PLANT PERFORMANCE AND POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS OF ORCHIS-SIMIA (ORCHIDACEAE) IN 2 EXTREMES OF ITS DISTRIBUTION AREA

This is a comparative study on plant performance and population charac teristics among populations of Orchis simia (Orchidaceae) in both the south-eastern and north-western limits of its distribution area, viz. on Cyprus and in northern France and the southern part of the Netherla nds. Differences in leaf area of the flowering plants between the area s is important for population fitness: a smaller leaf area may shorten the juvenile life stage. Morphological differences between rosette le aves from both regions can be considered as adaptations to the specifi c structures of the local vegetation. In the south-eastern population relatively more phytomass is allocated to the reproductive organs comp ared to the north-western populations. Since many species of high cons ervational value in north-western Europe originate from the Mediterran ean area, results of comparative studies like the present one, will en able conservationists to develop appropriate measures for sustainable species preservation in the former region.