Calophaca wolgarica (L. fi l.) DC.

The results of the analysis of ontogenetic and vitality structure of Сalophaca wolgarica (L. fi l.) DC. – a rare relict plant species, a paleoendemic to South-Eastern Europe – are presented. As part of the monitoring of the condition of this species’ populations, 21 natural populations on the territories of Volgograd and Rostov regions, the Republic of Kalmykia, Stavropol Krai, as well as fi ve reintroduced populations on the territory of Saratov region were studied in 2024. The ontogenetic conditions of the plants were determined.

For 11 years, the staff of the Scientifi c Research Center “Botanical Garden” of SSU named after N.G. Chernyshevsky have been reintroducing a rare protected plant, Calophaca wolgarica (L. fi l.) DC., into potentially suitable places in the Saratov Region. This species is considered extinct in the region. Restoration of the species in the Saratov Region will expand its range, increase the biodiversity of the local fl ora and enrich biogeocenoses. Seed material for the reintroduction of C. wolgarica was collected from natural cenopopulations in the Volgograd Region.