Journal of Environmental Biology

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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M. Ozturk¹*, V. Altay², M. Kucuk³, E. Altundağ⁴, Z. Severoğlu⁵ and I.E. Yal?ın⁶?  

¹Botany Department and Centre for Environmental Studies, Ege University, Izmir-35040, Turkey

²Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Arts, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay-31030, Turkey

³Sustainable Forest Management Advisor-UNDP, Ankara-06100, Turkey

⁴Biology Department, Faculty of Science & Arts, D?zce University, D?zce-81620, Turkey

⁵Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Arts, Marmara University, Istanbul-34722, Turkey

⁶Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul-34353, Turkey

*Corresponding Author Email : munirozturk@gmail.com

Paper received: 08.04.2019 ?????? ???????????????????????????????????????Revised received: 15.10.2019 ???????????? ???????????????????????????????Accepted: 03.12.2019

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.

Key words : Eco-genetical heritage, Endemic, Epigaea gaultherioides, Relict, Shrub     

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