Biological aspects of the genus Myricaria Desv. (Tamaricaceae), especially of the Siberian species

Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia

^* Corresponding author: llyakh@rambler.ru

Abstract

Observations of the shrub Myricaria (Tamaricaceae) in the wild during expeditions and at the Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS (Novosibirsk) has elucidate their taxonomy, and revealed that rather than four taxa, just two are present in Siberia. Without this understanding of the phenology, the systematics of the species was much confused. The two species of Myricaria (M bracteata Royle, M. longifolia (Willd) Ehrenb.) in Siberia a are valuable plants for marginal land, urban landscaping and erosion control on river banks. Plants of the genus Myricaria are the traditional Tibet medicinal plants. At present, as a result of geological explorative and road-building works, the natural habitats of Myricaria are destroy. The features of blossoming and fructification of Myricaria Siberian species of in nature and in cultivation were studied and described for concervation of these valuable plants at the botanical gardens. As a result of the experiments, the temperature features of germination and preservation of seeds was developed.