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Oxycoccus microcarpus (ERICACEAE) IN THE VOLOGDA REGION
Authors: Philippov Dmitriy Andreevich
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The present article is devoted to the rare mire species – Oxycoccus microcarpus Turcz. ex Rupr. Distribution of O. microcarpus in Vologda region, ecological and phytocoenotic features of the species, as well as its protection were discussed. O. microcarpus prefers positive landforms of mesooligo- and oligotrophic bogs with peat banks, significantly less common in minerotrophic mires and carpet-hollow communities in raised bogs. Usually, O. microcarpus is found jointly with mire forms of Pinus sylvestris and a wide range of plants forming a herb-shrub layer (Chamaedaphne calyculata, Rubus chamaemorus, Oxycoccus palustris, Eriophorum vaginatum, rarely Empetrum nigrum, E. hermaphroditum, Ledum palustre, Vaccinium uliginosum) and mosses (mainly Sphagnum fuscum and S. angustifolium, S. magellanicum, S. rubellum, Polytrichum strictum and lesser with S. balticum, S. papillosum, etc.). O. microcarpus was found growing with more active closely related Oxycoccus palustris and had low coenotic value (usually, from 1-2% to 5-7% of projective cover). To date, O. microcarpus was spotted on 31 mires (findings are listed) from 11 districts of the Vologda region. Two-thirds of the sites belong to the middle boreal (middle taiga) subzone. A habitat of O. microcarpus is tend to reduce, thus the species must be protected.