Flora Of Serbia Research Articles

Pharmaceutical and biological properties of Stachys species: A review

The genus Stachys includes about 300 cosmopolitan species, making it one of the largest genera of the Lamiaceae family. The purpose of this paper is to present a review of Stachys species in the flora of Serbia among which some species are endemic to the Balkan Peninsula. This review comprises morphological, phytochemical, medicinal and food application of 17 taxa: S. аlopecuros, S. аlpina, S. аnisochila, S. аnnua, S. аtherocalyx, S. cretica subsp. cassia, S. germanica, S. leucoglossa, S. milanii, S. officinalis, S. palustris, S. plumose, S. recta, S. tymphaea, S. scardica, S. serbica, and S. sylvatica. The species of the genus Stachys are rich sources of biologically active substances and well known for their worldwide application. For most of the Stachys species, it has been shown that their extracts possess biological activities such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer. The main goals of this review include the morphological description of species, representation of the major secondary metabolites, and presentation of traditional knowledge in food preparation.

An insight into the ecology of Woodsia alpina newly recorded for the flora of the Balkan Peninsula

The arctic-alpine species, Woodsia alpina (Woodsiaceae), was recorded on the Balkan Peninsula for the first time as a result of an intensive floristic and phytocoenological investigation of the rocky habitats located on the Stara Planina Mt. The record represents the first finding of this species and the family Woodsiaceae in general for the flora of Serbia. This new finding shifts the southern limit of its distribution in Southeastern Europe significantly. Five small subpopulations, consisting of a few up to dozens of specimens, were found above the forest belt, at an elevation range between 1671 and 1718 m a.s.l. They inhabit fissures in what are almost vertical rocks composed of Permian red sandstone with western exposition. Woodsia alpina shows affinities to semi-shaded places, which are moisturerich, slightly acidic and poor in nutrients. It grows alongside mosses, other ferns (Asplenium septentrionale, A. trichomanes, Asplenium ? alternifolium, Cystopteris fragilis) and flowering plants. According to the results of the cluster analysis, the communities of W. alpina recorded in Serbia are clearly distinguished from those of this species in other European countries regarding their floristic composition. Hence, it is necessary to clarify the syntaxonomical rank of this association within the class Asplenietea trichomanis (Br.-Bl. in Meier et Br.-Bl. 1934) Oberd. 1977 and the Androsacetalia vandellii order Br.-Bl. in Meier et Br.-Bl. 1934 in future research. Applying Huisman-Olff-Fresco models on a dataset from the Balkans, it is revealed that W. alpina has narrow ecological valences regarding elevation, exposition and 19 bioclimatic parameters. On the other hand, according to the literature, it grows successfully in a wide range of elevations in Europe, as a result of its affinity to colder climates and the arctic-alpine type of distribution.

Materijal za kritičku listu vrsta vaskularne flore Srbije - nomenklaturni, taksonomski i floristički prilozi I

The paper presents three new nomenclature combinations related to representatives of the orchid family. In addition, 14 taxa (species, subspecies and hybrids) of vascular flora which are newly registered for Serbia (of which 8 are autochthonous and 6 allochtonous plants) are presented. A confirmation of old or unreliable literature records for four autochthonous and one allochthonous plant in the flora of Serbia has been done. Four plant taxa are a novelty for proper Serbia, Vojvodina, or Kosovo and Metohija, and for 7 plants, presence in certain administrative units in Serbia has been confirmed. In the last part of the paper, there is a review of 9 disputed taxa for our country.

Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. (Apiaceae) - a new invasive species in the flora of Serbia

As invasive species are some of the most important drivers of global change in biodiversity and ecosystem services, early detection of invasive species and the ability to track their spreading are of crucial importance. One of the most dangerous invasive plant species in Europe, Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. H. sosnowskyi, is recorded as a new species in the flora of Serbia. It was found in June 2016 in the area of Belgrade on the left bank of the Danube, near Kovilovo. is Data concerning its morphology, habitat characteristics, flowering period and population size in Serbia are presented in this paper.

New Records of Mediterranean-Atlantic Mosses in the Flora of Serbia

Abstract: Papp, B., Szurdoki, E., Pantovic, J. & Sabovljevic, M. S. 2016. New records of Mediterranean-Atlantic mosses in the flora of Serbia. — Herzogia 29: 185–189. During extensive field research on cryptogams of the lower Ibar Valley in Central—SW Serbia three moss species were recorded new to the bryophyte flora of Serbia. These are Dialytrichia mucronata, Grimmia lisae and Gymnostomum viridulum.

