Ecological differentiation of Central EuropeanBolboschoenus taxa and their relationship to plant communities

Abstract

The taxa of theBolboschoenus maritimus group occurring in Central Europe were studied with respect to morphological differentiation, plant communities and soil conditions. Four morphological types ofBolboschoenus were distinguished, differing in habitat conditions, dispersal and distribution: type 1 —Bolboschoenus maritimus subsp.maritimus with narrow triangular fruits; type 2 —B. maritimus subsp.maritimus with wider triangular fruits, type 3 —B. maritimus subsp.compactus with round convex fruits; and type 4 —B. planiculmis auct. with concave fruits. Strong ecological differentiation of these types was found compared with relatively weak morphological diagnostic features. High discriminant efficiency appeared in the relationship to soil chemistry. Differences were also found in habitat-type spectra of individualBolboschoenus morphological types, which was reflected in their affinities to plant communities. Nomenclature, taxonomic classification, and distribution of these taxa in Europe need thorough revision.