Snowdrop folded: description, area of growth, limiting factors

Plants of the genus Snowdrop are primordial. This fact has largely determined the vulnerability of individual species. They are listed in the Red Books of several countries and have a protected status. One of them is the snowdrop folded, common in the Crimea, Romania and Moldova. It grows in a mountainous area, on the fringes and in thickets of shrubs. The plant is not considered to be disappearing at the moment, but it should always be remembered about preventive measures. It is easier to preserve natural diversity than to try to restore what has been lost.

Snowdrop folded: description

The plant belongs to the family Amaryllis. This is a long-term bulbous ephemeroid up to 25-30 cm high, which is a cryptophyte. The bulb is small (up to 3-4 cm in length and 2-2.8 cm in diameter), with light scales. Leaves linear structure, dark green with a blue tint, folded, with edges bent down. It is noteworthy that during flowering they are almost 2 times shorter than the peduncle and have a wax coating, followed by a greasy shine.

Flowering occurs in March-June, depending on the region. Tsvetonos cylindrical shape, up to 30 cm high. Petals of perianth are spoon-shaped, 2.5-3 cm long. Flowers have a characteristic rich aroma. The snowdrop is multiplying by folding with seeds and dividing the bulb.

Range of growth

On the territory of Russia it is found in the Novorossiysk District of the Krasnodar Territory (the southern slope of the northwest of the Main Caucasian Range). It grows in pure hornbeam or mixed with beech forests at an altitude of 100-500 meters above sea level. Outside the range is found by single specimens or by small localizations. Populations are stable and are represented by plants of all age states of seed or vegetative origin. The snowdrop folded in the Crimea grows, in the mountainous regions: from Balaklava to Koktebel, in broad-leaved foxes, on fertile brown soils.

Limiting factors

The negative dynamics of the population size of this rare species is mainly due to anthropogenic impact on the habitats. As a rule, the main reason lies in the mass gathering of the above-ground part and the plant entirely for the purpose of further sale. Of the accompanying limiting factors that limit the snowdrop folded, it should be noted uncontrolled and unrestricted grazing of livestock in the places of growth, as well as deforestation, destruction of the natural environment for the plant.

Measures to protect the species

Virtually all representatives of the genus are rare and endangered species, to a certain extent, the snowdrop folded also belongs to them. The Red Book defines its status as "the least fearful". However, as practice shows, from this category it is very easy to switch to another - "endangered species". Therefore, certain steps are being taken, including administrative fines for the collection of plants. Of the necessary measures, experts recommend completely to prohibit the collection of flowers, to search for new places of growth of the species, to carry out regular monitoring of the population for control purposes and to raise the status of the Abrausky Reserve from the regional level to the federal one.

In order for the snowdrop folded to a lesser extent to be destroyed in the natural environment, measures should be taken to artificially breed it in botanical gardens, greenhouses for commercial purposes. The species is positioned as a promising one for long-term cultivation and is suitable for growing in shady orchards. In European gardens, it is already widely used and has about a dozen garden forms.

Cultivation in the garden

Decorative value of the primrose is represented by drooping snow-white flowers with a strong aroma. The flowering period lasts an average of 20-25 days, duration is largely determined by the saturation of the soil with moisture and air temperature. In culture this species was introduced in 1592, and since then more than ten garden forms have been introduced. One of the most famous - Vargam, having double petals, a kind of military trophy of British soldiers after the Crimean War. Or, for example, the variety Diggory, presented in the photo above.

In order for the plant to develop and grow, it is required to provide fertile soil with a neutral reaction of the environment and the addition of leaf humus, as well as the necessary moisture level. With a snowy winter, additional watering is required in the spring for abundant flowering.