The idea behind this series was somewhat therapeutic. When working on it, I recalled not only the plants themselves, or their habitat, or how they interact with humans, but also the circumstances of my first encounters with them, my emotional states, and my perception of the weather and smells of the steppe. These are all I have left of my Azovian steppe: mere memories. Protected and endangered plant species in the occupied territories are under threat of extinction: continuous steppe fires caused by warfare, the uprooting and stirring of the upper soil caused by military vehicles, and destruction of the established biological associations – all these are threats to the mature steppe. Like a forest, the steppe goes through numerous developmental stages known as ecological successions. The plants featured in this artwork series belong to one of the later successions: after being tilled, the steppe needs 150 to 200 years to reach this stage. Taking into account that the hills and heights where these plants can still be found are usually where military machinery and vehicles concentrate, with all the inevitable consequences, it is probable that the unique biocoenosis of the Ukrainian Azov steppe will be lost forever.
Reticulated crocus (Crocus reticulatus) from the family Iridaceae. This rare species tends to disappear when subjected to human activity. It grows in the granite Azov steppe on the slopes of gullies and in loamy areas. It is found in the Kamiani Mohyly (Eng. Stony Kurgans) reserve and along the Kalchytske (Starokrymske) reservoir. It is the earliest flower to bloom with the first rays of the spring sun, from mid-February till mid-March, even although temperatures are around zero.
Siberian squill (Scilla siberiсa) from the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. This rare plant occupies a fragmented habitat in the Azov steppe region and is listed as a protected species in the Red Data Book of Ukraine as a species vulnerable to human activity. It grows occasionally among the trees in windbreaks, and amid bushes near wells and small springs in loamy soil. There are also patchy populations near the Kalchytske reservoir, not far from Mariupol. It blooms from early March till early April. Not too demanding when cultivated, it mostly suffers from walkers gathering wildflowers.
Spring pheasant’s eye (Adonis vernalis) of the family Ranunculaceae. This relic medicinal herb is a vulnerable species protected by the Red Data Book. It is most often seen on hilltops growing in the poorest sandy loam or loamy soils. It suffers from overgrazing and agricultural activity, such as upturning. It blooms in mid to late March. Adonis flowers are so bright that they can sometimes be seen from a distance of up to 400 metres. Around Mariupol, this species can be found near the township of Shevchenko, in the area of Cherdakli, and in the Kamiani Mohyly reserve.
Dwarf iris (Iris pumila) of the family Iridaceae. This endangered species is very vulnerable to human activity. It grows only in untilled areas of the steppe, as well as in granite and clay soils. It is as colourful as a rainbow – there can be up to 20 variations in colour and flower structure in a single population. Fortunately, it is very easy to cultivate and has been planted near homes for centuries. It blooms from April to early May. Near Mariupol, it is common in areas of granite steppe where it grows in sparse populations.
Pallas’s hyacinth (Hyacinthella pallasiana) of the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. This is a rare, very vulnerable species with small and fragmented populations. It grows on the summits of the granite steppe hills and is sometimes found near the village of Pishchovyk, the Kalchytske reservoir, the Kalka River, and Kamiani Mohyly with populations reaching a density of 50-60 plants per square metre. Unfortunately, this species has hardly been cultivated and its numbers are constantly decreasing due to grazing, with sheep trampling the thin layer of soil where the hyacinth bulb lies. It blooms from the third week of April to early May.
The granite tulip (Tulipa graniticola) is a member of the family Liliaceae. It occurs on the granite steppe in gravelly and rocky areas (Kalchytske and the Kalmius Reservoir near the villages of Shevchenko, Chermalyk and Pavlopil, in the Kamiani Mohyly reserve, and Svynarska Balka). In the Azov steppe region, small, sparse populations are mainly located near rivers. Sometimes you can see this tulip in depressions in granite, with a density of up to 20-30 plants per square metre. It is unstable in culture, and vulnerable to grazing and agricultural activity, as well as humans picking wildflowers. It blooms from mid-April to early May.
Serpentine tulip (Tulipa ophiophylla) of the family Liliaceae. This rare, vulnerable species is a narrow endemic of the Azov and the Black Sea region. There was only one known population around Mariupol – in the Kamiani Mohyly reserve. It grows exclusively in stony and gravelly soils. One bulb produces up to seven drooping, transparent yellow flowers. It is very responsive to cultivation, which could contribute to its conservation. It blooms throughout April and into early May.
Meadow dreamherb (Pulsatilla pratensis) from the Ranunculaceae family. This is a vulnerable species, with populations growing sporadically on rocky slopes and the summits of granite cliffs near the villages of Malyi Yanisol, Pishchovyk, Chermalyk and Shevchenko, and in Kamiani Mohyly reserve. The unusual and decorative appearance of the dreamherb is the reason for the species’ disappearance – humans love to gather it. It blooms throughout April and into the beginning of May.
Erodium beketowii of the family Geraniaceae. This endangered species is a relic of the Tertiary period. It grows occasionally in gravelly soils or granite crevices. Populations are small and sporadic. It is distributed along the Kalchyk and Kalmius rivers, as well as amid granite rocks and scree near the villages of Shevchenko and Pishchovyk, in the Cherdakli, and in the Kamiani Mohyly reserve. Animal grazing is leading to its disappearance. It blooms in May.
Bellevalia sarmatica is a member of the Asparagaceae family, subfamily Scilloideae. This rare plant is legally protected in Donetsk oblast. It occurs sporadically in the Black Sea and Azov steppe regions growing in loamy soils, mostly on the southern slopes of coastal hills, as well as near the villages of Lyapine, Sopyne, Azovske and Rybatske. Underestimated as an ornamental plant, it is not cultivated despite its persistence and interesting decorative structure. It blooms in May.
Caragana scythica is a member of the Leguminosae family. It is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine as an endangered species. The reasons for its threatened extinction are low competitiveness, soil upturning and grazing. It is endemic to the Azov and Black Sea steppe regions. It grows in loamy, gravelly and rocky soils. It significantly strengthens the soil as, despite its small size, this shrub has a very developed root system. It is common near the villages of Chermalyk, Pavlopil and Shevchenko, and in the Cherdakli and Kamianni Mohyly reserves. It blooms from May to June.
Ephedra (Ephedra distachya) of the Ephedraceae family. This plant is a Cretaceous relic. A small evergreen shrub with a very long and branched root system. It grows in clay or rocky soils, and occasionally on the banks of the Kalchytske Reservoir and the hills of Lyapine. It can also be found in sandy semi-saline soils on the shores of the Sea of Azov. It suffers mainly from steppe-burning, mowing, and grazing. It bears fruit from June to July.