Floristic Elements Research Articles

Re-investigations of the fossil fern Xiajiajienia mirabila (Dicksoniaceae) based on new material from the Lower Cretaceous of western Liaoning, China

As one of the essential Mesozoic floristic elements, the family Dicksoniaceae experienced two flourishing periods, one in the Middle Jurassic and the other in the Early Cretaceous. Several fossil genera that yield cup-shaped or bivalvate indusia in sori have been considered members of this family. Among them, the genus Xiajiajienia Sun, Zheng et Mei 2001 presents unique characteristics with unlobed drepaniform sterile pinnules, marginal sori and bivalvate indusia. However, its systematical investigation was poorly documented due to the limit preservation of fossil specimens, which would compromise its taxonomic significance. Here, we report new fertile pinnae of Xiajiajienia mirabila from the Jianshangou Bed, Yixian Formation in western Liaoning, China. Based on the distinguishable characters of the newly-found specimen, a minor emendation of species diagnosis is proposed. A phylogenetic analysis was performed with a molecular scaffold, suggesting Xiajiajienia had a closer relationship with both modern and fossil Dicksonia. Previous research on the Yixian Formation's paleoenvironment (Jehol biota) suggests that X. mirabila lived in a cool, temperate mid-latitude climate with seasonal variations, especially in a humid area near water. The genus was suggested to be endemic to the Jianshangou flora of the Jehol biota, along with other genera in Dicksoniaceae, which witnessed the second flourishing period of the family around the world back to the Early Cretaceous.

First floristic investigation in archaeological sites of Iran: features and plant richness of the Pasargadae World Heritage Site

ABSTRACT Archaeological areas often become hotspots for biodiversity and refugia for plant species. The management activity of a site permits the conservation of natural habitats. This first contribution to the floristic assessment of an Iranian archaeological site, aims to preserve its natural values. The Pasargadae World Heritage Site (6th century BC) located at the border between the Zagros mountains and the Irano-Turanian region, showed a richness of 244 species, belonging to 38 families and 163 genera. The most represented families are Asteraceae (56), Poaceae (34), and Fabaceae (22). Herbaceous species represented 90% of the flora [therophytes (42%), hemicryptophytes (39%), and geophytes (9%)]. Asiatic, Irano-Turanian, and Mediterranean species are the most recurrent species with a high component of endemic ones. Astragalus ghashghaicus, Taraxacum plicatulum, Acantholimon serotinum, and Linaria farsensis were among the more interesting floristic elements. The comparison with past data, even if limited in quantity, indicated a good floristic conservation status. This research also showed the need to deepen our knowledge of the taxonomic features of this Iranian flora, sometimes still resulting in an ambiguous or unresolved status. The collected floristic data will help in elaborating management protocols, to enhance the cultural and natural value of the site.

Enterococcus Species Isolated from Urine Cultures and Antibiotic Resistance Rates

While enterococci are found as flora elements in many parts of the body, they have recently emerged as different infectious agents such as urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and meningitis. Increasing antibiotic resistance also poses additional challenges in treatment. In this study, it was aimed to determine the species identification and antibiotic resistance rates of enterococci isolated from the urinary tract. Enterococcus strains isolated from urine culture samples sent to the routine microbiology laboratory from various clinics of our hospital between 01.01.2020 and 31.12.2021 with the preliminary diagnosis of urinary tract infection were included in this study. Samples were cultivated on sheep blood agar and eosin methylene blue agar, and species determination and antibiogram evaluation were carried out in accordance with the recommendations of EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing-2020-2021) using conventional methods and automated identification device (VITEK 2 Compact-BioMerieux-France). All enterococci isolates (n=349) were susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin, tigecycline and linezolid. Of Enterococcus faecalis isolates (n=238), 32.8% were resistant to ciprofloxacin, 23.7% to high-level gentamicin, 33.2% to imipenem, 2.5% to nitrofurantoin, and 26.9% to streptomycin. Of the Enterococcus faecium isolates (n=111), 84.7% were resistant to ciprofloxacin, 58.6% to high-level gentamicin, 91% to imipenem, 31.5% to nitrofurantoin, and 83.8% to streptomycin. In conclusion, it is important to determine the resistance patterns of enterococcus strains, which are most frequently isolated as the causative agent of urinary tract infection, and also cause other clinical presentations such as wound infection or bacteremia, and to establish appropriate treatment protocols and to determine new antibiotic resistances.

