Distribution, ecology and conservation status of Dionysia involucrata Zaprjag., an endangered endemic of Hissar Mts (Tajikistan, Middle Asia)

<em>Dionysia involucrata</em> Zaprjag. (Primulaceae) is known as critically endangered endemic species of Hissar Mountains in Tajikistan. It is reported from few localities mainly in Varzob River valley and its tributaries. The species inhabits steep or overhanging faces of granite rocks in narrow river gorges. During the research all known populations of <em>D. involucrata</em> were examined in respect of the habitat conditions and species composition of vegetation plots. We analyzed the population extent of the species in its range in Tajikistan and the main threats in order to assess its conservation status. The detrended correspondence analysis was performed on a…

Global functional variation in alpine vegetation

International audience; Questions. What are the functional trade-offs of vascular plant species in global alpine ecosystems? How is functional variation related to vegetation zones, climatic groups and biogeographic realms? What is the relative contribution of macroclimate and evolutionary history in shaping the functional variation of alpine plant communities? Location. Global. Methods. We compiled a data set of alpine vegetation with 5,532 geo-referenced plots, 1,933 species and six plant functional traits. We used principal component analysis to quantify functional trade-offs among species and trait probability density to assess the functional dissimilarity of alpine vegetation in differ…

Can vegetation provide indications of ancient lake shorelines after more than one hundred years? A case study of Iskander-kul Lake, Tajikistan

Abstract Bioindication is a common approach to assess and evaluate environmental changes over both short or long periods of time. Here we attempt to highlight that vegetation can provide indications of the palaeoshoreline of Lake Iskander-kul, even after at least 150 years. It is an example of a dammed lake that was created by a huge mass rockfall as a result of a strong earthquake during the late Pleistocene. Applying the two way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) we found that the shrubby vegetation is the particular one that can still effectively thrive along the palaeoshoreline despite the lake downlift. Using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure for certain vegetation type, we …

Viscario vulgaris-Quercetum petraeae Stöcker (1965) in the Opawskie Mts (Eastern Sudetes)

Abstract Results of phytosociological studies conducted in the southern part of Opole Silesia within the Sudetes mountain range in 2014-2015 are presented. The main aim of our research was to confirm the occurrence of Viscario vulgaris-Quercetum petraeae Stöcker 1965, which had previously been noted in Poland only within the Central Sudetes Foothills in Lower Silesia province. Two additional sites of this extremely rare in Poland plant association were confirmed, located within the Opawskie Mts in Opole province. The association develops on steep slopes, near rocky outcrops, on southern or western expositions at altitudes between 350 and 410 m a.s.l. All plots of the association consists of…

Validation of chasmophytic syntaxa of colline and montane zones in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

AbstractEight syntaxa are validated with the previous names regarded as invalidly published according to the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. The validation concerns syntaxa of rock plant communities of the Campanuletalia incanescentis order reported from the Pamir Alai mountains in Tajikistan. The majority of validated syntaxa represents association level, one is an alliance. All validations are conducted due to the invalidity of tables with typus releves according to art. 1 of the Code: they were not distributed as printed matter. The validated syntaxa are as follows: Caricion koshewnikowii, Scutellarietum hissaricae, Scutellarietum schugnanicae, Scutellarietum zaprja…

Is Active Moss Biomonitoring Comparable to Air Filter Standard Sampling?

Recently, significant attention has been paid to air quality awareness and its impact on human health, especially in urban agglomerations. Many types of dust samplers for air quality monitoring are used by governmental environmental monitoring agencies. However, these techniques are associated with high costs; as a consequence, biological methods such as active moss biomonitoring are being developed. The main disadvantages of such techniques are the lack of standardization of the preparation procedures and the lack of reliable comparisons of results with data from instrumental analyses. Our study aimed to compare the results obtained from active biomonitoring with the use of three moss spec…

Vegetation of taluses and screes of the high montane and alpine zone in the Pamir Alai Mountains (Tajikistan, Middle Asia)

This paper presents the results of phytosociological research on scree vegetation of the Pamir Alai Mts. In total, 128 phytosociological relevés were made during field studies conducted in 2012–2014, applying the Braun-Blanquet method. Plant communities of mobile and fairly stabilised scree of colluvial cones, aprons and fans, inhabiting mainly the high montane and alpine zone in several ranges (e.g.the Zeravshan, Hissar, Hazratishoh, Darvaz, Rushan and Vanch Mts) are herein described. A hierarchical syntaxonomic synopsis of scree communities at montane and alpine elevations in the Pamir Alai Mts is provided. The collected vegetation samples represent the majority of the variations among th…

Distance decay 2.0 – a global synthesis of taxonomic and functional turnover in ecological communities

AbstractUnderstanding the variation in community composition and species abundances, i.e., β-diversity, is at the heart of community ecology. A common approach to examine β-diversity is to evaluate directional turnover in community composition by measuring the decay in the similarity among pairs of communities along spatial or environmental distances. We provide the first global synthesis of taxonomic and functional distance decay along spatial and environmental distance by analysing 149 datasets comprising different types of organisms and environments. We modelled an exponential distance decay for each dataset using generalized linear models and extracted r2 and slope to analyse the streng…

Benchmarking plant diversity of Palaearctic grasslands and other open habitats

© 2021 The Authors.

Phytosociological survey of juniper wood vegetation in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

The paper presents the first syntaxonomic classification for juniper wood communities in Tajikistan with some remarks on their environmental gradients. A total of 119 relevés were sampled between 2015 and 2021 using the seven-degree Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. They were classified by a modified TWINSPAN method. Diagnostic species were identified using phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to determine relationships between samples, vegetation units and major gradients in species composition. Plant communities have been divided into two main groups. The first one is a west Irano-Turanian wood of Juniperus polycarpos var. seravschani…

Die Schuttvegetation der montanen und kollinen Zone des Pamir-Alai-Gebirges in Tadschikistan (Mittelasien)

This paper is the continuation of a survey of the scree vegetation in alpine landscapes of western Pamir-Alai Mts in Tajikistan. In total, 105 phytosociological relevés were collected in the colline and montane belt in 2012‒2014, applying the Braun-Blanquet method. Phytocoenoses inhabiting mobile or fairly stabilised screes of different sizes of rock particles in the montane and colline zone are herein described. A hierarchical syntaxonomic synopsis of scree communities in the western Pamir Alai Mts is provided. The collected vegetation samples represent the majority of the variations among the phytocoenoses of gravel, pebble, cobble and rock block slides and screes. As a result of field su…

A new variety of Diarthron (Thymelaeaceae) from Tajikistan

Fungal root endophyte associations of plants endemic to the Pamir Alay Mountains of Central Asia.

The fungal root endophyte associations of 16 species from 12 families of plants endemic to the Pamir Alay Mountains of Central Asia are presented. The plants and soil samples were collected in Zeravshan and Hissar ranges within the central Pamir Alay mountain system. Colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was found in 15 plant species; in 8 species it was of the Arum type and in 4 of the Paris type, while 3 taxa revealed intermediate arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) morphology. AMF colonization was found to be absent only in Matthiola integrifolia, the representative of the Brassicaceae family. The AM status and morphology are reported for the first time for all the species analyzed a…

Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries: new national and regional vascular plant records, 5

The paper presents new records for 19 vascular plant species from 14 Eurasian countries. Two taxa (Siphonostegia chinensis and Utricularia macrorhiza) are reported from Russia, two (Achnatherum botschantzevii and Stipa zalesskii) from Kyrgyzstan, one (Allium petraeum) from Uzbekistan, three (Crambe orientalis, Eleocharis mamillata and Geranium pratense subsp. sergievskajae) from Kazakhstan, two (Atriplex crassifolia and Petrosimonia brachyphylla) from China, one (Crambe orientalis) from Tajikistan, one (Stipa krylovii) from India, one (Agrostis lazica) from Iraq, two (Orobanche coerulescens and Orobanche zajaciorum) from Armenia, one (Phelipanche lavandulacea) from Montenegro, one (Panicum …

Impact of plant cover on the cavity-nesting antTemnothorax crassispinus

1. Plant communities influence the availability of important resources for ants, such as nest sites and food, as well as environmental conditions. Thus, plants affect the abundance and distribution of ants. 2. In a field experiment, the influence of plant cover on the settlement of nest sites and per-capita productivity of sexual individuals by the ant Temnothorax crassispinus was analysed. In July 2014, in five areas with patches of alien balsam Impatiens parviflora, and another five of native balsam I. noli-tangere, transects composed of artificial nests were established; the nest sites were situated inside patches of balsams, and outside of them. Four hundred and forty artificial nests w…

Fine‐grain beta diversity of Palaearctic grassland vegetation

QUESTIONS: Which environmental factors influence fine-grain beta diversity of vegetation and do they vary among taxonomic groups? LOCATION: Palaearctic biogeographic realm. METHODS: We extracted 4,654 nested-plot series with at least four different grain sizes between 0.0001 m² and 1,024 m² from the GrassPlot database, covering a wide range of different grassland and other open habitat types. We derived extensive environmental and structural information for these series. For each series and four taxonomic groups (vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, all), we calculated the slope parameter (z-value) of the power law species–area relationship (SAR), as a beta diversity measure. We tested whe…

