Populations dynamics in sizes of wild Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) during the last decade in Armenia

Abstract

This paper reports the results of five consecutive years of field studies conducted in Armenia from 20072011 to 1) study native populations’ habitats physical features, Melissa officinalis L., 2) assess the growth pattern and dynamics in populations’ sizes 3) identify the impact of certain habitat features on the population growth pattern. Field studies and eco-geographic surveys in respect with Maxted (1995) methodology were conducted to examine M. officinalis L. populations’ ecology. Researches exposed populations either expanding or dwindling in their sizes in different regions of Armenia. Certain habitat and environmental factors are identified as crucial for a population growth pattern over the study years. The study is essential for assessing M. officinalis L. populations’ vulnerability towards environmental deterioration and climate change impacts. This research provides a baseline dataset that can be used for the development of further conservation strategies of this important medicinal and culinary species in Armenia.