Acta Horti Botanici Bucurestiensis is a scientific international journal founded in 1959, published once a year. The journal publishes original papers focused on aspects of plant anatomy and morphology, systematic botany, plant, algae and fungi biodiversity, plant physiology and biochemistry, plant genetics and biotechnology, plant pathology, horticulture.
Editura Universităţii din Bucureşti - Bucharest University Press
POSTOLACHE G., VEGETAȚIA REPUBLICII MOLDOVA, SECOND EDITION
The work entitled Vegetation of the Republic of Moldova, 2nd edition, authored by Dr. hab. Gheorghe Postolache, published at the State University of Moldova, National Botanical Garden (Institute) “Alexandru Ciubotaru” in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, in 2024, represents a larger, revised and enriched reedition of the first edition of the same work published under the name of the same author, in 1995.
Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Horti Botanici Bucurestiensis
FLORISTIC DIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION VALUE OF BUCHAREST’S HISTORICAL PARKS
In the context in which the flora of Bucharest has been insufficiently studied in recent decades, and the current urban dynamics profoundly influence the vegetation, the present study contributes to updating the knowledge on urban plant diversity. The research is part of the project "Urban flora and its characteristics in Bucharest and surroundings" (ICUB – Grants for Young Researchers) carried out between 2023 and 2024 and targets five representative historical parks: Carol I, Cișmigiu, Kiseleff, King Michael I of Romania and Cotroceni. The floristic inventory, carried out between March and September 2023 (for Cotroceni in 2025), allowed the identification of 555 taxa of vascular plants, both spontaneous and cultivated. The proportion of autochtonous species (54%) slightly exceeds the allochthonous component, indicating the maintenance of a significant autochtonous flora within the city. Among the autochtonous species characteristic of the original forest areas are Corydalis solida, Allium ursinum, Alliaria petiolata, Ranunculus ficaria and Viola odorata, and among those with conservation value, Cephalanthera damasonium stands out, spontaneously present in King Michael I Park of Romania. In parallel, 46 invasive alien species were identified, including Ailanthus altissima, Acer negundo, Phytolacca americana, Reynoutria japonica, Reynoutria × bohemica and Ambrosia artemisiifolia. The results highlight the character of historical parks as urban biodiversity hotspots, which, in addition to their aesthetic and recreational role, can be capitalized on for environmental education and public awareness activities. The implementation of adaptive landscape management, oriented towards the conservation of autochtonous species and the control of invasive ones, is essential for maintaining the ecological balance and heritage value of these historic green spaces.
TAXONOMIC AND PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT OF THE IRIDACEAE COLLECTION HOUSED IN THE HERBARIUM OF THE BOTANIC GARDEN “D. BRANDZA” (BUC)
This study provides a detailed overview of the Iridaceae family housed within the Herbarium of the "D. Brandza" Botanic Garden, University of Bucharest (BUC). As part of an ongoing digitization initiative, the collection was meticulously inventoried, and the label data was integrated into the herbarium database. Our analysis reveals a collection of 392 specimens, comprising 62 species and infraspecific taxa within 15 genera, out of which a notable mention is the community-interest species Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica. This collection includes native Romanian flora, as well as specimens collected from various parts of the world by 73 collectors, between 1908 and 2018.
BUILDING FOR PLANT CONSERVATION – A CASE STUDY FROM BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
In the big and crowded cities of the world, a large number of rooftops have been transformed into living green areas, small or large, extensive, semi-intensive or intensive, with different uses in the lives of citizens. This contribution presents an example of a small, intensive rooftop garden, created on the rooftop terrace of a private house, in the city of Bucharest, with the aim of conserving plants and reconnecting people with nature. The terrace, located at a height of 10 m, on an area of 40 sqm, was built in 2011, using the ZinCo Technology, which ensures high water storage and a variety of substrates and depths. The current floristic composition (2023) includes 55 taxa of vascular plants (51 non-native species and 4 native species), belonging to 31 families of angiosperms and 3 families of gymnosperms: annual plants, geophytes, perennial herbaceous plants, subshrubs, shrubs, and trees. The criteria used in the selection and grouping of plants pertain to ecological preferences, tolerance to stressful environmental factors, plant importance, growth rate, low maintenance, spatial and seasonal diversity. The results provide an overview of the green rooftop system technology, the development of taxa introduced during a decade since the establishment of the garden and highlight the plants and combinations of plants suitable for local conditions.
