Ontogenesis of three annual species of Pimpinella (Apiaceae) in connection with their ecology

Ontogenesis of three annual species of Pimpinella (Apiaceae) have been studied. P. eriocarpa and P. barbata are characterized as ephemeral plants (entire life cycle takes nearly 2,5 months), whereas P. anisum is long vegetating annual plant (ontogenesis takes nearly 4-5 months). All species have features of heliophytic and mesomorphical organisation. P. eriocarpa, P. barbata, inhabiting open dry ecotops, are mesophyts. They are adapted to fast completion of entire life cicle in relatively wet months before the summer drought. P. eriocarpa and P. barbata in structure and rhythm of development are more close to each other than to P. anisum.