Species diversity pattern and its drivers of the understory herbaceous plants in a Chinese subtropical forest

Understory herbaceous plants are an important component of forest ecosystems, playing important roles in species diversity and forest dynamics in forests. However, the current understanding of the biodiversity of forest communities is mostly from woody plants, and knowledge of community structure and species diversity for understory herbaceous plants remains scarce. In a subtropical forest in China, we investigated understory vascular herbaceous diversity from 300 plots (5 × 5 m) in the main growing season. In this study, we analyzed the community structure and diversity pattern of the understory herbaceous community and linked the species diversity pattern to both abiotic and biotic environments. We found a rich diversity of understory herbaceous communities in this forest (81 species belonging to 55 genera), and floristic elements at the genus level were dominated by tropical elements, followed by temperate elements. The diversity pattern of the understory herbaceous showed a significant habitat preference, with the highest diversity in the lowland valleys and then followed by in middle slopes. In addition, herbaceous diversity was significantly affected by both abiotic factors (such as terrain convexity) and biotic factors (such as the diversity of surrounding woody plants). Our study indicated that species diversity of understory herbaceous showed a remarkable habitat preference, such as lowland valleys, and highlighted the importance of both abiotic and biotic environments in driving herbaceous diversity patterns in the subtropical forest understory.

Vascular Flora from Ecoton Zones of the Slatioara Secular Forest

The purpose of this study is to generate essential scientific information regarding the floristic composition and the structures of the ecotone vegetation in the natural forest Codrul Secular Slătioara, because so far no such studies have been carried out in this reserve. Also, the results of this study provide important data, which can be the basis for the development of strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of some herbaceous species, valuable due to genetic and socio-economic, respectively of a regular forest monitoring program. The floristic studies were carried out in the 2020 to 2021 vegetation season. Based on the specialized literature, plant species were identified and then processed from the point of view of bioforms, floristic elements and ecological indices. The economic categories in which the identified species fall were also analyzed. Thus, a total of 292 species belonging to 46 botanical families were identified and their distribution by ecosystems is as follows: in the forest, 90 species were identified, in the lands adjacent to the forest, in the meadows, 202 species were found and in the area of border, 120 species of vascular plants were identified. Most of the species identified in the study area are hemicryptophytes, heliophiles, and eurytherms, which grow on dry to moderately moist, eurytrophic soils. More than 50% of the identified species belong to several categories of useful plants (fodder, medicinal, melliferous, edible).

Endemic flora within communities of mountain pine (pinus mugo turra) at metohian prokletije mountain

Metohian Prokletije is marked as one of the main European centers of the Balkan floristic endemism due to their geographical position on the fringe of the Mediterra?nean Sea and complex and diverse geomorphological, geological, orographic and climatic factors. This paper presents the results of long-standing comprehensive floristic researches of endemic flora in the Metohian Prokletije Mt., with particular reference to their high mountain?ous areas over the tree limit where Pinus mugo communities are concentrated. These types of ecosystems represent a transitional zone between the coniferous forests and high mountain bushy and herbaceous vegetation, at an altitude of 1,700 m do 2,400 m. Based on detailed field surveys, 118 Balkan endemic plant taxa within these communities were recorded so far. The phytogeographical analysis showed that the Balkan endemic taxa predominantly belong to the South-European mountainous (SEM) and Central-European mountainous (CEM) chorological groups with the following participation of floristic elements: 1) Dinaric-Scardo-Pindhian-Moesian (44 taxa or 37%), 2) Dinaric-Scardo-Pindhian (40 taxa or 34%), 3) Dinaric (24 taxa or 20%), and 4) Dinaric-Moesian elements (10 taxa or 9%). The biological spectrum was characterized by the prevalence of hemicryptophytes and chamaephytes. The obtained results on the presence of numerous endemic plants in the studied area can increase the interest in further floristic research, while the provided information of the ecological importance as well conservation status of threatened plant communities with Pinus mugo aimed at encouraging more effective biodiversity protection and sustainable management of natural resources.

