On the occurrence of some species of the mustard family (Cruciferae) in certain regions of Mongolia

Abstract

On the basis of analysis of relevant literature as well as herbarium collections of LE and MW, unreliability of recent record of four Cruciferae species from easternt Mongolia is proved, viz. Alyssum desertorum (Middle Khalkha), Crucihimalaya mollissima, Sisymbrium brassiciforme (both – East Mongolia), and Meniocus linifolius (Great Khingan). It is found that the species could not be collected in 1987 and false findings are based on the confusion with labels of the season 1984 with similar field numbers, a conclusion further supported by the information from relevant field diaries. It is documented that herbarium collections of joint Soviet-Mongolian biological expedition kept in UBA are mislabeled in a way that at least part of gatherings attributed to 1987 actually represent material collected in 1984 in western Mongolia. This fact should be considered when making floristic and taxonomic research in Mongolia; besides, the need of re-labeling of relevant material in UBA is stressed.