Rare plants and animals of Russia are endangered species that have been listed in the Red Book. Actions aimed at preserving the country's natural wealth are urgent, in which the creation of nature reserves plays an important role. In this article we will look at some of the rarest plant species in Russia.
Reasons for extinction
The main reason for the disappearance of plants is human economic activity: grazing, frequent plowing of land, the construction of industrial enterprises and cities, railways and roads, airfields, gas and oil pipelines, power lines, drainage of swamps. All this leads to the alienation of territories that are occupied by flora and fauna. Due to which some species of plants and animals disappear.
Conservation of rare plants
The main role in preserving our plant wealth is assigned to arboretums and botanical gardens, of which there are 120 in Russia. We have formed a network of reserves covering the main types of landscapes. Wildlife sanctuaries have also been created with the goal of protecting certain rare plants in Russia.
But some of them are present in nature in such a small amount that neither botanical gardens nor nature reserves can ensure their preservation. Therefore, other forms of saving their gene pool are being developed.
Species that were listed in the Red Book throughout the country are subject to protection. Actions that could lead to a reduction in numbers, to death, as well as to disturbance of the habitat of the threatened complete extinction and rare plants, are prohibited.
Rhodiola rosea
Considering the rare plants of Russia, photos of which are presented in this article, we can immediately mention the Rhodiola rosea (it is also known under the names "pink root", "golden root"). It is included in the Red Book of our country.
The plant received the name "golden root" in its rhizome, which has the color of old gilding or bronze with a soft pearly tint.
Perm anemonastrum
This plant species fell into the Red Book of the Urals. Its name is translated from Greek as "wind". It is a perennial herb, belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. Its stems and leaves are covered with horizontally protruding, dense hairs slightly slightly bent downwards. In outline, the root leaves are round-kidney-shaped, dissected into 3 rhombic segments, while the lateral ones are almost completely bifid. But the leaves of the bedspread are mostly separate - up to 2/3, periodically whole. Peduncles an average of 2-6 pieces. At the very beginning of flowering, they are equal in length to the leaves of the bedspread, then they are several times longer. Heavily elongated with fruits, pubescent with thin, sparse, slightly curly hairs. The plant has flowers with a diameter of 2-3 cm, the perianth leaves are white, elliptical. Fruits are about 7 mm long.
Incised violet
It should be noted that this is one of the most delicate and beautiful flowers. It can be found on meadows, edges of coniferous forests, riverbanks, rocky slopes. The main charm of a flower is its purple corollas. This species is propagated with the help of seeds, and they are not formed every year, therefore, fragrant violet was also included in the list “Rare plants of Russia”.
Yellow water lily
She got her name from her closest relative - a white water lily. It grows in shallow water, while its leaves are located both under and above the water. The yellow water lily was officially named the “little egg” for an interesting fruit. It blooms all summer yellow, large, almost spherical flowers. They are used for bouquets (even though they are not in the vase), as well as for medicinal purposes (even official medicine recognizes the properties of the plant).
Bell dolomite
This is a flower that grows only in our country, in Ingushetia, North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Dagestan, the Chechen Republic. It has white, very beautiful flowers located on thin long peduncles. It is torn off due to its decorative appearance, in addition, its number drops sharply due to construction work and the laying of roads in places of its growth.
Lily saranka
Speaking about the rarest plants in Russia, one cannot but mention this species. Lilac saranka (badoon, curly-headed, royal curls, butterfish) - lovely snow-white, pink or lilac flowers with small dark dots with curled petals that bloom in mid-summer. The homeland of this lily is considered Siberian forest-steppes and steppes. There is a legend that it gives vigor, fortitude, stamina and courage to soldiers. The flower is very beautiful in bouquets, while its tubers are edible. But, in addition to beauty, it also has healing properties, which further contributed to its destruction.
Spotted root
It belongs to the Orchid family. It is found in the European part of the country. In early summer, violet flowers appear on the racemose inflorescences, surrounded by spotted leaves. In addition to decorativeness, these rare plants of Russia, or rather, their tubers, have healing properties. The powder of them has an enveloping, anti-inflammatory, emollient and restorative effect.
Rare and endangered plants of Russia: yellow iris
Yellow iris (marsh, pseudoair, water) grows in the European part of the country, along the banks of rivers and lakes, in meadows near swamps. On a branched stem light yellow flowers with an orange center are placed in bunches. Essential oil is made from a plant, using it later in perfumery, and rhizomes with a delicate violet aroma are used in the production of liquors, wines, and in the confectionery industry.
Leaf peony
This flower was very common in the sixties of the last century throughout the USSR. Today, its population has declined sharply. It is very popular and very expensive in Western Europe, Canada and the United States. It begins to bloom in mid-May, unforgettable and bright. On an adult bush there can be several tens of flowers of a saturated red shade with yellow anthers at the same time.