Sem studies regarding micromorphology of fruit, seed coat and pollen in genus hesperis l. (Brassicaceae)
The paper presents the micromorphological characteristics (SEM investigations) of fruits, seed coats and pollen grains of genus Hesperis in Austria. The siliquae are usually terete, glabrous and rarely with simple trichomes (subsp. nivea), straight or slightly curved. The seeds can present apical wings or not. The testa is reticulate and two main types were recognize based on seed coat surface, reticulate and ocellate-papillate. The pollen is tricolpate and exine is reticulate. The study revealed that palynological, fruit and seed micromorphological characteristics are significant in the taxonomy of the genus. An original dichotomic key for Hesperis species in Austria (H. matronalis subsp. matronalis and subsp. nivea, H. sylvestris, H. tristis) based on micromorphological characteristics is provided.
Copyright (c) 2022 Acta Horti Botanici Bucurestiensis
First record of amaranthus viridis after over 25 years
We report the presence of Amaranthus viridis after over 25 years from the last mention. The species is native to South America and in Europe is naturalized or casual. The way of introduction in Romania is unknown. We provide information about its morphological features, distribution, biology, ecology and invasiveness.
Alien flora from Brăila county – Romania
This paper presents the list of alien plant species from Brăila County (Romania). The inventory is based on personal observations in the field in the last two years. The study has recorded 81 alien taxa who belong to 30 families, 36 of them beeing invasive. The Americas, Asia and the Mediterranean area are the main places of origin of the taxa of the inventory.
Contributions to the identification of hotspots of invasion of alien plant species in Mureș county (Romania)
A priority for the states of the European Union is the identification of invasive and potentially invasive alien species, their main routes of entry and spread, and the impact they have on various types of habitats. The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of hotspots (areas with a large number of invasive species) or those where their abundance-dominance is very high and produces a major impact on native vegetation. Through the research carried out on invasive and potentially invasive alien species in Mureș County, 1204 records made in 168 locations in Mureș County were analyzed and 31 species of invasive alien plants were identified, of which three species are of concern for the European Union, namely: Asclepias syriaca, Ailanthus altissima și Impatiens glandulifera. In the study area, the species with the highest presence are: Erigeron annuus subsp. anuus identified in 248 points, Xanthium orientale subsp. italicum (201 points), Robinia pseudoacacia (142 points), Solidago canadensis (83 points), Erigeron canadensis and Reynoutria japonica (each with 74 points), and Ambrosia artemisiifolia (67 points). In the observation points, up to 4-6 species of invasive plants grouped in the same type of habitat were found. These were generally habitats subject to strong anthropogenic impact, roadsides, fallows, abandoned lands, and agricultural crops. Each identified species was analyzed from the chorological point of view, the bioforms, the ways and the purpose of their introduction, and the phytogeographical elements.
Contributions to the study of alien invasive species in Harghita county (Romania)
The paper presents the inventory and chorology of the invasive and potentially invasive alien species identified in Harghita County following the research carried out during 2019-2021. Following field research conducted in Harghita County, 47 species of invasive plants belonging to 23 families were identified. These include three species on the List of Invasive Alien Species of European Union concern: Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca, and Impatiens glandulifera. Although the presence of these species is particularly noticeable near human settlements and heavily ruderalized places, as a consequence of the abandonment of agricultural land, invasive species have been identified in various types of habitats, especially those of grasslands, meadows and wetlands near watercourses. In addition to the contribution to the distribution of the taxa identified in the perimeter of this county, aspects related to the impact exerted by each species on the coenotic structure of the habitats in the observation points are also presented. Due to the abundance with which these invasive species develop in certain regions, they lead to the depletion and even replacement of the native flora, causing disruptions to the state of conservation of natural habitats.