Syntaxonomy and biogeography of the Irano‐Turanian mires and springs

Aims: To develop the first comprehensive syntaxonomic classification for patchy montane mire and spring vegetation across the Irano-Turanian phytogeographical region in Iran, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and to explore the effects of the main environmental and geographic gradients on their distribution. Location: Alborz Mountain range (Iran), Pamir-Alai Mountains (Tajikistan) and Tian Shan Mountains (Kyrgyzstan); total area of about 3,000,000 km2. Methods: A database of 1,015 vegetation relevés including a total of 675 vascular and bryophyte taxa was established, covering the large mountains ranges of the Irano-Turanian regions in Iran, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, at altitude ranging from 1,300…

Rapid change in forms of inorganic nitrogen in soil and moderate weed invasion following translocation of wet meadows to reclaimed post‐industrial land

Anthropogenic expansion and loss of natural environments calls for the more sustainable use of resources, including land. To combine the conservation of highly valuable meadow habitat with reclamation of post‐industrial land, 1.3 ha of turf were translocated from an urban area to basins constructed near an abandoned quarry. In contrast to the usual method of choosing similar habitats as salvage sites, the selected quarry possessed different environmental properties to the meadows, challenging their acclimatisation. To evaluate the project, we monitored three meadows (Molinion caeruleae alliance) for three seasons: immediately before the transfer and for 2 years afterwards. We recorded veget…

Revision of Nymphaea candida range - New DATA on the distribution and habitat preferences of the species in Southern Poland

The paper presents results of geobotanical and taxonomic studies on the distribution and habitat requirements of <em>Nymphaea candida</em> in southern Poland. The researches were conducted in southern Poland in 2003-2009, in the provinces of Lower Silesia, Lublin, Małopolska, Opole, Silesian province as well as, in southern parts of Mazowieckie and Lubuskie. Flowers, leaves and fruits of <em>Nymphaea</em> species were collected from 27 locations. Altogether pollens from 73 populations of <em>N. candida</em> and 18 of <em>N. alba</em> from all the researched area were measured. The trophic level of an ecosystem was evaluated according to the re…

Diversity, distribution, and classification of chasmophytic vegetation in the Central Asian biodiversity hotspot : alpine belt of the Eastern Pamir-Alai and Western Tian Shan Mountains

AbstractThis paper presents the results of research conducted on chasmophytic vegetation occurring within the alpine belt (approx. 1,850–4,000 m a.s.l.) in the eastern part of Middle Asia. We specifically focused on the diversity and syntaxonomy of rock vegetation as well as on environmental variables determining its distribution. Altogether, 242 relevés were sampled in rock fissures, ledges, and clefts during field surveys conducted in 2013–2019. The size of each recorded vegetation plot was 1 m2. Five main groups of chasmophytic vegetation were distinguished in the studied area. Each group was confined to a specific combination of substrate type and climatic conditions. Altogether, 16 spe…

GrassPlot v. 2.00 : first update on the database of multi-scale plant diversity in Palaearctic grasslands

Abstract: GrassPlot is a collaborative vegetation-plot database organised by the Eurasian Dry Grassland Group (EDGG) and listed in the Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases (GIVD ID EU-00-003). Following a previous Long Database Report (Dengler et al. 2018, Phyto- coenologia 48, 331–347), we provide here the first update on content and functionality of GrassPlot. The current version (GrassPlot v. 2.00) contains a total of 190,673 plots of different grain sizes across 28,171 independent plots, with 4,654 nested-plot series including at least four grain sizes. The database has improved its content as well as its functionality, including addition and harmonization of header data (land use,…

Translocation of meadow, heath and fen to the habitat garden : the first insights after 4 years of the experiment

The complete plastid genome of the middle Asian endemic of Stipa lipskyi (Poaceae)

AbstractThe structure of the Stipa lipskyi (GenBank accession no. KT692644) plastid genome is similar to that of closely related Poaceae species: it has a total length of 137 755 bp, the base composition of the plastome is the following: A (30.7%), C (19.3%), G (19.4%) and T (30.5%). The S. lipskyi plastid genome contains 71 genes, excluding second IR region. A complete plastome sequence of S. lipskyi will help the development of primers for examining phylogeny and hybridization events in this taxonomically difficult genus.

New national and regional bryophyte records, 51

1. Aloina rigida (Hedw.) Limpr.Contributors: O. Yu. Pisarenko, V. E. Fedosov and V. A. BakalinRussia: Primorsky Territory, Dalnegorsky District, vicinity of Dalnegorsk Town, NE-facing steep slope o...

Typhetum laxmannii (Ubrizsy 1961) Nedelcu 1968 - The new plant association in Poland

<em>Typhetum laxmannii</em> (Ubrizsy 1961) Nedelcu 1968 is a plant association new to Poland, built by an expansive kenophyte - <em>Typha laxmannii</em> Lepech. This paper presents the general distribution of both, the species and the association, paying particular attention to the area of Europe and Poland where, in recent years, many new locations as well as an increasing participation in vegetation cover have been observed. The habitat preferences of <em>Typhetum laxmannii</em>, the floristic composition of the association and its geographical differentiation within the occupied area are described. The current distribution of the association in Poland …

Comparison of Exposure Techniques and Vitality Assessment of Mosses in Active Biomonitoring for Their Suitability in Assessing Heavy Metal Pollution in Atmospheric Aerosol.

The most widespread and used technique is the moss-bag method in active biomonitoring of air pollution using mosses. In the literature, we can find various studies on the standardization of this method, including attempts to standardize treatments and preparation procedures for their universal application. Few works comprehensively focus on other methods or compare other techniques used in active biomonitoring with mosses, especially including measurements of their vital parameters. Our experiment aimed to assess air pollution by selected heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn, Fe, and Hg) using three moss species (Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum fallax, and Dicranum polysetum) during a 12-week ex…

Bioaccumulation of Trace Elements from Aqueous Solutions by Selected Terrestrial Moss Species

The interrelationship between metal concentrations in mosses and their surroundings prompts research toward examining their accumulation properties, as it is particularly important for their usage in biomonitoring studies that use mosses. In this study, the kinetics of elemental sorption in three moss species (Pleurozium schreberi, Dicranum polysetum, and Sphagnum fallax) were investigated under laboratory conditions. Sorption from metal salt solutions was carried out under static conditions with decreasing elemental concentration. Functional groups responsible for binding metal cations to the internal structures of the mosses were also identified. It was shown that the equilibrium state wa…

Life‐form diversity across temperate deciduous forests of Western Eurasia: A different story in the understory

[Aim]To analyse the biogeographic patterns of Temperate Deciduous Forests (TDFs) in Western Eurasia based on different life-forms and forests layers and explore their relationships with the current climate, Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) climate and topography.

Environmental Modelling of Forest Vegetation Zones as A Support Tool for Sustainable Management of Central European Spruce Forests

Abstract The impact of climate change on forest ecosystems may manifest itself by a shift in forest vegetation zones in the landscape northward and into higher elevations. Studies of climate change-induced vegetation zone shifts in forest ecosystems have been relatively rare in the context of European temperate zone (apart from Alpine regions). The presented paper outlines the results of a biogeographic model of climatic conditions in forest vegetation zones applied in the Central European landscape. The objective of the study is a prediction of future silvicultural conditions for the Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), which is one of the principal tree species within European forests. …

Stipa dickorei sp. nov. (Poaceae), three new records and a checklist of feather grasses of China

Stipa dickorei sp. nov. from the Western Tibetan Plateau (China) is described. The new species is morphologically similar to S. regeliana, but they differ from each other in the length of ligules of vegetative shoots. Stipa dickorei is also similar to S. aliena, however they differ in the shape of panicle, which is contracted with straight branches in S. dickorei, and lax with flexuous branches in S. aliena. Images of macromorphological and micromorphological structures of the new taxon are provided. Additionally, new records of S. borysthenica, S. richteriana, and S. zalesskii, species not listed in the recent Flora of China, as well as a checklist of Chinese feather grasses are also prese…

Phytosociology and ecology of deciduous forests in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

Aims: To present the first syntaxonomical classification for the mesophilous deciduous forests of the PamirAlai Mountains in Tajikistan with some remarks on its environmental gradients. Location: Tajikistan. Methods: Altogether 201 relevés were sampled between 2008‒2013 using the seven-degree cover-abundance scale of Braun-Blanquet. They were classified by the modified TWINSPAN method using the four-step interval scale with cutoff levels of 0%, 2%, 5% and 10% and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were identified using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. Detrendended Correspondence Analysis was used to determine the relation between samples, veget…

Red List of vascular plants of Tajikistan – the core area of the Mountains of Central Asia global biodiversity hotspot

