Preservation and ecology of a living relict shrub in South Caucasus as a eco-genetic heritage from Tertiary: Epigaea gaultherioides (Boiss. & Bal.) Takht.

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Ozturk M., ALTAY V., Kucuk M., Altundag E., SEVEROĞLU Z., Yalçin I.

Journal of Environmental Biology, vol.41, no.2, pp.279-284, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 41 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.22438/jeb/41/2(si)/jeb-01
  • Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Biology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Environment Index, Geobase, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.279-284
  • Keywords: Eco-genetical heritage, Endemic, Epigaea gaultherioides, Relict, Shrub
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Aim: Epigaea gaultherioides is an euxine element with a tertiary origin as a relict species facing threat of extinction. In this study, an attempt was made to explore the ecological characteristics by taking into consideration the soil-plant interactions of this taxon. Methodology: Soil and plant samples were collected and analysed using Kjeldahl, Spectrophotometer, Flame photometer and ICP-OES. Results: The findings showed that generally grows on sandy and / or clayey soils, of strong acidic nature, non-calcified, non-saline and high in organic matter. The plant samples collected from the study area were rich in iron, aluminium, zinc and nickel; but their percentage in the soils was low. Interpretation: The findings of this study will assist to better understand the ecological requirements of this relict taxon for its possible future successful conservation programs.