EXPEDITION SURVEY OF THE TURKISH PART OF THE NATURAL DISJUNCTIVE AREA OF THE PHOENIX THEOPHRASTI GREUTER ON THE DATÇA PENINSULA

The results of the expedition survey of the southern coast of the Datca peninsula (south-western part of Turkey from Marmaris to Datca) with the purpose of studying a part of the natural disjunctive area of the Phoenix theophrasti Greuter, have been presented. This species is endemic, it is distributed on the island of Crete, several small adjoining islands and on the south-west coast of Turkey. The species is listed in the IUCN Red Data Book. During the survey, samples of leaves were collected, natural conditions were described and numerous photos of the Phoenix theophrasti were made. The climatic characteristics of the Turkish part of the natural disjunctive area of Phoenix theophrasti and the regions of introduction are represented by climatic diagrams constructed according to the method of H. Walter and H. Lieth with additions. The seedlings were grown from the received seeds of the palm center (Palmiye Merkez-Park 48800 Toparlar / Koycegiz / MuglaTurkei), which will be subsequently tested on the Southern coast of the Crimea (SCC) and Caucasian Riviera (CR). This species is considered the most frost-resistant date in the world, and the results of further introduction testing will demonstrate its viability under new introduction conditions. It is established that the Phoenix theophrasti prefers to grow in coastal areas or on steep calcareous rocks, along moist valleys, streams and rocky ravines on the products of their weathering. Its appearance in plant communities invariably points to a water source. It has sustainability to salt. The Phoenix theophrasti unlike other species of this genus, grows in the conditions of its native land in the most northern and cold climatic zone. It is used as an ornamental plant in green construction throughout the Mediterranean, but not as widely as the Phoenix dactylifera L. and Phoenix canariensis Chab. Further study of biological and environmental peculiarities under natural conditions and introduction conditions on the SCC and CR will allow to evaluate its adaptive capabilities and to determine viability for amenity planting in the new adaptation areas.