A new locality of Galeopsis angustifolia (Ehrh.) Hoffm. in Pyrzyce Plain (West Pomerania, Poland)

Wanda Bacieczko,Agnieszka Borcz

doi:10.5586/aa.1651

Abstract

The aim of the research was to explore a new locality of Galeopsis angustifolia (Lamiaceae), a rare taxa in Poland. The floristic composition of a plant community with G. angustifolia was determined. The species was recorded along the railway line from Pyrzyce to Stargard Szczeciński, near to the railway station in Okunica village, not used since 2004. Currently, the plant community with G. angustifolia occupies a transect &gt;300 m in length. It is also sporadically found in the areas adjacent to the railway line. The species penetrates into ruderal communities from the Artemisietea vulgaris class and creates plant communities with Galeopsis angustifolia, a dominant species in the patches. Synanthropic species, e.g., Rubus caesius, Convolvulus arvensis, Senecio viscosus, meadow species, e.g., Arrhenatherum elatius, Potentilla reptans, Pastinaca sativa, and mosses of dry and rocky habitats also form plant communities with Galeopsis angustifolia.

Highlights

Railway lines create specific environmental and soil conditions for plant growth
The aim of the research was to show a new locality of Galeopsis angustifolia and its participation in a plant community developed in railway areas
Okunica village is situated in Pyrzyce commune, in the southern part of West Pomeranian Voivodeship

Summary

Introduction

Railway lines create specific environmental and soil conditions for plant growth. Species growing in these biotopes have distinctive ecological features; they are tolerant to excessive light, temperature fluctuations, resistant to the strong effect of precipitation, frost, erosion, wind, and air movement initiated by passing trains [1]. Railway lines create a habitat for many plant species from different ecological groups. Galeopsis angustifolia from Lamiaceae is one of the rare species that grows in railway habitats in Poland [26,27]

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