Pulsatilla patens and Pulsatilla pratensis (Ranunculaceae) in Estonia: distribution and ecology

Abstract

Despite the great changes in land use, the distribution of Pulsatilla patens and P. pratensis (Ranunculaceae) in Estonia, reconstructed using herbarium specimens and notes, was quite stable throughout the 20th century. Considering the data on the present sizes and habitat conditions of 29 P. patens and 34 P. pratensis populations, in our estimation, around a tenth of the territory of Estonia should, at the moment, be habitable for these species. Both species prefer well-lit locations, created by some disturbance such as fire, logging, etc. The temporal deterioration of habitats through overgrowing could be buffered to some extent by the long life span of adult plants. The main threatening factor is current logging practice, which causes severe contraction of populations.