AbstractCentral Pamir-Alai, which is located almost entirely within the area of Tajikistan, is one of the world hotspots of biodiversity, harbouring ca. 4,300 species and 1,400 endemic plants. The first application of the IUCN Red List criteria reveals that among all native species occurring in Tajikistan 1,627 taxa (38.11%) are threatened, including 23 extinct (0.54%), 271 (6.34%) critically endangered (CR), 717 (16.79%) endangered (EN) and 639 (14.96%) vulnerable (VU). Globally, 20 taxa are extinct, 711 (16.65%) threatened, including 144 (3.37%) critically endangered, 322 (7.54%) endangered and 245 (5.73%) vulnerable. As we found positive correlation between human density and the number o…

Multivariate morphometric analysis of the Stipa turkestanica group (Poaceae: Stipa sect. Stipa)

Based on numerical analyses of macromorphological characters (cluster analysis, principal coordinate analysis and principal component analysis), scanning electron microscopy observation of lemma and lamina micromorphology, as well as field observations, five taxa belonging to the Stipa turkestanica group have been recognized in the mountain area of Central Asia. They are S. turkestanica subsp. turkestanica, S. turkestanica subsp. trichoides, S. macroglossa subsp. macroglossa, S. macroglossa subsp. kazachstanica and S. kirghisorum. As a result of this study, we propose one new combination, S. macroglossa var. pubescens, and designate lectotypes for S. turkestanica subsp. trichoides and S. ma…

Is it possible to understand a book missing a quarter of the letters? Unveiling the belowground species richness of grasslands

Abstract Knowledge of species richness patterns in plant communities is biased toward its hidden belowground part and is derived only from the part visible aboveground. Studies on the relationship of the above- to belowground parts of plant communities suffer from the lack of a consistent and uniform approach to assess their taxonomic composition, particularly in species-rich ecosystems. This study described the proportion between above- and belowground parts of vegetation in three grassland types along with the environmental factors that affect them, using eDNA metabarcoding and an observer survey. The internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region was used to analyze the total plant richness…

Patterns of the lemma micromorphology : a useful tool in taxonomy of the middle Asian Eragrostis species (Poaceae)

We examined all taxa of the genus Eragrostis noted so far in Middle Asia, namely: Eragrostis amurensis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Eragrostis minor agg., Eragrostis pilosa and Eragrostis virescens. By means of scanning electron microscope, such structures as long cells, short cells (cork and silica cells), prickles, microhairs and glands were scrutinized and compared among taxa. Additionally, several macromorphological characteristics were investigated. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were conducted in order to reveal the morphological relationships and differences among species. Micromorphology of the lemma epidermis, together with selected macromorphological characteristics…

Syntaxonomy, diversity and distribution of the vegetation of rock crevices, clefts and ledges in the colline and montane belts of Central Pamir-Alai and Western Tian Shan Mts (Middle Asia)

Mountain areas are very often considered to be biodiversity hotspots. Rocks are one of the most unique habitats and serve as a suitable biotope for many endemic and specialized plant species. Here we present the results of the vegetation studies conducted in central and eastern Pamir-Alai and the south-western Tian Shan mountains in 2013‒2019. Based on 334 phytosociological relevés we propose a synopsis of the rock communities of the montane and colline zones of eastern Middle Asia. As a result of our research, we distinguish 17 communities defined into five groups of petrophytic vegetation within the Caricion koshewnikowii alliance. We describe 11 new associations: Feruletum bucharicae, Sc…

Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries: new national and regional vascular plant records, 8

The paper presents new records of 24 vascular plant species from 11 Eurasian countries. One taxon (Orobanche laxissima) is reported from Armenia ; one (Epipactis condensata) from Azerbaijan ; two (Phragmites americanus, Polygala multicaulis) from Belarus ; one (Stipa caucasica) from Egypt ; one (Puccinellia hauptiana) from Kyrgyzstan ; three (Aquilegia xinjiangensis, Geranium saxatile, Ranunculus songaricus) from Mongolia ; one (Stipa roborowskyi) from Pakistan ; three (Echinochloa muricata, Erigeron acris subsp. podolicus, Hypericum majus) from Poland ; six from Russia, whereof one (Zanthoxylum armatum) from the European part of Russia and five (Chaerophyllum aureum, Elsholtzia densa, Poa …

Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries : new national and regional vascular plant records

The paper presents new records for 10 vascular plant species from three Asian and four European countries. Of this number, three species (Panicum capillare, Stipa macroglossa, Tribulus longipetalus) are reported from Tajikistan, two (Calamagrostis emodensis, Calamagrostis lahulensis) from Myanmar, two (Euphorbia taurinensis, Origanum vulgare var. megastachyum) from Poland, one (Sagina apetala) from Uzbekistan, one (Orobanche ritro) from Ukraine and Russia, and one (Leontodon saxatilis) from the Czech Republic. Eight of these taxa are new to the flora of different Asian and European countries; and two, very rare but recently spreading species, namely Leontodon saxatilis and Euphorbia taurine…

Do invasive alien plants really threaten river bank vegetation? : a case study based on plant communities typical for Chenopodium ficifolium : an indicator of large river valleys

Riparian zones are very rich in species but subjected to strong anthropogenic changes and extremely prone to alien plant invasions, which are considered to be a serious threat to biodiversity. Our aim was to determine the spatial distribution of Chenopodium ficifolium, a species demonstrating strong confinement to large river valleys in Central Europe and an indicator of annual pioneer nitrophilous vegetation developing on river banks, which are considered to be of importance to the European Community. Additionally, the habitat preferences of the species were analysed. Differences in the richness and abundance of species diagnostic for riverside habitats, as well as the contribution of resi…

Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries: new national and regional vascular plant records, 2

The paper presents new records for 20 vascular plant species from eight Asian and two European countries. Five taxa (Artemisia campestris, Artemisia tanacetifolia, Delphinium sajanense, Diarthron vasiculosum var. undulatum, Epilobium adenocaulon) are reported from Kazakhstan, four (Deyeuxia yanyuanensis, Poa arnoldii, Stipa gracilis, Stipa macroglossa subsp. kazachstanica) from China, three (Nepeta pamirensis, Silene bucharica, Scrophularia pamiro-alaica) from Uzbekistan, two (Epilobium nervosum, Stellaria zolotukhinii) from Mongolia, two (Oenothera deflexa, Scirpus georgianus) from Poland, one (Coronopus didymus) from Tajikistan, one (Orobanche rumseiana) from Italy, one (Stipa macroglossa…

New national and regional bryophyte records, 44

Syntrichia norvegica is a circumpolar arctic- montane species (Smith, 2004), rare at lower altitudes and in southern Europe (Frey et al., 2006). It is known from several south-eastern European countries (Sabovljevic et al., 2008) and now it is recorded for the first time in Croatia. Regarding its conservation status, S. norvegica is red listed in Great Britain (EN), Czech Republic (CR), Slovakia (VU), Bulgaria (NT), Hungary (DD), Romania (VU) and Estonia (VU) (Hodgetts, 2014). It was found in the northern Velebit Mountains, in an area with the most outstanding and extreme karst relief, with steep slopes, perpendicular rocks, screes and deep dolines. The locality is situated in the Pinus mug…

Global patterns and drivers of alpine plant species richness

B.J.-A. was funded by the Marie Curie Clarín-COFUND program of the Principality of Asturias-EU (ACB17-26) and the Spanish Research Agency (AEI/10.13039/501100011033).

New national and regional bryophyte records, 42

1. Acaulon triquetrum (Spruce) Mull.Hal.Contributors: S. Grdovic, A. Sabovljevic and M.S. SabovljevicSerbia: Belgrade, Bežanijska kosa, on loess soil, 16 March 2013, leg./det. Aneta Sabovljevic & M...

New syntaxa of tall-forb vegetation in the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mts. (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Middle Asia) – an addendum to Nowak et al. 2020

We validate eleven syntaxa (eight associations and three alliances) of tall-forb vegetation that were published earlier as nomina provisoria according to the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. The validation concerns syntaxa of tall-forb vegetation of the class Prangetea ulopterae Klein 1987 reported from Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mountains (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan). Taxonomic reference: Cherepanov (1995). Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature.

