Ecological characteristics of rare and endangered plants of the Chelyabinsk region

We present here certain results of studies related to the ecological parameters of rare and endangered species of Chelyabinks Region. We analysed the landscape groups and their relationships to the botanico-geographical zones as well as the distribution among longitudinal and coenotic gropus. Life forms of plants were described according to the classification of K. Raunkiaer; ecomorphs in relation to the humidity were revealed. The potential ecological valence of the “Red Book” flora was calculated in accordance to climatic and edaphic factors. The plant diversity is reduced in a latitudinal direction; species with Holarctic and South Urals endemic ranges prevail. Species, inhabiting intrazonal communities, dominate in terms of cenotic confinement. Fractions of valence, defined by the ecological scales, revealed climatopic and edaphotopic factors, which limit the distribution of the discussed plants.