Reproductive Success of Marginal Populations of Dactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soó (Orchidaceae)

Populations at the border of ranges are considered more vulnerable than those in the center. However, some recent reviews contradict this hypothesis. We have studied the reproductive and demographic characteristics of Dactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soó at the northern border of its range (Subpolar Urals) and compared the results with data from the more southern parts of the species range. Despite the deterioration of some parameters, the species at the border of the range forms quite large, well-regenerated populations. The reproductive success of D. maculata is more dependent on specific environmental conditions than on its geographic location.