Invasive melliferous plants in the flora of Serbia

The study of invasive plant species occupies a lot of researchers all over the world, because this category of plants is one of the more important factors of endangering native flora of specific area. In the flora of Serbia, presence of invasive plants, disturbs, primarily, composition of vegetation and bipolar character of life forms. In this paper we are, especially, pointing out the species which are pollinated by bees, wanting to emphasize that besides already known ways of spreading invasive species, insufficient knowledge of their biology and ecology, can become a focus and a new way of spreading some species, such as Robina pseudacacia, Amorpha fruticosa, Syphyotrichum lanceolatum and Asclepias syriaca, since they are well-known melliferous plants.

New taxa of the genus Navicula (Bacillariophyceae) in the diatom flora of Serbia

Abstract The main objective of this paper is to report two benthic, epilithic diatom species from the Raška River. Samples were collected in April, June, August and November 2011 and March and May 2012 from 5 localities along the Raška River by scraping off the stone surface using a brush. Diatom frustules were first cleaned using the cold acid method, and then mounted on permanent slides. Descriptions (main valve measurements of the populations in the Raška River), ecology, distribution in Serbia and Europe, and appropriate photomicrographs of two species are presented. Navicula jakovljevicii Hustedt and Navicula catalanogermanica Lange-Bertalot & Hofmann are rarely found in Europe and these are new distributional records. These new taxa significantly contribute to diatom floristic diversity of the Raška River.

New and interesting bryophyte records for the flora of Serbia

During a revision of the bryophyte collections in the Herbarium of the Balkan Peninsula, Natural History Museum of Belgrade (BEO) and the Herbarium of the University of Belgrade (BEOU), as well as historical literature data, four bryophytes were identified as new to the flora of Serbia, namely, the mosses Fontinalis hypnoides, Leucobryum juniperoideum, Dicranum spurium and the hornwort Phaeoceros laevis. Fontinalis hypnoides is relatively recently recorded in SW Serbia, while Leucobryum juniperoideum and Dicranum spurium are known from historical collections. The hornwort Phaeoceros laevis was cited for SE Serbia in 1907, but up to now not found again.

Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Orchidaceae), a new species in the flora of Serbia

Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Orchidaceae) has been found on Mt. Javor (SW Serbia) as a new species in the flora of Serbia. This is the single known locality of this species in the Central Balkans and the southernmost limit of the species? distribution on the Balkan Peninsula. Data concerning its morphology, distribution, habitat preferences, flowering period, population size and conservation status in Serbia are provided.

Revision of the genus Hypericum L. (Hypericaceae) in three herbarium collections from Serbia

This paper provides information on herbarium specimens of the genus Hypericum represented in several herbaria from Serbia. The reviewed collections include: Herbarium of Natural History Museum in Belgrade (BEO), Herbarium of the Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden 'Jevremovac', University of Belgrade (BEOU), and Herbarium of the Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Niš (HMN). Total number of 1108 herbarium sheets was examined, including 426 specimens stored in BEO, 484 in BEOU and 198 in HMN. The review of revised herbarium data for 18 plant species of the genus represented in the flora of Serbia is presented. Their distribution in Serbia is reconsidered according to obtained herbarium data and shown in the maps.

Nectar production in species of the Genus galanthus L. (Amaryllidaceae) from Serbia

As a contribution to the study of the melliferous flora of Serbia, nectar production in two species of the genus Galanthus L. (G. nivalis L., and G. elwesii Hook.) was investigated. The intensity of nectar secretion was determined directly, using the microcapillary method. The study included determination of the total daily nectar amount per flower, and an analysis of nectar secretion dynamics during the day and during the flower ontogeny. The results show that the total daily amount of nectar per flower is low, and flowers of both species exude nectar only once during the day and during the flower ontogeny. However, despite the low nectar production, Galanthus species represent a first valuable source of nectar and pollen to pollinators in the early spring period, when only a small number of species are in the flowering phenophase.

Josif Pančić and the new Flora of Serbia

Josif Pančić and the new Flora of Serbia

First Report of 16SrIII-B Phytoplasma Subgroup Associated with Virescence of Arnica montana in Serbia.

