BIOLOGY OF ARTEMISIA SANTONICA L. ON THE NORTHERN BORDER OF THE AREA

Peculiarities of ontogenesis and phytosociology of rare plant of Penza region Artemisia santonica L. (family Asteraceae) on Northern border of area in saline conditions under strong anthropogenic load is studied. Ability of Artemisia santoniсa to exist at the border area on saline soils in plant association of grassy and halophilic steppe, acting as dominant and codominant is established. Artemisia santoniсa is able to carry out life cycle and to hold territory because vegetative reproduction, which promotes deep rejuvenation affiliated plants (immature age status). Age status and as well as biometric characteristics of vegetative specimens are described (three age period–virgin, generative, postgeneration; six age status immature-1, immature-2, virgin, generative subsenile); schematic graphical image of morphological features of Artemisia santoniсa is depicted. Structure of the generative shoot is clarified. Possibility of variability of structure of the generative shoots is identified. Weak morphological differentiation of generative individuals on young, mature and old is identified. Signs of normal and senile particulate are not found. Possibilities of adaptation of Artemisia santoniсa at level of ontogenesis are discussed.