An efficient method for estimating vein density of Glossopteris and its application

AbstractGlossopteris‐type leaves are the most abundant floristic element from the Gondwanan continent and are recorded throughout the Permian, which was a period of extreme icehouse‐to‐hothouse climatic global change. Fossil leaf traits can be useful for the reconstruction of palaeoenvironments and identification of climatic changes throughout geological time, but the conservative morphology of Glossopteris leaves has thus far made them difficult to use for this purpose. If the characters of Glossopteris can be better quantified then it should make them useful for tracking environmental changes over a wide geographical area and over a long time interval. Venation density is a highly variable leaf trait that might be useful for this purpose. This trait can be calculated, usually as vein length per centimetre squared, but this can be a time‐consuming procedure. In this paper we propose a new rapid method to estimate venation density in a conical sector of Glossopteris leaf lamina using an accurate linear model whose predictors are three linear venation densities, measured as veins per centimetre. In addition to substantially reducing the data collection time, it is less biased and more reproducible than methods applied previously with this leaf type. Using this more robust method, preliminary results significantly distinguish the venation densities of leaves produced in wet and drier ecosystems, matching a pattern similar to modern plants. This is the first survey using a large sample size to reveal that environmental stress controlled the vein architecture of Palaeozoic plants, in a manner similar to plants in modern ecosystems.

PLANT AND HABITAT DIVERSITY OF THE RILSKO KORITO VALLEY

A study has been conducted of the plant biodiversity of the vascular plants in the Rilsko Korito valley. As a result, there were established 81 families, 327 genera and 639 vascular plant species. The floristic analysis performed determined the floristic elements, biological type and floristic complex of the examined local flora. The performed research managed to establish 1 Bulgarian endemite Muscari vandasii Velen. and 16 Balcan endemites. Eight species with conservation statuses were confirmed: critically endangered (CR) -Dactylorhiza kalopissii subsp. macedonica (J. Holz. & Kunkele) Kreutz, endangered (EN) – Epipactis palustris (L.) Crantz, Ophrys apifera Huds., vulnerable (VU) -Anacamptis pyramidalis (L.) Rich., Orchis laxiflora Lam. subsp. palustris (Jacq.) Bornm. et Lay., data-deficient (DD) - Typha schuttlewortii Koch. et Sond., least concern (LC) - Fritillaria pontica Wahlenb. and Ficus carica L. There were also 189 medicinal species were also determined (33.7% of the total number of species).

Elevation and cation exchange capacity determine diversity of ferns in a low-montane tropical rainforest in Ecuador

AbstractFerns (Polypodiophyta) are an abundant floral element of the tropics with high sensitivity to environmental conditions and good indicators of overall biodiversity. Here, we set out to identify which geochemical factors determine fern diversity in a low-montane tropical rainforest in Eastern Ecuador. We conducted a field survey of high-spatial resolution completing a comprehensive fern inventory across two elevational ranges, combined with biochemical characterisation of the underlying soils. While α-diversity was negatively correlated with cation exchange capacity (CEC) and with elevation, β-diversity increased with elevation and with geographic distance, as predicted. Our results confirm that ferns have a high sensitivity to both elevational and environmental gradients, where the latter in this study was derived from enhanced aluminium, iron and calcium contents in some of the studied soils. Further monitoring of fern communities could therefore help to better understand and predict how environmental change may impact biodiversity, with a particular focus on threats potentially arising from toxic elements being released in tropical soils through modified soil CEC.