Distance decay 2.0. A global synthesis of taxonomic and functional turnover in ecological communities

Caio Graco-Roza was funded by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), the Carlos Chagas Filho Research Support Foundation (FAPERJ) and the Ella and Georg Erhnrooth Foundation; Jan Altman by research grants INTER-EXCELLENCE LTAUSA19137 provided by Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, 20-05840Y of the Czech Science Foundation, and long-term research development project no. RVO 67985939 of the Czech Academy of Sciences; Otso Ovaskainen was funded by Academy of Finland (grant no. 309581), Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Research Council of Norway through its Centres of Excellence Funding Scheme (223257), and the European Research Council (ERC) unde…

Rare and threatened pondweed communities in anthropogenic water bodies of Opole Silesia (SW Poland)

The paper presents results of geobotanic studies conducted in anthropogenic water bodies like excavation ponds, fish culture ponds, other ponds, dam reservoirs, ditches, channels and recreational pools incl. watering places in Opole Silesia and surroundings in the years 2002-2005. The research focused on occurrence of threatened and rare pondweed communities. As the result of the investigations of several dozen of water bodies, 28 localities of rare pondweed communities were documented by 75 phytosociological relevés. Associations of <em>Potametum trichoidis</em> J. et R Tx. in R. Tx. 1965, <em>Potametum praelongi</em> Sauer 1937, <em>P. alpini</em> Br.-B…

Distribution patterns, floristic structure and habitat requirements of the alpine river plant community Stuckenietum amblyphyllae ass. nova (Potametea) in the Pamir Alai Mountains (Tajikistan)

This paper discusses the floristic structure, distribution and habitat requirements of a new aquatic syntaxon, <em>Stuckenietum a</em><em>m</em><em>b</em><em>l</em><em>y</em><em>p</em><em>h</em><em>ylla</em><em>e </em>ass. nova. Patches of the <em>Stuckenietum amblyphyllae </em>association occur in the Pamir Alai Mountains in Middle Asia (Tajikistan). The biotope of this community represent high mountain rivers and ponds at the bottom of glacial river valleys situ- ated at elevations between 1900 and 3800 m. Patches of the <em>Stuckenietum amblyphyllae </em>ass…

sPlotOpen – An environmentally balanced, open‐access, global dataset of vegetation plots

Datos disponibles en https://github.com/fmsabatini/sPlotOpen_Code

Species–area relationships in continuous vegetation: Evidence from Palaearctic grasslands

Aim Species-area relationships (SARs) are fundamental scaling laws in ecology although their shape is still disputed. At larger areas, power laws best represent SARs. Yet, it remains unclear whether SARs follow other shapes at finer spatial grains in continuous vegetation. We asked which function describes SARs best at small grains and explored how sampling methodology or the environment influence SAR shape. Location Palaearctic grasslands and other non-forested habitats. Taxa Vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens. Methods We used the GrassPlot database, containing standardized vegetation-plot data from vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens spanning a wide range of grassland types throu…

Dwarf shrub vegetation of rock ledges and clefts in the Pamir Alai Mountains (Middle Asia: Tajikistan)

AbstractThe paper presents the results of phytosociological researches on rocky slope vegetation in Tajikistan with the aim to establish a comprehensive syntaxonomical classification system. Field studies were conducted in 2010-2014 in Pamir Alai ranges and Pamirian plateau. Nearly 500 relevés documenting rock and scree vegetation were made according to the Braun-Blanquet method. Numerical analyses of selected 58 relevés representing dwarf shrub vegetation on rock ledges made it possible to distinguish: Ephedro glaucae- Spiraeion baldschuanicae and Ephedrion regeliano-fedtschenkoi alliances, as well as Spiraeetum baldschuanicae, Rhamnetum coriaceae, Pentaphylloidetum parvifoliae and Pentaph…

Populetum pamiricae ass. nova – an endemic forest association to Pamir in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

Abstract The floristic structure, distribution and habitat requirements of a forest syntaxon, Populetum pamiricae ass. nova is described. The potential range of the Populetum pamiricae association comprises the mountains of eastern Tajikistan (Pamir Alai Mts), Kashgaria in western China (Kunlun Shan Mts) and north-eastern Afghanistan (Hindu Kush Mts) in Middle Asia. The biotope of this community comprises of high mountain river valleys situated at elevations between 2,500 and 3,200 m above sea level. Phytocoenoses of the Populetum pamiricae association are characterized by the apparent domination in the tree layer of a diagnostic species, Populus pamirica. The tree stand has a mean cover ar…

The Pamir-Alai Mountains (Middle Asia: Tajikistan)

The Pamir-Alai Mountains are extremely diverse in terms of climate, landscape and habitat conditions. With one of the largest altitudinal amplitudes in the world, long gradients of precipitation and temperatures, different soil substrates and a diverse geology, the Pamir-Alai promotes a great number of plant species and diverse vegetation types. Currently almost 4300 vascular plant species have been reported from the area. The flora of the Pamir-Alai is clearly dominated by Irano-Turanian species (ca. 70%) followed by Mediterranean (10.6%) and Euro-Siberian species (9%). Out of a ca. 4300 known vascular plants naturally occurring in Tajikistan, 1486 are endemics belonging to 60 families and…

Fungal root colonization and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi diversity in soils of grasslands with different mowing intensities

management that has changed in recent decades. The intensity of human-induced disturbances (primarily removal of plant biomass by various methods) has decreased, leading to changes in plant species composition and declines in plant diversity in these communities. So far, no studies have shown how mowing affects fungal communities in both roots and soils and their relation with plant community parameters and soil chemical properties in different grassland types. We thus compared the impact of mowing intensity (low, moderate, high) on root colonization by common root-inhabiting fungi, namely arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), dark septate endophytes (DSE), and Olpidium spp., as well as on AM…

Stipa zeravshanicasp. nov. (Poaceae), an endemic species from rocky walls of the western Pamir Alai Mountains (middle Asia)

Stipa zeravshanica M. Nobis sp. nov. from the western Pamir Alai Mts (Tajikistan) is described and illustrated. Morphologically, the new species is similar to S. gracilis, but it is easily distinguishable by pilose (vs. glabrous) lower part of the awn, and generally somewhat longer ligules of the vegetative shoots. Epidermal patterns of the lemma in S. zeravshanica and three other closely related taxa, namely S. gracilis, S. himalaica and S. orientalis, were examined by means of SEM. The main macro-morphological and micro-morphological characteristics differentiating all mentioned species are presented. Additionally, a lectotype for S. gracilis is designated. Based on phytosociological rele…

The role of rock mining for maintaining Dauco carotae-Crepidetum rhoeadifoliae Hejný et Grüll in Hejný et al. 1979 — a new to Poland plant association

AbstractThis work presents the Dauco carotae-Crepidetum rhoeadifoliae plant association, which is new to Poland. The association has been observed in industrial reclamation areas in the vicinity of carbonate mineral excavation sites in the central part of the Opole region. In the vast majority of cases, plots of this association developed in reclaimed areas. The majority of diagnostic species for the association was found within surveyed plots, including Verbascum thapsus, V. densiflorum and Bryum argenteum. Taxa characteristic of the alliance were also constantly present, i.e. Daucus carota, Melilotus alba, M. officinalis, Echium vulgare and Erysimum hieracifolium. This association belongs…

Spring weed communities of rice agrocoenoses in central Nepal

AbstractRice field weed communities occurring in central Nepal are presented in this study. The research was focussed on the classification of segetal plant communities occurring in paddy fields, which had been poorly investigated from a geobotanical standpoint. In all, 108 phytosociological relevés were sampled, using the Braun-Blanquet method. The analyses classified the vegetation into 9 communities, including 7 associations and one subassociation. Four new plant associations and one new subassociation were proposed: Elatinetum triandro-ambiguae, Mazo pumili-Lindernietum ciliatae, Mazo pumili-Lindernietum ciliatae caesulietosum axillaris, Rotaletum rotundifoliae and Ammanietum pygmeae. D…

Fern-dominated Rock Plant Communities of Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

The results of phytosociological research conducted on the fern vegetation of rock crevices and clefts of the Pamir-Alai Mountains in Tajikistan are presented. During field surveys done in 2010–2013, 78 phytosociological relevés were sampled. Plant species were recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. A synopsis of the fern communities of the montane and high altitude zones in Tajikistan is proposed. In the examined vegetation plots, species of 9 ferns, 58 angiosperms and 13 mosses were recorded. The most frequent ferns were: Cystopteris fragilis, Cheilanthes persica, Asplenium ruta-muraria, Asplenium ceterach, Adiantum capillus-veneris and Cryptogramma stelleri. Six …

Potamogeton pusillus agg. in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

The locality of <em>Potamogeton berchtoldii</em> Fieber, the new species to the flora of Tajikistan (Middle Asia), together with its ecological conditions are presented. Additionally, the list of herbarium specimens of <em>P. pusillus</em> L. s. stricto gathered in Tajikistan and few specimens of <em>P. berchtoldii</em> collected from the area of adjacent countries are also provided. Taxonomical position of the species within the <em>Potamogeton pusillus</em> aggregation, the main morphological features of both taxa and possibility of finding other localities are discussed.

New national and regional bryophyte records, 63

Erkul, Karaman ( Aksaray, Yazar )

New national and regional bryophyte records, 41

WOS: 000348594500007

Classification of steppe vegetation in the eastern Pamir Alai and southwestern Tian-Shan Mountains (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan)

Aims: To complete the syntaxonomical scheme for the steppe vegetation of the montane and alpine zones in the Pamir Alai and southwestern Tian-Shan Mountains in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan with some remarks on its environmental predictors. Location: Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Methods: A total of 274 relevés were sampled in 2016–2017 using the seven-degree cover-abundance scale of Braun-Blanquet. They were classified with modified TWINSPAN with cut-off levels of 0%, 5%, 10% and 25% and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were identified using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and canonical correspondence analys…

Is the riparian habitat creation an effective measure of plant conservation within the urbanized area?

