Floristic Elements Research Articles

First fossil evidence of an extinct malvalean genus from India

ABSTRACT Hither, an extinct floral element of Florissantia Knowlton, unearthed from the early Eocene (~55–52 Ma) of the Gurha lignite mine, Rajasthan, western India, aids in highlighting the evolutionary significance of this angiosperm lineage in the Indian Cenozoic history. Comparison with fossil taxa from other regions supports the attribution to an extinct malvalean genus Florissantia. It is characterized by a transversely impressed, actinomorphic, gamosepalous flower with five rounded lobed sepals, each sepal fused at least 60% of its length, sinuses between sepal lobes shallowly incised and radiating reticulate venation. The occurrence of this extinct genus, previously known only from the Paleogene of North America and East Asia, is pertinent to the malvalean floristic diversification in India.

TOPONIMI NAMA PANTAI DI BELITUNG

This research examines the toponymy of beaches in Belitung using the socio-onomastic approach. The names of beaches in Belitung Regency were studied using written and oral data. The written data was obtained from three maps, i.e., the map from the Geospatial Information Agency, the geological map of Belitung and the digital Google Maps. The oral data was obtained through interviews with resource persons and informants in Belitung. Based on map searches and interviews, seven beach names and the origin of their names have been obtained, as follows (i) Tanjung Tinggi Beach, (ii) Tanjung Pendam Beach, (iii), Penyabong Beach, (iv) Tanjung Kelayang Beach, (v) Tanjung Binga Beach, (vi) Bukit Berahu Beach, and (vii) Batu Bedil Beach. In addition to these beaches, there may be other beach names worth examining. Beach names in Belitung Regency have four naming patterns: (i) beach toponyms with elements of topography, (ii) beach toponyms with elements of topography and fauna, (iii) beach toponyms with elements of topography and flora, and (iv) beach toponyms with elements of sound. Sometimes, a beach has more than one name. From socio-onomastics perspective, it is a natural phenomena, because names of place have various characteristics and influence people’s preferences in using names.

Wood Carving Motifs in Masjid Lama Tanjung Beringin, Seri Menanti, Negeri Sembilan

The sustainability of Malay wood carving motifs in the present era is at stake. The lack of effort to identify and document the motifs led to the weak preservation of this national heritage. This indirectly poses a threat to the Malay identity that has existed since a long time ago. Thus, this research aims to provide additional documentation on Malay wood carving motifs through the observation in Masjid Lama Tanjung Beringin, Seri Menanti, Negeri Sembilan. This mosque was chosen because there is minimal research on wood carving motifs in the southwest coast states of Malaysia. The study's objective is to identify the motifs of wood carving and its categories. This research employed a qualitative method that involved data collection from site observation, in-depth interviews with six selected respondents, and library research. As a result, the findings have identified 16 motifs, 12 inspired by the element of flora, one from fauna, one from calligraphy, one from geometry, and one from still life. This research recommended that more in-depth wood carving studies should be carried out especially in the southwest coast states of Malaysia to promote the Malay identity and to prevent this national heritage from being overwhelmed by contemporary trends.

Phytocoenological and ecological typification of the March Mushroom (Hygrophorus marzuolus (Fr.) Bres.) habitat in Bijambare, Sarajevo Canton

Biodiversity of mushrooms in FBiH is poorly researched, as well as the areas of distribution and ecological conditions under which mushrooms develop. This is also the case with the March Mushroom, so the main goal of the paper is to present the ecological conditions under which it develops. For the research, we used the Braun-Blanket (1932) method with all necessary parameters related to the selected habitat. These are: phytocenological affiliation, flora element, indicator value, and life form. The abundance of fungi was provided according to Tortić and Lisiewska (1971). Chemical analysis of the soil with basic parameters was also done. March Mushroom was detected in the Abieti-Fagetum in the locality of Motike within the "ZP Bijambare". This is the new site for the March Mushroom. Primary indicator values prevail in the association. Species of the order Fagetalia are the most numerous within the researched association. Hemicryptophytes prevail among the life forms. A total of 25 floral elements from 9 groups were determined. The largest number of species belongs to the sub-Atlantic-sub-Mediterranean group. The floral element with the largest number of determined species is subatl-smed. Fortunately, this locality is quite far from hiking trails, which is important, considering it as an extremely rich site of the March Mushroom.