Arnica montana L. is a high altitude perennial plant, indigenous to Europe, but it is not native in the flora of Serbia. Plantain introduction of A. montana began a few years ago in the Tara mountain region, Western Serbia (43°53'44.17″N 19°33'11.62″E, 1,008 m ASL). The mountainous climate in this region is characterized by 850 mm of precipitation per year and an average decade temperature range from 11 to 25°C in the vegetation period of May through September. The main soil type is dystric cambisol, exhibiting a slightly acidic reaction (pH 6.4). Seeds of A. montana cv. ARBO were obtained from the Agricultural Research Centre of Finland. Seedlings were produced in a greenhouse during the period March through April and planted in May 2008. Virescence symptoms were observed starting from May 2010. A. montana exhibited symptoms mainly on flowers, like green leaflike structures instead of flowers and proliferation of acillary buds. Later in the season, flowers were malformed and consequently failed to produce seeds. Plant material for analyses was collected during 2010 and 2011 from an experimental field located at Tara mountain. Total DNA was extracted from the leaf midveins of 14 symptomatic and six symptomless plants (3). Nested PCR was carried out with primers P1/P7 followed by P1/16S-Sr and R16F2n/R16R2 primers, resulting with the DNA fragments amplification of expected size: 1.8, 1.5, and 1.2 kb, respectively, in all symptomatic samples tested. No phytoplasmas were detected in symptomless samples. PCR products of 1.2 kb, obtained by R16F2n/R16R2 primers from symptomatic samples, were digested independently with four restriction enzymes (Alu I, Tru I, Hpa II and Hha I) and the RFLP patterns were compared with those of Stolbur (Stol), Aster Yellows (AY), Flavescence Doree-C (FD-C), Poinsettia Branch-Inducing (PoiBI) and Clover Yellow Edge (CYE) phytoplasmas (2). RFLP patterns from all symptomatic A. montana samples were identical to CYE pattern. Comparison of the 16S rDNA sequence of representative symptomatic sample Am4, deposited under accession number JX297491 in NCBI GenBank, with other phytoplasmas from the database revealed 99% identity with members of 16SrIII-B phytoplasma group: Clover yellow edge phytoplasma strain CYE (JQ944798.1), 'Euscelidius variegatus' phytoplasma strain AP-I (HQ589197.1), Clover phyllody phytoplasma strain CP (HQ589196.1), etc. In Serbia, phytoplasma belonging 16SrIII-B subgroup has been identified in Cirsium arvense (4) and pear plants (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a natural infection of A. montana by phytoplasma. Cultivation of A. montana provides the necessary raw material for medicament production. The flower heads are widely used for the topical treatment of bruises and sprains in phytopharmaceutical preparations.Taking into consideration that monoculture plantation growing of perennials favorites rapid spreading of infections, the present study tended to examine the potential threat of virescence, which could be the limiting factor of ex-situ conservation of this endangered plant by its cultivation.

Essential Oil Composition of Cachrys cristata – a rare and Endangered Species in the Flora of Serbia

Cachrys cristata DC. (Apiaceace) is a rare and critically endangered species in the flora of Serbia. Essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts and fruits of this species was analyzed using combined GC and GC/MS. The oil from the aerial parts was rich in sesquiterpenes (45.7%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (32.9%), while the fruit oil consisted of a higher percentage of sesquiterpenes (48.3%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (36.7%). The dominant constituents in the oil from aerial parts were phytol (13.1%) and germacrene D (12.9%), while in the fruit oil suberosin (19.7%) and germacrene D (12.3%) were the most abundant.

New data on the distribution of Ranunculus polyphyllus Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd. in Serbia

During our field studies of saline meadows, salt marshes and swampy flora carried out near the Backi Monostor and Melenci villages (Vojvodina, Serbia) several specimens of the genus Ranunculus L. (Ranunculaceae) were found and identified as Ranunculus polyphyllus Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd. Apart from two records from the beginning of the last century, the appearance of this rare species has been uncertain in the flora of Serbia. We confirmed its presence at one known and two new localities in salt marsh and aquatic floating communities. Also, this is the first herbarium evidence of the presence of this species in Serbia.

Galanthus gracilis celak. (Amaryllidaceae) in the flora of Serbia

There are only ambiguous data in literature that suggest the presence of Galanthus gracilis Celak. in the flora of Serbia. Throughout its range G. gracilis is often confused with closely related species G. elwesii Hook., with which it shares several morphological characteristics, and in some cases the same name is erroneously used for both species (G. graecus Orph.). Only about a decade ago, the genus was a subject of taxonomic revision by the English author Aaron P. Davis, whose work eliminated confusion created by the previous conflicting divisions. Therefore, further studies are required to determine the exact distribution of this species. In this paper, we officially report the presence of G. gracilis in Serbia, with a description of its habitat and estimation of the threatened status.