Analysis of some families from Carl Studniczka's herbarium
In the C. Studniczka's herbarium we have found new herbarium folder which contain herbarium samples from families: Salicaceae, Pinaceae, Ephedraceae, Taxaceae and Cupressaceae. Most of the analysed herbal material (117 herbarium sheets, with 323 samples of herbal plants) in this part of the C. Studniczka's herbarium were collected in Europe (105 herbarium sheets). According to the labels, the majority of herborized material was collected in the area of Austria (26 herbarium sheets). Most herbarium sheets belong to Flora von Wien collection (9). In reference to the part of Studniczka's herbarium which has already been analysed, there is one botanist or collector which is mentioned for the first time: Brotherston. Also collections listed for the first time are: Ex. Herb. A. Brotherston, Kelso and Herbarium R. Fritβe in Rybnik. Most herbarium sheets were collected by Studniczka himself (36). The oldest herbarium sheets dates from 1856, where as the newest ones date from 1902. The exact year of collection is missing from 13 herbarium labels.
SPECIES OF THE ARTEMISIA GENUS IN THE HERBARIUM OF THE BOTANIC GARDEN “D. BRANDZA”, UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST
This study presents an assessment of the Artemisia collection at the BUC Herbarium of the University of Bucharest, which holds 324 specimens spanning 19 taxa collected over more than a century. The aim was to document and organize the collection, ensuring accurate taxonomic identification, correcting nomenclatural inconsistencies, and creating a digital database for improved accessibility. This work draws on the contributions of numerous historic collectors, enriching the collection's significance as a botanical and ecological resource. Through continued curation and digitization, the BUC Herbarium contributes essential data for taxonomic, ecological, and conservation research.
Copyright (c) 2024 Acta Horti Botanici Bucurestiensis
UNLOCKING THE ORCHIDACEAE COLLECTION OF THE “D. BRANDZA” HERBARIUM (BUC): A STUDENT-DRIVEN COLLABORATIVE EFFORT
This paper presents the specimens belonging to the Orchidaceae family housed in the Herbarium of the Botanic Garden “D. Brandza”, University of Bucharest (BUC), in an effort to support fellow botanists and encourage new research initiatives. All specimens were digitized and the information on the labels was logged in the herbarium database, with the help of student volunteers. This collection contains 602 specimens belonging to 21 genera and 64 species, among which two species are of community interest (Natura 2000). The specimens were gathered by 74 collectors, between 1901 and 2023. The data extracted will hopefully provide valuable insights into Romania’s biodiversity.
URBAN FLORA: NEW REPORTS FOR BUCHAREST'S FLORA
The concept of urban flora refers to the plant life that exists within city environments, encompassing the types of plants found in urban areas and how they interact with the unique challenges and conditions here (e.g. anthropic habitats with limited and controlled space, pollution, heat, drought), which can favour some species and restrict others. The first references to the Bucharest’s flora date from 1876, and since then the dynamics of the number of species registers a continuum. As a result of the implementation of “UrbFloraBuc” project during 2023-2024, we report 12 new species of which five are native and seven are allochthonous, and data on their distribution and habitats within the city. This study makes valuable contributions to the knowledge of Bucharest flora, emphasizing, on the one hand, the importance of the urban environment as a conservation space for rare (native) species, and on the other hand, raising an alarm signal on the need for an early detection of the allochthonous species, to the extent that the latter could become problematic in the urban environment.