Comparative assessment of different rose cultivars under environmental conditions in central Transylvania, Romania

Despite the abundance of rose varieties, it is necessary to create and use new genotypes to improve the appearance of green spaces and meet the demands of society, as well as to ensure their response to environmental variables and climate change. To assess the overall value and flower quality of several Romanian and foreign varieties under the ecological circumstances of Northwest Romania, 14 rose varieties from the shrub and floribunda groups were examined. The study identified notable variations among the cultivars for plant growth, foliage, flowers, and their susceptibility to the three primary fungal diseases (black spot, powdery mildew, and rust) prevalent in the study area. Additionally, the study identified the cultivars with proper resilience to frost during the five-year investigation period, particularly after the cold winters. New varieties obtained at HRS Cluj-Napoca, such as Cristiana, Pasiune mov, Maria-Cristina and Splendid, and international varieties such as Fisherman's Friend, Bonica and Mirato, stood out for their decorative quality and attractive floral elements. Some of these varieties have also been considered potential parents for disease and frost resistance in new hybridization projects. Broad-sense heritability data for the quantitative variables under investigation, as well as multivariate analyses, provided useful information for new rose breeding programs. The comparison of quantitative and qualitative assessments of important decorative traits for the roses, together with proper statistical calculation processes to assure their validity and trustworthiness, enabled the development of hypotheses or working models that can improve rose breeding efficiency.

Isolated, neglected, and likely threatened: a new species of Magoniella (Polygonaceae) from the seasonally dry tropical forests of Northern Colombia and Venezuela revealed from nuclear, plastid, and morphological data.

Seasonally tropical dry forests (SDTFs) in the American tropics are a highly diverse yet poorly understood and endangered ecosystem scattered from Northern Mexico to Southern Argentina. One floristic element of the STDFs is the genus Magoniella (Polygonaceae), which includes two liana species, M. laurifolia and M. obidensis, which have winged fruits and are distributed from Costa Rica to Southern Brazil. In a field expedition to the SDTFs of the Colombian Caribbean in 2015, morphologically distinctive individuals of Magoniella were found. In this study, we investigated the species boundaries within Magoniella and determined the phylogenetic position of these morphologically distinctive individuals in the tribe Triplaridae. We compiled morphological trait data across 19 specimens of both species and produced newly sequenced nuclear-plastid DNA data for M. obidensis. Morphometric analyses revealed significant differences in fruit length and perianth size among individuals from the Colombian Caribbean compared to M. obidensis and bract length when compared to M. laurifolia. Maximum likelihood analysis of non-conflicting nuclear and plastid datasets placed the Colombian Caribbean individuals as sister to M. obidensis with maximum statistical support. Additionally, pairwise sequence comparisons of the nuclear ribosomal ITS and the lfy2i loci consistently showed 15-point mutations (10 transitions, five transversions) and six 2 bp-long substitutions that differ between M. obidensis and the Colombian Caribbean individuals. Our morphological and molecular evidence thus suggests that the Colombian Caribbean individuals of Magoniella represent a divergent population from M. laurifolia and M. obidensis, which we describe and illustrate as a new species, M. chersina. Additionally, we provide nomenclatural updates for M. laurifolia and M. obidensis. This study highlights the power of combining morphological and molecular evidence in documenting and naming plant diversity.

Contribution to the flora of the islets of the Medulin Archipelago (Istria)

The flora of six islets of the Medulin Archipelago (Bodulaš, Ceja, Fenera, Fenoliga, Šekovac, Trumbaja) in southern Istria was explored in 2014 and 2021. Altogether, 214 taxa belonging to 50 families were recorded. As expected, the families most represented were Poaceae and Fabaceae, the most common chorotypes were the Mediterranean floral element followed by widespread plants and the South European floral element, while the most represented life-forms were therophytes, hemicryptophytes and geophytes. Altogether 15 taxa within IUCN categories were recorded; however, the flora of the area is generally not threatened. The finding of Anthemis tomentosa, Trifolium glomeratum, Coronopus didymus and Campanula rapunculus f. verruculosa was particularly interesting.

