About the Journal
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.
Current Issue
The journal publishes original papers focused on aspects of plant anatomy and morphology, systematic botany, plant, algae and fungi diversity, plant physiology and biochemistry, plant genetics and biotechnology, plant pathology, horticulture.
Full Issue
Articles
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CURRENT STATE OF INVASIVE ASCLEPIAS SYRIACA IN ROMANIA: MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL INSIGHTS
Abstract
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.
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COLCHICUM SOBOLIFERUM, MARSILEA QUADRIFOLIA AND TRAPA NATANS VAR. NATANS IN THE DANUBE DELTA BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Abstract
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.
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URBAN FLORA: NEW REPORTS FOR BUCHAREST'S FLORA
Abstract
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.
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UNLOCKING THE ORCHIDACEAE COLLECTION OF THE “D. BRANDZA” HERBARIUM (BUC): A STUDENT-DRIVEN COLLABORATIVE EFFORT
Abstract
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.
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SPECIES OF THE ARTEMISIA GENUS IN THE HERBARIUM OF THE BOTANIC GARDEN “D. BRANDZA”, UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST
Abstract
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.
