases; reproduce vegetatively; retain decorative foliage until late autumn; E. col-chicum (Boiss.) Trautv. keeps winter green leaves during wintering. The species E. colchicum, E. х rubrum, E. Morren, E. х versicolor are distinguished by long flowering. The introduction of rare and endangered representatives of this genus (E. colchicum, E. koreanum, E. macrosepalum) into the culture will contribute to the conservation of their diversity ex situ.