COLCHICUM SOBOLIFERUM, MARSILEA QUADRIFOLIA AND TRAPA NATANS VAR. NATANS IN THE DANUBE DELTA BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Rare plant species are more sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances, their effects causing a decrease in populations and the fragmentation of their habitats. Their unclear population structure often impedes conservation planning. The purpose of the study is to update the distribution and population size, identify habitat preferences, investigate limiting factors, and assess the current conservation status of three threatened taxa – Colchicum soboliferum, Marsilea quadrifolia, and Trapa natans var. natans from the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR). The study took place between 2019-2023. The study results showed that the taxa are rare in DDBR, and they have affinities to specific plant communities. C. soboliferum occurs frequently in Artemisio santonici-Juncetum maritimi and Agrostio maeoticae-Scirpoidetum holoschoeni subass. aperetosum maritimae, M. quadrifolia is mainly found in Typhetum angustifoliae and Artemisio santonici-Juncetum maritimi, while Trapa natans var. natans, is found in Trapo-Nymphoidetum association. The threats to the three species are overgrazing and soil compaction for C. soboliferum; water pollution, invasion of Elodea nuttallii and habitat change due to trampling for M. quadrifolia; wetland drainage, boating and silting for Trapa natans var. natans. Therefore, for all three species, changing the conservation status to endangered, protecting and restoring the actual habitats, and transplanting individuals to safer areas with similar habitats are part of the conservation plan within the DDBR area.
CURRENT STATE OF INVASIVE ASCLEPIAS SYRIACA IN ROMANIA: MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL INSIGHTS
Numerous ornamental plant species introduced to Europe have become invasive. Asclepias syriaca L. is a notable example and the focal point of our research. Na tive to North America, it was introduced to Europe in 1629 and is currently listed as an invasive species of concern under EU Regulation 1143/2014. In Romania, the species was first reported in 1836. Asclepias syriaca demonstrates a high capacity to adapt to various climatic and edaphic conditions. In Europe, it primarily inhabits abandoned agricultural lands, wet and dry meadows, road edges, and tree plantations, negatively impacting agriculture. The species exhibits competitive traits such as height, shad e tolerance, vegetative propagation, drought resistance, and allelopathic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecological and anatomical characteristics contributing to the invasive potential of Asclepias syriaca in Romania. The analyses of the current state of the species’ populations highlighted the environmental conditions that support its establishment and spread. Additionally, anatomical investigations revealed structural traits that further emphasize its adaptability to diverse envi ronmental conditions. This study enhances our understanding of the ecology and adaptive capacity of Asclepias syriaca , with significant implications for managing ecosystems affected by this invasive species in Romania.
FIRST RECORD OF COLCHICUM TRIPHYLLUM (COLCHICACEAE) FROM HIGH ALTITUDE IN NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA
We report the first sighting of Colchicum triphyllum Kunze, from the Belezma National Park (BNP, Batna, Northeastern Algeria) at 1802 m a.s.l. (Latitude 35°33' N, Longitude 5°58' E). C. triphyllum is known to be present in the North of Algeria, but its presence had not been confirmed at high altitudes. The observation of a population of 139 flowering individuals and 47 individuals at vegetative growth had taken place in April 2023 while conducting ecological surveys. The species is suggested to be distributed at elevations ranging from sea level to 1500 m a.s.l. This finding of a population of C. triphyllum at 1802 m a.s.l. in the BNP represents a new high-altitude register for this species. The paper describes its distribution, biology, morphology, ecology, phenology, and also its medicinal properties. Conservation efforts may be necessary to protect and increase the population size of this rare species.
ALIEN PLANT SPECIES IN GIURGIU COUNTY, ROMANIA: AN INVENTORY AND DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS
Giurgiu County, a crucial hub in the Pan-European Corridor with the sole Danube bridge to Bulgaria, plays an important role in potential pathways for introducing alien plant species. However, the information regarding the distribution of alien plants in this county is incomplete. Our study aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of the current distribution of alien plant species based on field records collected from September 2019 to November 2022. Following the guidelines of the POIM/178/4/1/120008 project, data were collected across diverse habitats. Our findings reveal 89 alien plant taxa, including 58 newly reported at the county level. Over half of the alien plant species (66.29%) are also present in the natural protected areas. The study contributes essential information for biodiversity conservation, emphasizing ongoing monitoring and invasive species management within Giurgiu County's protected areas.