Анализ распределения видов флоры по высотным поясам бассейна реки Аргун

The Argun River is the largest river in the Sunzha basin. It originates on the Main Caucasian Ridge near the Chokismta-Matura peak (3189.7 m) in Georgia (historical region of Khevsureti). Before crossing the Lateral Ridge, it receives a large right tributary of the Andaki River (31 km long), whose sources are also on the Main Ridge near the Mal. Barbalo peak (3136 m). The length of the Argun River is 148 km, the total area of the basin is 3390 km2, it flows into the Sunzha River, a right tributary of the Terek River. In the upper reaches before the confluence with the right tributary, the Sharo-Argun River is historically called Chanty-Argun. Materials and methods. Materials and methods of research. Flora species and floristic complexes with different habitats within the Argun River basin were selected as the object of study. The material for the study was obtained during expeditionary trips for observations and herbarium collections in the period 2020–2023 in various altitudinal zones of the Argun River basin. Results and discussion. As a result of the research carried out in the Argun. Results. River basin, we recorded three groups of floras in the study area: plain-foothill, mid-mountain and high-mountain, the uneven distribution of floristic complexes in which made it possible to distinguish 6 floristic regions; More than half of the flora territory is located in the protected area system (2 reserves of republican significance, one of federal significance), 116 species are listed in the Red Books of the federal and regional levels, and another 16 species are proposed for protection. Discussion. The presence of narrow-local endemics in the flora also emphasizes its originality. It is advisable to include the entire Itum-Kalinsky floristic region in the territory of the Sovetsky biological reserve. Thus, many “Red Book” species, most of which are found only in this area, will be taken under real protection. These are Astracantha denudata, Berberis vulgaris, Сeltis glabrata, Cerasus incana, Cladochaeta candidissima Clenmatis integrifolia, Colutea orientalis, Cotynus coggygria, Crambe grandiflora, Dianthus daghestanicus, Ephedra procera, Fumana procumbens, Galanthus caucasicus, Gentiana grossheimii, Hippophaer hamnoides, Iris pumila, Gladiolus tenuis, Juniperus oblonga, Mandenovia komarovii, Medicago daghestanica, Notholaena maranthae, Omphalodes rupestris, Scabiosa rotata, Stipa caucasica, S. pennata, S. pulcherrima, Xanthobrychys majorovii. Conclusions. The total number of flora elements is significantly greater than the number of species in this area, since many of them are ecologically flexible and can be found in two or three vegetation zones, less often in four. Most species are confined to the steppe and forest zones, where the highest percentage of ruderal-segetal and alien species is observed, i.e. the quantitative composition is associated with anthropogenic impact on natural phytocenoses. The least number of species is in the subnival zone, where only petrophytes live, mostly endemics and subendemics.

Third List of Species and Genera of Indian Phanerogams not Included in J. D. Hooker's Flora of British India (Excluding Bangladesh, Burma, Ceylon, Malayan Peninsula and Pakistan)

Calder et al. (1926) presented the first list of Phancrogams not included in J.D. Hooker's Flora of British India and it covered a span of twenty six years between 1898-1924. Razi (1959) enumerated the second list of Indian Phanerogams supplementing Calder's list for the period from 1924 to 1950 and this again covered a period of twenty six years. The third list now presented by the authors spanned a period of twenty five years (1950-1975) and the plants enumerated is geographically delimited to India, Bhutan and Nepal. In the present list the authors have listed about 1000 taxa of Phanerogams added to the Indian flora supplementing the lists of Calder (1926) and Razi (1959). The countries Bhutan and Nepal are part of Himalayan region and for any study of Himalayan flora of India, it is necessary to understand the floristic elements of Nepal and Bhutan since many Himalayan elements occur in the contiguous territories of India, Bhutan and Nepal.