The study presents results of habitat creation and riparian vegetation recovery in artificial oxbow lakes in urbanized area within the large river valley. The investigation of open water, rush and wet meadows flora and vegetation in three ponds located in the city centre of Opole was conducted in years 2001–2013. Oxbow lakes were constructed as a compensation measure and no vegetation was transplanted into the ponds on purpose. 13-years observation showed that (1) the red-listed species are able to spontaneous reoccurrence after habitat restoration, but they can thrive only in first years of oxbow lakes recolonisation process, (2) there are some restoration constraints, especially in relati…

Two new varieties in Stipa (Poaceae) from Central Asia

Abstract The paper presents descriptions of two new taxa, Stipa ×brevicallosa var. hissarensis and Stipa orientalis var. ladakhorum. Both of them differ from the nominal varieties in having densely pubescent (not glabrous or scabrous) leaves of vegetative shoots. First of the above mentioned taxa occurs in Tajikistan (Pamir Alai Mts) whereas the second in India (Western Himalayas). Images of type specimens of both taxa are provided.

A report on the conservation status of segetal weeds in Tajikistan

Summary Intensification of agriculture has significantly diminished the populations of segetal weeds worldwide in recent decades. Remarkable changes to the entire flora and vegetation of man-made habitats are being observed in agroecosystems. The present study analyses, for the first time, the threat status of segetal weeds in Tajikistan. A group of 871 weed species were evaluated against IUCN criteria. The assessment of threat status revealed that 214 weed taxa have to be regarded as threatened in Tajikistan, including 18 endemic and four subendemic plants. Five species have been classified as extinct, 27 as critically endangered, 27 as endangered, 39 as vulnerable, 34 as near threatened a…

Arbuscular mycorrhiza and fungal root endophytes of weeds in an altitudinal gradient in the Pamir Alai Mountains of Central Asia

Arbuscular mycorrhiza and fungal root endophytes of three weeds, Galium tricornutum, Lycopsis orientalis and Scandix pecten-veneris, were studied in an altitudinal gradient of the Pamir Alai Mountains. Colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was found in all species. Only in the case of G. tricornutum was there a rise in mycorrhizal parameters values found for the medium altitude range. Similar tendencies were observed in the case of the AMF colonisation potential assessment. This suggests that plant species' identity, dependency on symbiosis and interactions with soil properties determine root colonisation and the abundance of AMF in soils at the elevations in question. Four AMF…

Geobotany Revisited – A Glimpse at the Blooming and Influential Discipline With Its Strong Roots in the Beauty of Nature and the Pragmatic Need of Its Protection

AbstractThe dreams of Humboldt and many of his successors have not yet come true. Despite the great achievements of the last century, we still do not know the total number of vegetation types or the difference in the patterns of the distribution of diversity above and below the ground, we cannot predict all the effects of climate change on vegetation at the regional and global scale, we do not know the hidden and dark parts of species diversity in most ecosystems, nor are we able to make historical vegetation maps for many areas of the Earth. We also do not know the cultural contribution of many plant communities for the development of human populations and civilization, nor do we know the …

A Synopsis of the Genus Stipa (Poaceae) in Middle Asia, Including a Key to Species Identification, an Annotated Checklist, and Phytogeographic Analyses

The genus Stipa L. comprises over 150 species, all native to the Old World, where they grow in warm temperate regions throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is one of the largest genera in the family Poaceae in Middle Asia, where one of its diversity hotspots is located. However, identification of Middle Asian Stipa species is difficult because of the lack of new, comprehensive taxonomic studies including all of the species recorded in the region. We present a critical review of the Mid-Asian representatives of Stipa, together with an identification key and taxonomic listing. We relied on both published and unpublished information for the taxa involved, many of which are poorly known…

Stipa klimesii (Poaceae), a new species from Western Himalayas (India)

Stipa klimesii sp. nov. from the Western Himalayas (India: Ladakh) and its variety S. klimesii var. pubescens var. nov. are described. The new species is similar to S. roborowskyi but differs by its longer anthecium, longer ligules of vegetative shoots, longer hairs on seta and shorter awns. Stipa klimesii is also similar to S. purpurea, but differs by longer ligules of vegetative shoots, shorter awns, slightly shorter hairs on seta and by the character of the panicle, which is compressed and with straight branches in S. klimesii vs. lax and with flexuous branches in S. purpurea. Epidermal patterns of the lemma in S. klimesii and both above-mentioned species, were examined by scanning elect…

First insights into weed communities of rice agrocoenoses in southern Thailand

The study presents the results of geobotanical investigations conducted in rice fields in southern Thailand in 2013. It is focussed on the classification of plant communities poorly investigated from a geobotanical standpoint. Altogether 125 phytosociological relevés were collected, using the Braun-Blanquet method. We noted more than 100 species in the vegetation plots, including many rare ones. We classified the vegetation into seven communities, including six associations. Five associations are proposed as new: Nymphaeetum nouchali, Fimbristylido miliaceae-Sphenocleetum zeylanicae, Ischaemo rugosi-Cyperetum pulcherrimi, Pentapeto phoeniceae-Aeschynomenetum indicae and Marsileetum minutae.…

New national and regional bryophyte records, 43

During the examination of a collection made by the authors in 2009 in San Pedro de Atacama (Antofagasta Region, Chile) one specimen was identified as Bryum incacorralis Herzog, a moss not previously known from Chile (Müller, 2009) and easily confused with some species of Philonotis Brid. (Ochi, 1980). Comparison with the type material confirmed its identity (Holotype: Bolivia, Cochabamba: an Felsen der "Estradillas" bei Incacorral, 3000 m, Herzog s.n., JE! no. 04003475). Bryum incacorralis was first described by Herzog (1909) based on material collected in Cochabamba (Bolivia), and later recorded by Griffin (1977) and O'Shea (2010) from Venezuela. It is placed in the so-called sect. "Alpini…

Weed communities of root crops in the Pamir Alai Mts, Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

<p>The paper presents the results of investigations of weed vegetation conducted on root crops in Tajikistan (Middle Asia), one of the world cradles of weed flora. The main research was conducted in the Zeravshanian, southern Tajikistan and Hissar-Darvasian geobotanical regions in 2011. The study was based on 107 phytosociological relevés obtained in various geobotanical regions of the country. The collected material probably presents the majority of variations among the weed communities of root cultivations in the Middle Asia. As a result of numerical analyses, 7 associations were distinguished: <em>Convolvulo arvensis-Cyperetum rotundi</em>, <em>Daturo stramonii-Hi…

Formalized classification of ephemeral wetland vegetation (Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class) in Poland (Central Europe)

Formalized classification of the class Isoëto-Nanojuncetea has not been performed in Poland. We used 69,562 relevés stored in Polish Vegetation Database. Based on the literature and expert knowledge we selected 63 diagnostic species for the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class. Unequivocal classification was applied in this work according to Cocktail method. A set of formal definitions was established using a combination of logical operators of total cover of species in case of high-rank syntaxa while sociological species groups and cover of particular species were used for logical formulas describing class, alliances and associations. An Expert System was prepared and applied to classify the whole da…

The Global Naturalized Alien Flora (GloNAF) database.

This dataset provides the Global Naturalized Alien Flora (GloNAF) database, ver-sion 1.2. Glo NAF represents a data compendium on th e occurrence and identit y of naturalizedalien vascular plant taxa across geographic regions (e.g. countries, states, provinces, districts,islands) around the globe. The dataset includes 13,939 taxa and covers 1,029 regions (including381 islands). The dataset is based on 210 data sources. For each ta x on-b y-region combination, wepr ovide information on whether the tax on is consider ed to be naturalized in the specific region(i.e. has established self-sustaining popula tions in the wild). Non-native taxa are marked as“alien”, when it is not clear whether the…

New national and regional bryophyte records, 39

1. Andreaea alpestris (Thed.) Schimp.Contributor: L. ThouvenotAndorra: Encamp, Ensagents, 42°31′07″N, 1°38′41″E, 2520 m a.s.l., on the top of granitic rock in alpine meadow, 17 July 2006, leg. L. T...

