Estimating vegetative reproduction and population size of Saussurea esthonica

Abstract

Population size and reproductive potential are factors that affect viability of species and populations. Wild perennial species often reproduce both sexually (generatively) and clonally (vegetatively). Population size of Saussurea esthonica was estimated by counting flowering individuals in two natural populations in Latvia. In addition, ability to propagate vegetatively was evaluated ex situ, and two types of vegetative shoot formation were observed. The proportion of vegetative and generative shoots, which can be affected by environmental factors, was evaluated.