Qualitative LM and SEM study of the Messel palynoflora: part I. Algae to Vitales

In this first report on the re-investigation of the Eocene Messel palynoflora using combined light- and scanning electron microscopy, comprising Algae to Vitales, it is shown that this epic paleoflora can still provide new insights into the ancient ecosystem prevailing at that time. Applying this combined single-grain method on the palynomorphs enabled us to identify several new floral elements represented in the palynoflora, as well as to revise previous spore/pollen classifications, resulting in a higher taxonomic resolution of the microflora. So far, we have discovered three different algae remains, 28 spore types, and pollen from seven different gymnosperms and 26 unique angiosperms. Some of the new taxa include Lycopodiaceae, Cycadales, Stratiotes (Hydrocharitaceae), and Poaceae. The spore/pollen flora was compared to the meso/macroflora, revealing the importance of combining meso/macrofossil records with state-of-the-art microfossil analyses for a more holistic representation of the paleoflora. This is reflected in the number of taxa only occurring in the microflora (ten families) versus that of the meso/macroflora (18 families). Comparing the results from this qualitative combined light- and scanning electron microscopy study to classical quantitative light microscopy methods already suggests that the combined method provides a higher diversity of spore/pollen taxa. Still, potential floral newcomers could be missed in such single sample investigations that are otherwise detected in the classic up-trough section analyses.

The Origin of Evergreen Broad-Leaved Forests in East Asia from the Evidence of Floristic Elements.

Arguments about the origin and evolution of the evergreen broad-leaved forests in East Asia exist generally, and are even contradictory in some cases. The origin and evolution of the flora of East Asia, especially in the evolutionary process, the formation time of the Asian monsoon, the implications of phylogenetic and biogeographic studies on some important taxa, and the implications of palaeobotanical evidence are debatable. Most research from different disciplines suggests that the monsoon in the Miocene was key to the diversification of East Asian flora and its evergreen broad-leaved forests. The common view is that the evergreen broad-leaved forests of East Asia are closely related to the monsoon's intensity and developments, which were caused by the uplift of Himalaya-Tibet during or after the mid-Miocene. Analysis of the floristic elements show that the present subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests in East Asia could have an early or ancient tropical origin and a tropical Asian affinity, but that their species are dominated by endemic Chinese or East Asian ones, many of which have tropical Asian affinity or are tropical sister species. The time of Himalayan uplift and the intensity of the monsoon climate are believed to be key to the formation of the evergreen broad-leaved forests in East Asia. Combined with existing paleobotanical findings, the uplift of the Himalayas and the formation of the monsoon climate, as well as floristic elements of the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests, we believe that they evolved from an Asian tropical rainforest after the mid-Miocene in the southeastern region of East Asia, while the ancient subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests in the southwestern region continuously evolved into the present subtropical ones.

Application of Floral Elements in Fabric Remanufacturing

To explore innovative applications of floral elements in modern fashion design, this study addresses the challenge of traditional flat printing patterns being the predominant form of incorporating floral elements into clothing design. Building upon the fundamental concepts and characteristics of floral elements, the paper analyzes the transformation of floral elements from figurative to abstract perspectives. It delves into the expressive modes of floral elements in fabric remanufacturing and explores various application forms. Through a detailed analysis of specific cases, the study summarizes that abstract floral elements predominantly manifest as form abstraction and texture abstraction in fabric remanufacturing. Additionally, it presents the principles of aesthetic forms for floral elements to provide valuable references for the utilization of floral elements in clothing design.

