Vol. 49 No. 1 (2023): ACTA HORTI BOTANICI BUCURESTIENSIS
The current issue (volume 49) contains papers that address the following topics: new floristic records and distribution, and alien plant species. Thus, Colchicum triphyllum is reported from Belezma National Park, Allium inaequale is confirmed for Moldavia region in Romania, and for Polypogon monspeliensis data about chorology and ecology are presented. Regarding alien plant species, we can find out about anatomical structure of Symphyotrichum squamatum, a new neophyte for Romanian flora – Acalypha rhomboidea, and inventories of alien flora from two counties in Romania.
Full Issue
Articles
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THE ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE OF SYMPHYOTRICHUM SQUAMATUM, AN ALIEN PLANT IN ROMANIAN FLORA
Abstract
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.
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FIRST RECORD OF COLCHICUM TRIPHYLLUM (COLCHICACEAE) FROM HIGH ALTITUDE IN NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA
Abstract
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.
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POLYPOGON MONSPELIENSIS FROM OLTENIA, ROMANIA
Abstract
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. -
A NEW REGISTRATION IN THE VASCULAR FLORA OF MOLDOVA (EASTERN ROMANIA): ALLIUM INAEQUALE
Abstract
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.
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ACALYPHA RHOMBOIDEA IN THE VASCULAR FLORA OF ROMANIA
Abstract
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.
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ALIEN FLORA FROM BUZĂU COUNTY – ROMANIA
Abstract
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.
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ALIEN PLANT SPECIES IN GIURGIU COUNTY, ROMANIA: AN INVENTORY AND DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS
Abstract
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.
