Ecological and morphological features of Rhodiola rosea L. in natural populations in the Altai Mountains

Rhodiola rosea L., a medicinal plant valued for its therapeutic properties, exhibits significant variability in ecological and morphological traits across natural populations in the Altai Mountains. The study reveals that coenopopulations (groups of plants sharing a common habitat) thrive best in high-altitude, moist environments with dense herbaceous layers, showing higher ecological and effective densities. Conversely, populations in sparse or shrub-dominated habitats, as well as on unstable gravelly slopes, display lower density values. Notably, male and female individuals differ markedly in morphometric characters of generative shoots, suggesting that environmental conditions influence these traits beyond genetic determinants. The research highlights the plant's adaptability to diverse microhabitats while underscoring its vulnerability due to declining natural reserves, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.

Prokopyev, A. S., Yamburov, M. S., Chernova, O. D., Kataeva, T. N., Prokopyeva, E. S., Machkinis, E. Yu., & Kuznetsov, A. A. (2021). Ecological and morphological features of Rhodiola rosea L. in natural populations in the Altai Mountains  Acta Biologica Sibirica, 7, 529–544. https://doi.org/10.3897/abs.7.e78936