Diverse fruits and seeds of the mid-Eocene Kishenehn Formation, northwestern Montana, USA, and their implications for biogeography

Lacustrine shales of the Kishenehn Formation of northwestern Montana provide an important window to the local mid-Eocene (Lutetian) ecosystem including evidence from insects, molluscs, vertebrates and plants. However, little has been published on the macrofossils flora, which includes abundant compressed fruits and seeds as well as foliage. Here we provide a preliminary survey, with particular attention to reproductive remains from the Middle Fork Region. Identified families include Equisetaceae, Cupressaceae, Pinaceae, Betulaceae, Brassicaceae, Cercidiphyllaceae, Eucommiaceae, Juglandaceae, Oleaceae, Platanaceae, Rutaceae, Salicaceae, Sapindaceae, Simaroubaceae and Ulmaceae. With at least 107 entities, this is among the most diverse lacustrine megafossil floras in North America. This flora shares elements with the early to mid-Eocene Green River Parachute Creek Member flora of Colorado and Utah, the Thunder Mountain flora of Idaho and the Okanogan Highland floras of British Columbia and Republic, Washington, as well as some with the late Eocene Ruby flora of Montana. We estimate the mean annual temperature to have been between 8.91 and 12.10 °C and mean annual precipitation to have been between 945 and 1,204 mm using the Bioclimatic Analysis/Mutual Climate Range Technique. This summary of floral elements complements the faunal record of the Kishenehn Formation and fills a gap in prior knowledge of the paleofloristic distributions.

The flora of three islets in the Korčula archipelago (southeastern Adriatic)

The flora of three small islets located in the Korčula Archipelago was investigated on several occasions during 2020. In all, 105 plant taxa were recorded, of which 101 are angiosperms, 3 gymnosperms and with 1 fern. The total flora of the islets is distributed in 48 families. The families with the highest number of taxa are Poaceae (12.38%) and Asteraceae (10.48%), followed by Lamiaceae (7.62%) and Fabaceae (5.71%). The most common life forms are therophytes (31.43%), hemicryptophytes (27.62%) and phanerophytes (19.05%). The largest number of plant taxa is accounted for by the Mediterranean floral element (60.95%), followed by the South European (20.00%) In all, three endemic, four endangered and seven strictly protected taxa were recorded. Endemics are Carduus micropterus (Borbás) Teyber ssp. micropterus, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Medik. ssp. adriaticum (Beck) Markgr and Limonium dictyophorum (Tausch) Degen. All recorded endemic taxa belong to the group Illyrian-Adriatic endemic plants. Endangered taxa are Desmazeria marina (L.) Druce, Elymus pycnathus (Godr.) Melderis and Narcissus tazetta L. Strictly protected taxa include Chenopodium murale L. and Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile. The invasive species Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist and Euphorbia prostrata Aiton have been recorded in the flora of the islet of Majsan.

Taxonomy and ecology of Sphagnum-associated Desmids from the New England Tablelands, New South Wales, Australia

Desmids associated with Sphagnum L. from terrestrial and aquatic habitats were investigated in the New England Tableland Bioregion. Descriptions and figures for 80 taxa are presented herein, nine of which are newly recorded for Australia, and a further seven are newly recorded for New South Wales. Two novel species of desmid, Micrasterias bicoronata A.Kenins and Cosmarium phymatodeum A.Kenins, are described. The floristic composition of desmids at Basket Swamp and Ebor Common, were compared to assess their conservation value based on an existing and modified scheme better suited to desmids from Australia. Basket Swamp received a relatively high score based on greater species richness and numerous endemics present. In contrast, Ebor Common scored lower due to less diversity and few regionally endemic species. This study also highlights that the desmid community found amongst Sphagnum in Australia is highly diverse (βSOR = 0.82) and can differ markedly among the four assessed sites due to spatial turnover (βRATIO = 0.15). While there are species in common with the much more extensively studied Sphagnum habitats in central and western Europe, Australia has its own distinctive desmid floral elements.

