[Morphological features of shoots in Plantago arenaria Waldst. et Kit. (Plantaginaceae L.) under different ecological conditions].

ABSTRACT

A comparative morphological analysis of P. arenaria herbarium specimens from different geographic locations has made it possible to describe the diversity of shoots and distinguish several ecomorphological types of plants. It has been shown that P. arenaria plants in overmoistened sites have a prostrate form with anisotropic shoots, rosetteless shoots shortened at the base are characteristic of plants growing on dense substrates, and rosette shoots are formed under conditions of moisture deficiency combined with Pigh soil density or in plants growing on sandy slopes. Morphological plasticity of P. arenaria shoots provides for higher plant stability and survival.