Plot - A new tool for global vegetation analyses

23Biodiversity Conservation Department, ISPRA – Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Rome, Italy

Crop type and altitude are the main drivers of species composition of arable weed vegetation in Tajikistan

Summary The influence of broad-scale environmental factors on the species composition of segetal weed communities in Tajikistan was investigated. The research was conducted throughout the country, analysing plots of root crops as well as cereals from all phytogeographical regions of Tajikistan, with the exception of the eastern Pamir. The study was based on 440 phytosociological relevees sampled between 2009 and 2013 and analysed using direct and indirect ordinations. A set of environmental variables was obtained for each plot: altitude, mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, pH, crop type, longitude, latitude and date of sampling (seasonality). Crop type was the major factor d…

Vegetation of feather grass steppes in the western Pamir Alai Mountains (Tajikistan, Middle Asia)

Aims: To propose the first syntaxonomical scheme for the graminoid steppe vegetation of the montane and alpine zones in the Pamir-Alai Mts. in Tajikistan with some remarks on its environmental gradients. Location: Tajikistan. Methods: A total of 155 relevés were sampled in 2015 using the seven-degree cover-abundance scale of Braun-Blanquet and subsequently 148 of these relevés were selected and classified by the modified TWINSPAN method using the four step interval scale with cutoff levels of 0%, 5%, 10% and 25% and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were identified using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. The detrended correspondance analysis wa…

Fen and spring vegetation in western Pamir-Alai Mountains in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

The paper presents the results of phytosociological research on spring and fen vegetation of the western Pamir-Alai Mountains in Tajikistan. In total, 211 relevés were sampled during field studies conducted in 2008–2013 and 2015 with application of the Braun-Blanquet method. Plant communities of spring heads and peat-accumulated fens inhabiting the high montane and alpine zones in the Zeravshan, Hissar, Hazratishoh, Darvaz, Turkestan and Peter the 1st Mountains are described. A hierarchical syntaxonomic synopsis of spring and fen plant communities in the western Pamir-Alai Mountains is provided. As a result of field investigations and numerical analyses, three fen associations: Caricetum ps…

Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries : new national and regional vascular plant records, 3

The paper presents new records for 18 vascular plant species from six Eurasian countries. Three taxa (Lepidium densiflorum, Stipa czerepanovii, Xanthium albinum) are reported from Kazakhstan, one (Ranunculus schmakovii) from Mongolia, three (Dianthus campestris, Ranunculus kauffmannii, Viola suavis) from Poland, five (Eragrostis amurensis, Linum catharticum, Ludwigia peploides subsp. stipulacea, Pyrethrum mikeschinii, Solidago canadensis) from Tajikistan, five (Clinopodium menthifolium, Juncus effusus, Mollugo cerviana, Poa sphondylodes, Vulpia myuros) from Russia, and one (Orobanche alba subsp. xanthostigma) from Georgia. Ten of the taxa presented (Clinopodium menthifolium, Dianthus campes…

Looking for Hidden Enemies of Metabarcoding: Species Composition, Habitat and Management Can Strongly Influence DNA Extraction while Examining Grassland Communities

Despite the raising preoccupation, the critical question of how the plant community is composed belowground still remains unresolved, particularly for the conservation priority types of vegetation. The usefulness of metabarcoding analysis of the belowground parts of the plant community is subjected to a considerable bias, that often impedes detection of all species in a sample due to insufficient DNA quality or quantity. In the presented study we have attempted to find environmental factors that determine the amount and quality of DNA extracted from total plant tissue from above- and belowground samples (1,000 and 10,000 cm2). We analyzed the influence of land use intensity, soil properties…

Is Your Moss Alive during Active Biomonitoring Study?

Biomonitoring was proposed to assess the condition of living organisms or entire ecosystems with the use of bioindicators—species sensitive to specific pollutants. It is important that the bioindicator species remains alive for as long as possible while retaining the ability to react to the negative effects of pollution (elimination/neutralization of hazardous contaminants). The purpose of the study was to assess the survival of Pleurozium schreberi moss during exposure (moss-bag technique) based on the measurement of the concentration of elements (Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb), chlorophyll content, and its fluorescence. The study was carried out using a CCM-300 portable chlorophyll content meter…

Syntaxonomy and ecology of thermophilous deciduous open woodlands and scrub vegetation in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

In this paper we present the first syntaxonomic classification for the thermophilous open wood and scrub vegetation in Tajikistan with some remarks on its environmental gradients. Altogether 143 relevés were sampled between 2014–2021 using the seven-degree cover-abundance scale of Braun-Blanquet. They were classified by the modified TWINSPAN method with the use of the four step interval scale with cutoff levels of 0%, 2%, 5% and 10% and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were identified using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. Detrended Correspondence Analysis was used to determine the relation between samples, vegetation units and the major grad…

Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries: new national and regional vascular plant records, 7

The paper presents new records for 29 vascular plant species from 12 Eurasian countries. Seven taxa (Agave sisalana, Austrocylindropuntia subulata, Lagurus ovatus subsp. nanus, Opuntia stricta, Orobanche serbica, Oxalis articulata, Vitis × instabilis) are reported from Albania, one (Allium carinatum) from the Europaean part of Russia, six (Dipsacus fullonum, Gagea shmakoviana, Mentha × dalmatica, Thymus indigirkensis, Thymus sergievskajae, Viola × sukaczewii) from the Asian part of Russia, two (Agrostis sozanensis, Poa mustangensis) from China, two (Carex muskingumensis, Sedum rubens) from Poland, two (Crataegus macrocarpa, Dactylorhiza lapponica) from Romania, two (Oxygraphis dela…

Distribution patterns, ecological characteristic and conservation status of endemic plants of Tadzhikistan – A global hotspot of diversity

Abstract Based on literature data and own fieldwork in Tadzhikistan (Middle Asia), the taxonomic structure, distribution, habitat preferences as well as conservation state of a group of 1486 species of vascular plants of endemic and sub-endemic character are presented. In addition to verifying the number of endemics, the present study has shown that Tadzhik endemics are the most numerous in the northwest of the country, in the Gissar-Darvasian and Zeravshan regions. An analysis of average richness of endemics per surface unit has revealed that Gissar-Darvasian F is the richest area. An assessment of the taxonomic similarity of geobotanical regions based on endemic species composition has sh…

Vegetation of rock clefts and ledges in the Pamir Alai Mts, Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

AbstractThe paper presents the results of phytosociological research conducted on the vegetation of rock clefts and ledges in the Pamir-Alai Mountains (Tajikistan, Middle Asia). During the field studies, done in 2010–2012, 101 phytosociological relevés were taken. Plant species were recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. Communities of calcareous rock clefts and ledges with small soil amounts from several ranges (Zeravshan Mts, Hissar Mts, Hazratishokh Mts, Darvaz Mts, Rushan Mts and Vanch Mts), inhabiting mainly the alpine and subnival zone, have been described. A synopsis of the rock communities of the Pamir-Alai is proposed. In the examined vegetation plots 77 va…

Syntaxonomy and ecology of mesophilous scrub vegetation in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

Aims: In this paper we propose the first syntaxonomic classification for the mesophilous scrub vegetation in Tajikistan with some remarks on their environmental variability. Methods: Altogether 120 relevés were sampled using the standard, seven-degree cover-abundance scale of Braun-Blanquet, in 2015–2021. They were classified by the modified TWINSPAN method using the four step interval scale with cutoff levels of 0%, 2%, 5% and 10% and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were identified using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to determine the relationship between the sampled plots, vegetation units…

New national and regional bryophyte records, 56

WOS: 000441652000006

Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries: new national and regional vascular plant records, 4

The paper presents new records for 20 vascular plant species from 13 Eurasian countries. Four taxa (Calamagrostis sichuanensis, Klasea dissecta, Ptilagrostis milleri and Stipa klimesii) are reported from China, four (Aconogonon valerii, Carex siderosticta, Poa tanfiljewii and Potamogeton × subobtusus) from Russia, three (Amorpha fruticosa, Carduus acanthoides and Plantago minuta) from Tajikistan, two (Achillea sergievskiana and Delphinium barlykense) from Kazakhstan, one (Calamagrostis effusiflora) from Bhutan and India, one (Campanula wolgensis) from Mongolia, one (Orobanche coerulescens) from Georgia, two (Dysphania geoffreyi and Ptilagrostis milleri) from Nepal, one (Stipa × alaica) from…

The influence of environmental conditions on the lifespan of mosses under long-term active biomonitoring

Abstract Biomonitoring with living organisms is most often used in order to gather quick information about environmental quality – for example the level of heavy metals polluting the air. Experiments are not often performed when the bioindicator is exposed to pollutants over the long time (6 months and more) because this period required to obtain credible results and the risk not yet studied of physiological changes and of degeneration of the living material which would undoubtedly affect the biomonitoring results. The aim of study was to evaluate the physiological condition of Pleurozium schreberi moss species subjected to continuous exposure for a year, using the moss-bag method, under va…

Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries: new national and regional vascular plant records, 6

The paper presents new records for 10 vascular plant species from three Asian and four European countries. Of this number, three species (Panicum capillare, Stipa macroglossa, Tribulus longipetalus) are reported from Tajikistan, two (Calamagrostis emodensis, Calamagrostis lahulensis) from Myanmar, two (Euphorbia taurinensis, Origanum vulgare var. megastachyum) from Poland, one (Sagina apetala) from Uzbekistan, one (Orobanche ritro) from Ukraine and Russia, and one (Leontodon saxatilis) from the Czech Republic. Eight of these taxa are new to the flora of different Asian and European countries; and two, very rare but recently spreading species, namely Leontodon saxatilis and Euphorbia taurine…

Weed vegetation of cereal crops in Tajikistan (Pamir Alai Mts., Middle Asia)

