Assessment of the cenopopulation of<i> Tulipa patens</i> Agardh ex Schult. et Schult.fil. in the south of the Central Uplands of Russia
The purpose of this study was to investigate the adaptability of Tulipa patens (i.e. droopy-headed/drooping tulip), which is a non-endemic/rare species of the flora in the south of the Central Uplands of Russia, to a non-native habitat. It is described in detail with respect to the nature of its variability, height, length, width of its first and second leaves, and the size of its flower and bulb. The plant has also been examined in terms of its ontogenetic structure. The population of the droopy-headed tulip under study was represented by immature, juvenile, virginal, and generative individuals. Their number [in the aforementioned phases] has a propensity to vary from year to year. The individuals observed in virginal and generative plants, the mean/average age of which is centered, have been found to predominate. This analysis of the cenopopulation by using demographic and environmental indices was carried out. During the course of the study, the value of the recovery, age, and efficiency indices averaged 1.4-3.1%, 0.19-0.26%, and 0.47-0.61% respectively. In conclusion, the systematic [annual] data collection compiled through the application of the delta-omega system has enabled us to establish the current state of the cenopopulation of the species as young, maturing, which is indicative of its robust condition despite not being an endemic to the area in question.