ETHNOMATHEMATICS: LEARNING GEOMETRY FROM BANYUMAS BATIK PATTERNS

Ethnomathematics is a science used to express the relationship between culture and mathematics. Banyumas Regency has a variety of cultures, one of which is batik Banyumas. Batik Banyumas have a characteristic black base color with light color patterns or scribbles, and designs from batik Banyumas contain elements of flora and fauna in Banyumas. This study aims to discover the mathematical concept in batik Banyumas and how to analyze these mathematical concepts. This research is qualitative research with an ethnographic approach. The data collection process carries out by documentation. Data analysis uses data collection methods, data reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions and verification—data validity technique using source triangulation. The mathematical concepts identified in Batik Banyumas are the concept of points, line segments, flat constructs (isosceles triangles, parallelograms, rectangles, rhombuses, and circles), congruence and similarity, as well as geometric transformations (translation, reflection, dilatation, and rotation). The results of this study can be used as a reference for teachers in the application of contextual learning related to learning resources that come from the environment around students and as an explanation to students that mathematics learning can connect to the culture around students, namely the batik Banyumas

Invasive species of the flora of transformed sections of railway tracks in the bottom of the Dnister–Tiligul river

In order to study invasive species as dangerous elements of foreign flora, modern monitoring studies are needed under the conditions of various ecotopes of a wide range of their transformation. According to the «Strategy of biosecurity and biological protection», alien species are a threat to biodiversity at its various levels. Taking into account that railway tracks are one of the main ways of penetration and initial establishment of synanthropic species in new territories, in 2018–2021, the flora of the tracks in the areas of the Dniester floodplain was studied. 34 invasive species from 14 families were noted, they included Asteraceae (26.47% of species), Brassicaceae and Poaceae (17.65% each), Amaranthaceae (8.82%) and others. The majority of species (55.88%) grows both on track sections and (in addition) next to ruderalized sections of overburden. Another 11 species (32.35%) can be found on tracks, ruderalized areas of overburden and on the roadsides of the nearby highway. Only two species (5.88%) are cultivated. Two more species such as Amaranthus powellii S.Watson, Oxybaphus nyctagineus (Michx.) Sweet are noted only on railway tracks and sections of railway infrastructure. According to the life form, nine species (26.47%) are hemicryptophytes. 23 ones are therophytes (67.65%). Two species are fanerophytes (5.88%). According to the chronotype, 41.18% of the species are aschaeophytes. Kenophytes make 58.82%. Among archaeophytes, most plant species have a frequency of occurrence — «scattered» and «abundant» (35.71% each). Among the kenophyres, there are the most species whose plants were «scattered» (40.00%). In general, the majority of invasive species, by frequency of occurrence, belong to the «scattered» (38.25%) and «abundant» (23.53%) categories. Also there are «single» (17.65%), «usually» (11.77%), «single locality» (8.82%). Most species (70.60%) are represented by wide ranges: cosmopolitan (and hemi-cosmopolitan) make 44.12%, Eurasian form 14.71%, Euro-American make 11.77%. Eight species (23.53%) are particularly dangerous for the environment, as they are transformers of local growth. Most of the plants of invasive species of railway tracks were also found on adjacent ruderalized areas. Therophytes, kenophytes and species with a wide range prevail. They are found, mostly «scattered» and «abundant». Eight species (23.53%) are the most dangerous for environment, because they transform ground place (Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Centaurea diffusa, Conyza canadensis, Grindelia squarrosa, Iva xanthiifolia, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Anisantha tectorum, Setaria glauca).