The paper presents results of investigations of weed vegetation conducted in crop fields, in Tajikistan (Middle Asia) - one of the world cradles of the weed flora. The study has been based on 299 phytosociological relevés obtained in various geobotanical regions of the country in 2009-2012. In the examined vegetation patches 469 vascular plant species were noted. Many of the recorded species are widespread weeds. However, there were also some rare and endemics taxa (e.g. Prangos pabularia, P. saraw-schanica and Thlaspidium thlaspi) observed in the sample plots. The collected material presents probably, the majority of the variability among the weed communities of crop cultivations in the Mi…

Varied response of underground and aboveground plant matter: functional diversity of three different vegetational types after translocation to reclaimed postindustrial land

The indicators of functional diversity are increasingly used to assess the conservation effectiveness of the most valuable habitats. However, little is known about the response of functional traits, their diversity, and divergence in plant communities after translocation. To assess how functional diversity changes on dry heath, meadow, and fen after translocation of entire turfs of vegetation from an airport area to the Botanical Garden in Radzionkow, we used leaf–height–seed (LHS) traits (specific leaf area, height, and seed mass) and vegetative traits (bud bank size, bud bank depth, and lateral spread). We also measured community weighted means and multifunctional diversity metrics (funct…

Functional diversity of different vegetation types does not respond homogeneously to change over time after conservation translocation from a rural landscape to an urbanized one

Abstract The anthropogenic impact on natural environments and the loss of species diversity along with changes in functional diversity call for effective steps to ensure habitat conservation. The functional diversity in particular has suffered in recent decades due to investment and land use changes. The translocation of whole turfs of certain vegetation plots prior to being destroyed is one possible solution for maintaining habitat functional diversity. In the presented paper, we analyse the functional changes in adaptive, regeneration and urbanity plant traits for meadow, heath and fen that were translocated from a rural site to a post-industrial site in a city. After five years of monito…

Epiphytic communities of open habitats in the western Tian-Shan Mts (Middle Asia: Kyrgyzstan)

The paper presents the results of bryosociological research conducted on the epiphytic vegetation in the western Tian-Shan Mountains in 2013. The surveys on epiphytic bryophyte and lichen communities were done on 115 sites with different quantity of trees (solitary, in alleys or wood plots along river valleys) distributed in several mountain ranges within study area. In total 21 epiphytic moss species were found during research which composes characteristic species combinations making apparent difference between associations. As a result of field research and numerical analyses, three separate groups of samples corresponding to seven associations and one community within three alliances: Ul…

New national and regional bryophyte records, 49

Paper presents couple of new national and regional bryophyte records accross the world, including our new record of Pseudocalliergon lycopodioides in the Carpathians (Czarny Dunajec); the only recent record for the Carpathians.

Effect of 30 years of road traffic abandonment on epiphytic moss diversity

Road traffic emits a cocktail of pollutants that can influence the vegetation and plant diversity in neighboring areas. However, the recovery potential of bryophytes after traffic abandonment is still little explored. In addition, the effects of the main pollutants of road verges, such as metals and salinity, on moss flora need to be investigated. In our study, we compared the moss richness and diversity in two closely related veteran tree allees of high conservation importance. The allees in Gryżów and Lubrza, Poland, were chosen because of their similarity in age, geographical location, type of surrounding areas, and tree species. The only difference was that the trees in Gryżów had not b…

Ecological variation between marginal and central populations of Potamogeton polygonifolius, a rare and endangered species in Central Europe

Abstract The present study is focused on Potamogeton polygonifolius – the species considered to be endangered in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland. Field studies were carried out in Lower Silesia and Lusatia in southwestern Poland in order to verify the present state of the marginal populations of P. polygonifolius, to determine the habitat preferences of the species in the study area, to compare the ecological data between marginal and central populations and finally to recognise the factors constraining the easternmost limit of the P. polygonifolius. In total, 18 populations were examined, and 11 releves were collected. The releves gathered were compared with 95 releves …

Vegetation of solid rock faces and fissures of the alpine and subnival zone in the Pamir Alai Mountains (Tajikistan, Middle Asia)

The paper presents results of phytosociological researches on rock faces vegetation of Pamir Alai Mountains. In total, 182 phytosociological relevés were made during the field studies conducted in 2006–2012, applaying the Braun-Blanquet method. Plant communities of calcareous firm rock faces and small fissures, inhabiting mainly the alpine and subnival zone in several ranges (e.g. Zeravshan Mts, Hissar Mts, Hazratishoh Mts, Darvaz Mts, Rushan Mts and Vanch Mts) are herein described for the first time. A hierarchical syntaxonomic synopsis of the rock communities of the Pamir Alai is provided. The collected vegetation samples represent the majority of the variability among the phytocoenoses o…

A new synonym and a new combination in Stipa aliena Keng (Poaceae: Stipa sect. Regelia)

Stipa section Regelia comprises three species occurring in mountainous areas of Central Asia. One of them, S. smithii , was described by Martinovský in 1970, but the taxon has been overlooked in later taxonomical studies. The species was described with two varieties, var. smithii and var. macrocarpa . As a result of our taxonomical studies, we find the typical variety of the taxon to be conspecific with Stipa aliena , and propose that the second one be recognized as Stipa aliena var. macrocarpa comb. nov. Remarks on species belonging to section Regelia and micromorphological patterns of their lemma morphologies are discussed. A key to species close to S. aliena is provided.

Caucalido platycarpi-Vicietum michauxii — a new weed association from crop fields of Kyrgyzstan (Middle Asia)

Abstract The study presents the results of geobotanical investigations conducted in crop fields in the western Tian Shan Mts in Kyrgyzstan (Middle Asia). The main research focused on classification of weed communities developing within this poorly investigated area, were conducted in the vicinity of Bishkek and Kara-Balta in 2010. Altogether, 299 phytosociological relevés were sampled using the Braun-Blanquet method. Based on all segetal vegetation patches, the analyses distinguished a new association: Caucalido platycarpi-Vicietum michauxii. The results of these phytosociological studies fill a gap in the knowledge about the syntaxonomical diversity of the Middle Asia region, which is one …

Weed communities of rice fields in the central Pamir Alai Mountains (Tajikistan, Middle Asia)

The study present results of geobotanical investigations conducted in rice fields in the central Pamir Alai Mts (Tajikistan, Middle Asia), mainly within Syr-Daria, Pyandzh, Zeravshan, Kafirnigan, Khanaka and Surkhandaria river valleys in the years 2009–2011. The researches were focused on classification of plant communities developing within this poorly investigated area. Habitat conditions were checked including conductometry, pH reaction, temperature, depth of water and, for several plots, also soil structure. Altogether 114 phytosociological relevés using the Braun-Blanquet method were sampled. The analyses classified the vegetation into 28 communities including 24 associations. Five new…

Scirpetum radicantis Hejný in Hejný et Husák 1978 em. Zahlh. 1979, a plant association new to Poland

The paper presents a rush community new to Poland - <em>Scirpetum radicantis </em>Hejny in Hejny et Husak 1978 em. Zahlh. 1979, belonging to the <em>Phragmition </em>alliance. It was discovered in fishponds near Olesno in Silesia (SW Poland). The floristic composition and the ecological requirements of this association are presented in the paper. <em>Scirpetum radicantis </em>is considered to be a very rare and endangered plant community in Europe.

Invasion of Eragrostis albensis in Central Europe: distribution patterns, taxonomy and phylogenetic insight into the Eragrostis pilosa complex

AbstractThe Eragrostis pilosa complex (Poaceae) comprises five widely distributed and regionally invasive species—E. albensis, E. amurensis, E. imberbis, E. multicaulis, and E. pilosa, distinguished by tiny and variable morphological characters and with so far unknown phylogenetic relationships. Recently, some doubts have been raised about the status of an invasive glandular morphotype occurring in Central Europe assigned either to E. amurensis or to E. albensis. Here, we addressed this issue by analysing morphology, internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA, and five inter-simple sequence repeat markers. The genetic evidence supported closer relationship of this glandular morph…

Vegetation of rock crevices of the montane and colline zones in the Pamir-Alai and Tian Shan Mts in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

The paper presents the results of phytosociological research conducted on the vegetation of rock habitats in the montane and colline zones of the Pamir-Alai Mountains (Tajikistan). During field surveys done in 2010–2013, 122 phytosociological releves were sampled. Plant species were recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. The vegetation studies were carried out generally in the western Pamir-Alai and south-western Tian Shan Mts, especially in the Zeravshan, Hissar, Hazratishoh, Darvaz, Rushan, Turkestan, Kuramin and Vanch ranges. A synopsis of the rock communities of the montane and colline zones in Tajikistan is proposed. The collected material presents most of the …

Phylogeny and morphology of Anthracoidea pamiroalaica sp. nov. infecting the endemic sedge Carex koshewnikowii in the Pamir Alai Mts (Tajikistan)

A novel Anthracoidea species, A. pamiroalaica on the endemic sedge Carex koshewnikowii, is described and illustrated from the Pamir Alai Mts in Tajikistan (Central Asia). The new species is phenotypically nearly identical with Anthracoidea sempervirentis, but clearly divergent genetically. Phylogenetic analyses based on LSU sequences showed affinity of Anthracoidea pamiroalaica to A. baldensis, A. rupestris, A. capillaris, and A. vankyi infecting host sedges in different Carex sections (Baldenses, Rupestres, Chlorostachyae, and Phaestoglochin, respectively), but not to A. misandrae, and A. sempervirentis, two sequenced species parasitic on host species from the section Aulocystis. This phyl…

Palaeoclimate has a major effect on the diversity of endemic species in the hotspot of mountain biodiversity in Tajikistan.

