The state of three Cypripedium guttatum (Orchidaceae) populations in the south of Western Siberia (Tyumen Region)

The family Orchidaceae is globally recognized as one of the richest and most diverse plant families. Orchids inhabit a variety of habitats, and many of them are endemic, rare and/or threatened taxa. Therefore, these plants are of high conservation interest. In Russia, the Orchidaceae is represented by 135 species and 13 subspecies, and their number varies among administrative regions. In the south of Western Siberia, 25 species of Orchidaceae are included in the Red Data Book of the Tyumen Region, including Cypripedium guttatum, which has category 3 (rare species). This species has been known in the Tyumen Region since the early 20th century. However, almost no special population studies have been published previously for this orchid, with an exclusion of 20-year-old-dated data from conference proceedings, which, unfortunately, are not available online for a wide audience. In this study, we conducted population studies of Cypripedium guttatum in three localities to gain an understanding of its status in Western Siberia. In each location studied, the morphometric parameters of individuals were measured, and the population age structure and the density of individuals were determined. The flora that accompanied Cypripedium guttatum was recorded in each location. The data obtained can be used as a basis for future assessment of the species according to the categories and criteria of the IUCN Red List, and, consequently, the creation of the Red List of Vascular Plants of the Tyumen Region (Western Siberia).