New locations of the decorative orchid Spiranthes sinensis (Orchidaceae) in the Primorsky Territory

The information is given about the Chinese ladies'-tresses Spiranthes sinensis (Pers.) Ames (Orchidaceae Lindl.), which is a promising species for use in the floriculture under conditions of the Primorsky Territory. In this region, the Chinese ladies'-tresses is found in almost all areas, but the known present-day locations have low number of populations. This decorative, long-blooming orchid propagates well vegetatively, tolerates drought, severe soil compaction, and is long-lived in grasses. Like other meadow species of orchids, the Chinese ladies'-tresses can grow in sunny places and in the penumbra, in combination with accompanying small plants. Limiting factors include disturbance of natural habitats as a result of extreme natural phenomena and anthropogenic impact. New locations of S. sinensis in the Primorsky Territory are described. Field studies were conducted in 2018-2021 by route reconnaissance method. Description of habitats and morphometric parameters of Chinese ladies'-tresses, analysis of herbarium specimens (VLA, VBGI, MW, MHA, LE) of this plant in the Russian Far East was carried out. In the Primorsky Territory, new habitats of the Chinese ladies'-tresses have been identified and five cenopopopulations have been described. The area of the plots ranged from 8 to 936 m2, the number of flowering individuals was from 12 to 28 specimens, and the population density reached 5 specimens/m2. The height of a flowering plant can reach 64 cm. The species is not included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation (2008) or in the Red Book of the Primorsky Territory (2008), so it can be used in the region for landscaping as a beautiful flowering herbaceous plant.