Antiradical activity of seven Plantago species from Serbia and Montenegro

Plantago species are widely distributed in Europe and 14 species are described in the Flora of Serbia [1]. In Asia and Europe, Plantago species have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of certain respiratory and digestive diseases, and wound healing [2]. Phytochemical investigation of the genus revealed the presence of iridoid glycosides and various phenolics [3]. In our study, 50% ethanolic extracts of Plantago lanceolata, P. atrata, P. bellardii, P. coronopus, P. holosteum, P. reniformis, and P. schwarzenbergiana leaves were investigated regarding the contents of total phenolics, phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPG), and iridoids. Antiradical activity of extracts was characterized by the DPPH scavenging test. The amount of total phenolics varied from 9.28–24.98mg GAE/g DW, and decreasing order was P. lanceolata > P. schwarzenbergiana > P. holosteum > P. atrata > P. reniformis > P. bellardii > P. coronopus. Regarding the PPG content, the highest amount was present in P. lanceolata (8.88%), and P. atrata contained the lowest amounts of PPG (1.55%). The most abundant in iridoids were P. holosteum, P. atrata and P. lanceolata (14.54, 12.52 and 12.25mg/g, respectively). The highest scavenging activity toward DPPH radical was observed in P. lanceolata (IC50=0.25mg/ml), while the lowest activity was shown by P. coronopus (IC50=0.77mg/ml). The scavenging effect of extracts decreased in the same order as with total phenolic content, and the relationship between total phenolic content and antiradical activity of extracts was observed with statistically significant correlation (r=–0.95).

Cardamine plumieri (Brassicaceae) confirmed to the Flora of Serbia

The south-European Cardamine plumieri Vill. (sect. Pteroneurum subsect. Cryptopterum) is confirmed for the Flora of Serbia. Several populations were discovered in the central and western part of country, exclusively on the serpentine bedrocks. Morphological, chorological and ecological characteristics of C. plumieri was studied.

Composition of the essential oil of Stachys germanica from Serbia

The genus Stachys L. comprises more than 270 species and is considered one of the largest genera of the Labiatae [1]. It is a subcosmopolitan genus centered in the warm temperate regions of the Mediterranean and SW Asia. Serbia is an area not very rich in Stachys representatives. In the flora of Serbia, 17 species are recognized [2]. Plants of this genus have long been used in folk medicine for the treatment of genital tumors, sclerosis of the spleen, inflammatory tumors, cough, and ulcers [3]. Teas prepared from the whole plant or leaves are used in phytotherapy. They posses sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic, and emmenagogue effects [4, 5]. In spite of the large species diversity of Stachys, the composition of essential oils is known in only a small number of species. Essential oils have been studied in different Stachys species [6–16]. As a part of a morphological, anatomical, and chemical research of genus Stachys in Serbian flora, we report the essential oil composition of S. germanica. Seventy-three compounds were identified in the essential oil of S. germanica, which represents 92.87% of the total oil, through their retention indexes and mass spectra obtained using GC/MS. The components with their percentage peak area are listed in Table 1. The main components were borneol (9.27%), bicyclogermacrene (8.97%), β-farnesene (5.70%), and spathulenol (4.60%). S. germanica oil contains monoterpene hydrocarbons (0.96%), oxygenated monoterpenes (14.07%), sesquiterpenes (34.23%), and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (24.89%). The essential oil of this species contains also aliphatic hydrocarbons (14.33%) and diterpenes (1.63%).

High tolerance to water pollution in Cosmarium boitierense Kouwets and Staurastrum bloklandiae Coesel et Joosten, taxa recorded for the first time from the Balkan Peninsula

Detailed investigations into the desmid flora of the Province of Vojvodina (north Serbia) were performed in the period from April 2002 to May 2003. Although water of the investigated localities was marked as alkaline, distinctly hard, enriched with mineral salts and organic, biodegradable compounds, a surprisingly high number of desmid species was recorded. Two taxa, Cosmarium boitierense var. boitierense and Staurastrum bloklandiae, are new to the algal flora of Serbia as well as for the Balkan Peninsula. In this paper 47 plankton samples from six localities holding these taxa are taken into consideration. It was found that Cosmarium boitierense var. boitierense and Staurastrum bloklandiae are inhabitants of eutrophic and alkaline freshwater ecosystems containing a considerable amount of mineral salts, toxic compounds, heavy metals and s-radioactivity.