AbstractIn a period of ongoing climate changes, identifying drivers of overall and endemic species diversity is a key element in constructing new ecological patterns and determining the main goals of conservation. Such studies are especially crucial if they concern biodiversity hotspot areas. In this study, we explore patterns and drivers of plant endemism (the proportion of endemic plant species to overall plant species richness; PE) in Tajikistan. We used three groups of climatic measures featuring the contemporary and glacial climates as well as climatic changes since the Last Glacial Maximum in the Pleistocene (LGM). To explore relationships between PE and climatic groups, and the most …

Stipa ×fallax (Poaceae: Pooideae: Stipeae), a new natural hybrid from Tajikistan, and a new combination in Stipa drobovii

Stipa ×fallax nothosp. nov . (Poaceae), from western Pamir Alai Mts (Tajikistan), is described and illustrated. Field observation, numerical analyses of morphology, and pollen grain viability data show that it originated from hybridization between S. drobovii and S. macroglossa subsp. macroglossa , species representing sections Smirnovia and Stipa , respectively. Stipa ×fallax is morphologically close to S. ×alaica and S. ×hissarica , but is distinguished by its shortly pilose lower part of the awn and densely pubescent leaves. Characters distinguishing S. ×fallax from its parental species as well as similar hybrid taxa in section Smirnovia that also grow in Central Asia are presented. The …

Morphological and genome-wide evidence for natural hybridisation within the genus Stipa (Poaceae)

AbstractHybridisation in the wild between closely related species is a common mechanism of speciation in the plant kingdom and, in particular, in the grass family. Here we explore the potential for natural hybridisation in Stipa (one of the largest genera in Poaceae) between genetically distant species at their distribution edges in Mountains of Central Asia using integrative taxonomy. Our research highlights the applicability of classical morphological and genome reduction approaches in studies on wild plant species. The obtained results revealed a new nothospecies, Stipa × lazkovii, which exhibits intermediate characters to S. krylovii and S. bungeana. A high-density DArTseq assay disclos…

Grasslands and Shrublands of Kazakhstan and Middle Asia

Abstract Kazakhstan and Middle Asia comprise 4 million km2 of plains, uplands and tall mountain ranges in the core of the Eurasian continent. The region's semi-arid climate, grazing pressure by wild and domestic ungulates, and long pastoral tradition, have given rise to a variety of open habitat types and a distinct flora and fauna. Grasslands and shrublands are a natural and dominant vegetation type in the forest-steppe and steppe zone of northern and central Kazakhstan, as part of the Eurasian grassland biome. In Middle Asia, grasslands and shrublands are widespread habitat types in the Tian Shan, Pamir-Alai and Pamir—mountain systems that have been recently acknowledged as a global biodi…

Distribution, floristic structure and habitat requirements of the riparian forest community Populetum talassicae ass. nova in the Central Pamir-Alai Mts (Tajikistan, Middle Asia)

This paper discusses the floristic structure, distribution and habitat requirements of a new forest syntaxon, <em>Populetum talassicae </em>ass. nova. The potential range of the <em>Populetum talassicae </em>association comprises the central Pamir-Alai and Tian-Shan Mountains in Middle Asia. The biotope of this community comprises high mountain river valleys and shore zones of mountain lakes situ- ated at elevations between 2200 and 2750 m. Phytocoenoses of the <em>Populetum talassicae </em>association are characterized by a clear predominance in the tree layer of a characteristic species of the association ‒ <em>Populus talassica</em>. Shrubs…

Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries : new national and regional vascular plant records, 9

The paper presents new records for 39 vascular plant species from eight Eurasian countries. Aniselytron treutleri Poaceae , Hackelochloa granularis Poaceae , Melica kozlovii Poaceae and Melica nutans Poaceae are reported from China; Dichondra micrantha Convolvulaceae from Hungary; Orobanche serbica Orobanchaceae and Viscum album subsp. austriacum Santalaceae from Italy; Petrorhagia prolifera Caryophyllaceae , Puccinellia schischkinii and Stipa pulcherrima Poaceae from Kyrgyzstan; Megadenia speluncarum Brassicaceae , Phelipanche lavandulacea Orobanchaceae , Solanum physalifolium Solanaceae , Thymus lenensis Lamiaceae from Russia; Rubus phoenicolasius Rosaceae from Slovakia; Atraphaxis karata…

Vegetation of Middle Asia – the project state of art after ten years of survey and future perspectives

Middle Asia is one of the most diverse regions on earth with high endemism of vascular plants and remarkable habitat richness, mainly due to the considerable altitudinal range (300-7,500 m a.s.l.). The region is considered as one of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots. This paper presents the Vegetation of Middle Asia database (VMA; GIVD ID: AS-00-003; http://www.givd.info/ID/AS-00-003) which is the regional database that covers the area of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The database contains phytosociological relevés collected between the years 2006 and 2016 in different vegetation types with the use of the Braun-Blanquet method. The covered vegetation types include: deciduous fore…

Vegetation Diversity of Screes and Taluses of The Pamir and South-Western Tian Shan in Middle Asia

AbstractThis paper presents the results of phytosociological research on scree vegetation of the Pamir and south-western Tian Shan. We collected 222 phytosociological relevés during field studies conducted in 2015–2019, applying the Braun-Blanquet approach. We identified 21 plant communities on mobile and stabilized screes of colluvial cones, aprons and fans, inhabiting mainly the montane and alpine belts in several ranges (e.g. Peter the First, Alichur, Shugnan, Shachdarian, Darvaz, Rushan, Vanch, Fergana, Kyrgyz and Terskey ranges). As a result we provide the first comprehensive hierarchical syntaxonomic synopsis of scree communities at montane and alpine elevations in the eastern Middle …

Classification of tall-forb vegetation in the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mountains (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Middle Asia)

Aims: To complete the syntaxonomic scheme for tall-forb vegetation of the montane and alpine belts in the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mountains in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan with some remarks on its environmental predictors. Study area: Middle Asia: Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Methods: A total of 244 relevés were sampled in 2013–2019 using the seven-degree cover-abundance scale of the Braun-Blanquet approach. These were classified with a modified TWINSPAN algorithm with pseudospecies cut-levels 0%, 5% and 25%, and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were identified using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. NMDS was used to explore the relationsh…

Typification of five plant names described based on specimens collected by Józef Warszewicz in Central and South America.

Józef Warszewicz (1812–1864) was one of the first Polish naturalists to explore the flora of the tropical New World. During two expeditions to Central and South America (1844–1850 and 1850–1853) he collected and delivered to Europe up to twenty thousand plant specimens. To honour his service and his achievements in plant collections, different taxonomists described more than 100 taxa using the surname Warszewicz, for example in the genus name (Warszewiczia) and the species epithets (warszewiczii, warscewiczii, warszewicziana). Unfortunately, a large part of Warszewicz’s collection of plant species deposited in the Berlin Herbarium (B), including many type specimens was destroyed during Worl…

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Georgia, the Caucasus region: the first report of species diversity and root colonization

Although the Caucasus region belongs to the world biodiversity hotspots, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have not been investigated in this area. A total of 11 mixtures of soils and roots from 11 localities in southern Georgia in an altitudinal gradient from 1 to 1560 m a. s. l. were sampled in 2015. AMF spores and arbuscular mycorrhiza were observed in all samples. Eight AMF species were found in the field-collected soils: Acaulospora bireticulata, Acaulospora cavernata, Funneliformis coronatum, Gigaspora gigantea, Glomus rubiforme, Scutellospora dipurpurescens, Septoglomus constrictum, and Septoglomus jasnowskae. The most frequently occurring species proved to be S. constrictum. Labora…

Crop density rather than ruderal plants explains the response of ancient segetal weeds

AbstractThe influence of ruderal species and crop density on ancient segetal weeds was examined. The experiment was carried out on experimental plots with three different sewing densities of winter triticale. Weeding of ruderal taxa was applied on half of the plots to explore the relation between segetal and ruderal weeds. Variation in species composition by environmental variables was analysed by running Redundancy Analysis (RDA) combined with performing forward selection and variation partitioning for “weeding” and “crop density” as explanatory variables. Additionally, the effect of crop density and weeding was tested separately for segetal and ruderal species along the seasons with the u…

Supplementary material 1 from: Nobis M, Klichowska E, Wolanin M, Nobis A, Nowak A (2022) Typification of five plant names described based on specimens collected by Józef Warszewicz in Central and South America. PhytoKeys 192: 45-61. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.192.78409

Table S1