In this paper, we provided the first checklist of alien flora of Buzău County (Romania). Our study revealed the positive invasion trend during recent years. 110 alien taxa were recorded, who belong to 36 families of vascular plants, 52 of them being invasive. The Americas, Asia and the Mediterranean area are the main regions of origin of the taxa of the inventory. Three species are of European Union concern: Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca and Elodea nuttallii. The most alien plant species were recorded for Buzău and Râmnicu-Sărat cities.
ACALYPHA RHOMBOIDEA IN THE VASCULAR FLORA OF ROMANIA
In this paper, Acalypha rhomboidea (Euphorbiaceae) is reported for the first time, as a neophyte, in the vascular flora of Romania. We have identified small populations of this species native to North America, in the central area of the Iași city (north-eastern Romania), as a weed in a garden of ornamental plants, near the Palace of Culture. Most likely it has been introduced here accidentally, by importing contaminated growing medium for gardens. It produces viable seeds and seems to survive here for more than 10 years despite regular weed control. The morphology of this species is described based on field and herbarium specimens, and checked on literature data. The paper also includes some data on general distribution and favourite habitats of this species, as well as two identification keys.
A NEW REGISTRATION IN THE VASCULAR FLORA OF MOLDOVA (EASTERN ROMANIA): ALLIUM INAEQUALE
The presence of species Allium inaequale in the flora of Moldova (eastern Romania), has been reported in this paper, based on specimens collected by authors on the field, as well as on specimens stored in public herbaria. The species has been identified in arid grasslands of two nature reserves from the Central Moldavian Plateau (Vaslui County), namely: “Coasta Rupturile” Tanacu and “Movila lui Burcel” Miclești. This is a very rare plant species in Romania, found at the most western limit of its general range, and should be included, as vulnerable, in the Romanian Red List of Vascular Plants. We have also found that the registration of the species A. moschatum in the flora of Moldova was due to misidentification. Based on the current data, A. moschatum, should be replaced in the flora of this historical province by A. inaequale.
POLYPOGON MONSPELIENSIS FROM OLTENIA, ROMANIA
Characterised by numerous microclimates that are present from the plain area and up to the alpine region, the territory of Oltenia previously offered and still manages to offer surprises from a floristic point of view, as well as from other perspectives. The recent climate changes have altered the typical habitats of some plants, resulting in their discovery in areas where, according to the data in the specialized literature, were not previously known to exist. Among the many species of Poaceae that are present in the spontaneous flora of Oltenia, there are certain species of sozological and phytogeographical interest. This is also the case with the species presented in the current paper, i.e. Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. is an Atlantic-Mediterranean coastal species, found especially on the western and southern European coastal sands. It is native to northern Africa, southern and western Europe, western and northern Asia, Japan and the Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). The species has been widely naturalized in southern and eastern Australia, in South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Central and South America, as well as in Hawaii. In Romania, it is known from the south-eastern part of the country: Tulcea and Constanța counties. In Poiana Brașov and Vaideeni (Vâlcea County), the species is mentioned as an adventive plant. The present paper contributes with information regarding the chorology and ecology of this species.
THE ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE OF SYMPHYOTRICHUM SQUAMATUM, AN ALIEN PLANT IN ROMANIAN FLORA
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in alien plant species because of their substantial impact on biological diversity, ecosystems, and economy. These species are often characterized by their capacity to rapidly colonize diverse habitats. Symphyotrichum squamatum, an alien species for Romanian flora, displays invasive tendencies in various European countries, showing adaptability to a wide range of habitats, particularly those with high soil moisture. While previous research has focused on aspects of its invasiveness, limited information is available regarding the anatomical structure of its vegetative organs. Our study aims to identify the structural characteristics that may explain the species’ environmental preferences and adaptability to various habitat types. The results showed the presence of aeriferous tissues in the root and stem suggesting an affinity for humid conditions, while the lamina’s structure enhances light capturing efficiency and adaptability to salinity. These anatomical investigations provide valuable insights into understanding species’ environmental requirements and resilience, contributing to a better understanding of its adaptability to various habitats and potential impact on local ecosystems.