SUBRECENT POLLEN ASSEMBLAGES IN ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS OF THE DON AND KUBAN RIVERS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE FOR PALAEOGEOGRAPHIC RECONSTRUCTIONS

The paper presents the results of studying modern alluvial deposits of the Don and Kuban rivers by the pollen analysis method. The study was carried out to clarify methodological issue, including the movement of pollen and spores by flowing waters. The obtained data show that pollen assemblages of river sediments formed in the process of pollen mixing by water and air characterize the composition of the regional vegetation cover rather than local nearriver plant groups. According to the results for the subrecent sediments of the Don River the transfer of pollen grains and spores by water was insignificant, which can be clearly seen at the border of the forest-steppe and steppe zones. Pollen assemblages of the forest-steppe zone contain 50% of tree species pollen, while in the steppe zone, including its northern part, tree species make up less than 30-35%. Sporadic forest elements such as Picea pollen, Lycopodium species spores and Sphagnum mosses in alluvial deposits of the steppe section of the Don River, as well as in the subrecent sediments of the Sea of Azov, could be neglected in the palaeoreconstructions. The composition of subrecent pollen assemblages of the Kuban River sediments is less variable from the middle course to the mouth with rather stable ratio of components. Pollen of the Caucasian flora elements (Fagus orientalis, Carpinus caucasica) is poorly dispersed by water from high and midmountain landscapes of the upper reaches of the river. The comparison of pollen assemblages from alluvial and marine (the Sea of Azov) sediments have shown that the distortion of fossil assemblages’ composition due to material input by water is minimal

Diachronic study of the floristic diversity of the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, Algeria

This study aimed to provide knowledge on the mural flora of the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania. Through floristic surveys, we complied a catalog listing168 vascular plants belonging to 141 genera and 58 families. Asteraceae and Poaceae were the most dominant families, constituting 24.81% of the species. Dominant characteristics of this flora included therophytes (41.07%) and Mediterranean floristic elements (67.26%). To update the floristic list of the Mausoleum, we compared our data with 3 old lists from 1867, 1928 and 1985. The diachronic analysis reveals the persistance of 35 taxa representing 16.27% of 215 taxa listed since the first inventory, and the emergence of 30 new taxa (13.95%). The diversity of this wall flora is associated with changes in the landscape around the Mausoleum as well as its conservation status.

ORHIDS IN SAND DUNES IN KAMCHIYA PROTECTED AREAS BY NATURE 2000 ECOLOGICAL NETWORK (BULGARIA)

In the Kamchiya protected area (BG0000116) of the Natura 2000 ecological network in Bulgaria, five types of dune natural habitats were studied in terms of the distribution of species from the Orchidaceae family. Four species from the Orchidaceae family have been identified: Anacamptis papilionacea (L.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase (= Orchis papilionacea L.), Anacamptis pyramidalis (L.) Rich., Himantoglossum jankae Somlyay, Kreutz. & Ovari, and Ophrys scolopax subsp. cornuta (Steven) E.G.Camus (= Ophrys cornuta Steven). For each of these species, a characteristic of the habitat, the population, as well as the accompanying plant species has been prepared, which includes various indicators: projective cover, life form, biological type, and floristic element. A correction is proposed in the distribution in Bulgaria of one of the accompanying species: Campanula sparsa Friv. Botanical literature in Bulgaria states that this species is established above 300 m a.s.l. In our research, we found it at sea level.

The Late Oligocene flora of Hungary

In Hungary, late Oligocene (Chattian, reg. str. Kiscellian and Egerian) plant remains have been preserved in sediments of the Törökbálint (Mány and Kovačov members) and Eger formations. An overview and revision of these late Oligocene macrofloras, both newly excavated and already published, are presented. Nearly a hundred plant taxa are described from the localities Andornaktálya, Csörög, Eger Wind-brickyard, Kesztölc, Környe, Leányfalu, Máriahalom, Nagysáp, Pomáz, Pusztaberki, Rétság, Tarján, Verőcemaros, and Vértesszőlős. Floristic results help understand and interpret the flora and vegetation change during the Oligocene. The appearance of temperate floristic elements in the late Oligocene floras may have been related to habitats strongly influenced by edaphic factors and the better adaptability of the new, temperate elements to a quickly changing environment.

