Robinia pseudoacacia L. in the Western Caucasus

Abstract

The distribution, frequency of occurrence, and tendency in change in number of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in the Western Caucasus and the age structure of populations and influence of this species on arboreal species diversity of riparian forests are analyzed. The results show that (1) the occurrence of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in different regions of the area studied is different; (2) most individuals of this species are less than 20 years old; (3) the abundance of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in areas of riparian forests to the greatest extent depends on the relative abundance of native dominants: the highest abundance is seen at a middle level of their dominance; and (4) replacement of native dominants by Robinia pseudoacacia L. does not lead to reduction in arboreal species diversity of forest stands.