Vascular flora of the Žeževica area (central Dalmatia, southern Croatia)

The flora of the Žeževica area was studied and listed in 2020. In all, 436 taxa from 286 genera and 83 families were recorded. Most taxa belong to the families Poaceae (9.63%) and Fabaceae (9.40%). The most abundant life forms are hemicryptophytes (34.63%) and therophytes (30.96%). As for the chorological analysis, most of the plants belong to Mediterranean (36.24%) and Southern European (22.02%) floral elements. A total of 14 endemic, 34 strictly protected and 22 threatened taxa were recorded. Most of the endemic species belong to the Illyrian Adriatic endemic plants. Of the alien flora, 23 taxa were listed, 16 plants of which are invasive. The greatest plant diversity was found in sites with different habitats, such as dry grasslands in olive groves and vineyards. The reduction of habitat diversity and the introduction of invasive taxa have proved to be the main problems leading to the reduction of plant richness. For this reason, the maintenance of diverse habitats with appropriate human influence are important for the conservation of the biodiversity in such areas.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF WEED FLORA IN MAIZE FIELDS IN THE AREA OF NOVI GRAD (REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA, B&H)

<p>Knowledge of the weed flora of a certain area, as well as knowledge of the relationship between cultivated plants and weed plants, is important for successful weed control and the efficient application of agrotechnical measures. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the weed flora in maize fields in the area of Novi Grad, as well as a taxonomic analysis, an analysis of the biological spectrum, a phytogeographical analysis and an analysis of ecological indicators of the maize weed flora. During field research on two maize fields in the area of Donji Rakani village (Novi Grad), a total of 38 species of vascular plants were collected, which were systematized into 35 genera and 16 families. The most abundant in terms of species numbers were the families Compositae (31.58%) and Poaceae (18.42%), as well as the genera <em>Erigeron</em>, <em>Ranunculus </em>and <em>Setaria</em>. Hemicryptophytes (36.84%) and therophytes (31.58%) dominated the biological spectrum. Phytogeographical analysis revealed the dominance of the Eurasian (25.81%) floral element. A total of seven adventive species were recorded. The paper also presents the results of the analysis of ecological indicators for soil moisture, soil reaction, nutrients, light and temperature. The results of our research contribute to a better knowledge of the weed flora in maize fields, which could be useful for creating more efficient weed control measures.</p>

Vascular flora of sub-Mediterranean grasslands and scrubs at the foot of the Promina Mountain (Northern Dalmatia, Croatia)

A floristic study of the plateau at the foot of the Promina Mountain, located between the rivers Krka and Čikola, was conducted in the period 2019-2021. On an area covered largely by sub-Mediterranean dry grasslands and scrubs 275 vascular plant taxa were recorded. Recorded taxa belong to 60 families, among which Fabaceae (14.91%), Poaceae (10.91%) and Asteraceae s. str. (8.00%) are the most abundant. Life-form analysis indicates the dominance of hemicryptophytes (44.73%) and therophytes (21.09%), and as for chorology, there is a domination of South-European (32.73%) and Mediterranean (29.45%) floral element. Only two invasive alien species, Ailanthus altissima and Robinia pseudoacacia were recorded. There are 15 endemic and 26 strictly protected taxa, while 19 taxa are included on the Croatian Red List. Results of the floristic analysis reflect the climate conditions and phytogeographical position of the studied area as well as the history of land use.

Morphometric Parameters of the Water Bodies of Bagry Wielkie and Bagry Małe in the Biodiversity Context

The article presents the results of nature-based and geodetic query of two neighbouring endorheic borrow pits, i.e., Bagry Wielkie and Staw Płaszowski (Bagry Małe), situated almost in the centre of the Krakow city. The movements of water tables in 2016–2023 were observed (from the moment of ecological disaster in the Staw Płaszowski, in February 2016) and bathymetric maps were presented. Based on geodetic measurements carried out in 2016–2022 and direct observations of nature, documenting biodiversity of both reservoirs in 2019–2022, the authors reviewed the state of biosphere in this location. Surveying, observations and interviews allowed parameterization of both water bodies (morphometric data and bathymetric maps) and creating up-to-date database (location on maps, qualitative and quantitative elements of flora and fauna). The material makes base for further studies with the application of more advanced photogrammetric technologies and UAV technologies, which can make data contained in this publication more accurate.