ЗМІНИ КЛІМАТУ ТА ДЕНДРОФЛОРИ ПІВНІЧНО-СХІДНОЇ ЧАСТИНИ УКРАЇНИ У ПІЗНЬОМУ МІОЦЕНІ-РАННЬОМУ ПЛЕЙСТОЦЕНІ (ЗА ПАЛІНОЛОГІЧНИМИ ДАНИМИ)

The results of palynological studies serve as the basis for paleofloristic and paleoclimatic reconstructions. Plants are sensitive to changes in basic climatic parameters—heat and moisture. In this regard, the flora is a reliable indicator of changes in paleoclimatic conditions. The purpose of this study is the paleofloristic and paleoclimatic reconstructions of the late Miocene—early Pleistocene of the northeastern part of Ukraine based on palynological data. For the regions of Dnieper-Donetsk depression and the central part of the Donetsk folded structure, detailed reconstructions of paleoclimate changes from the late Miocene to the Pliocene based on palynological data are presented for the first time. The information on climatic changes during the Gelasian time of the early Pleistocene of these regions has been significantly supplemented. Paleoclimate reconstructions were carried out on the basis of analysis of the taxonomic composition of spore-pollen complexes and subcomplexes that characterize Upper Miocene-Lower Pleistocene sediments, analysis of ecological timing of individual taxa, as well as analysis of geographical elements of flora and patterns of changes in their relationships over time. It is established that the climate of the late Miocene, Pliocene, and early Pleistocene of the northeastern part of Ukraine was characterized by cyclicity of different frequencies and amplitude. Climatic optimums and pessimums traced in the specified period of time are characterized. The curves of changes in the main climate parameters of the northeastern part of Ukraine in the late Miocene-early Pleistocene are represented.

Batik Sarong Terengganu is featured with a Climbing Floral Design as a Motif

This study identifies the uniqueness of climbing floral themes used on Terengganu batik sarongs. Digital image compilation and motif tracing on batik sarong were used to examine the floral climber characters. The relevant literature was mapped onto batik sarong motifs linked to floral elements’ function and role. The examination revealed that climbing flower designs were used at the apit kain (framing border) and the tepi kain (upper and lower edge parts). Various types of tropical flowers were developed as inspiration by the batik makers and represent the batik sarong Terengganu identity. Keywords: Batik Sarong, Climbing Character, Floral Design, Terengganu eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. They are published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under the responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI8.3922

Floristic diversity and vegetation of communities associated with two endemic Dianthus species in the montane steppes of northeastern Iran

The study aimed to analyze vegetation data using a phytosociological method and to identify species composition and relationships between vegetation and environmental data in communities that include two threatened species (Dianthus pseudocrinitus Behrooz. & Joharchi and D. polylepis Bien. ex Boiss.) endemic to the montane steppes of Khorassan‐Kopet Dagh floristic province in northeastern Iran. We sampled 75 vegetation plots in 15 sites where the endemic Dianthus species occur. In order to evaluate community characterization of the species, we investigated floristic composition, life‐form spectrum and the phytogeography of the study sites. In all, 370 plant species were recorded, belonging to 184 genera in 45 families. Floristic analysis revealed that Hemicryptophytes are the dominant life‐form in these habitats, and Iran‐Turanian floristic elements contributed 74.5% of the total number of species. Classification analysis based on TWINSPAN showed a clear separation of the study sites based on Dianthus taxa, which was confirmed by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). The results reflected the highly diverse flora at all Dianthus sites. Species composition and the distribution of vegetation groups were influenced by some environmental factors. Habitats for both species could be managed by a community ecological approach; our study provided a better knowledge of these communities' ecological and floristic composition to enhance effective management and conservation of the threatened species.

Morphometric analysis and genetic diversity in Hypericum L. using sequence related amplified polymorphism

There are about 484 species of Hypericum in the Guttiferae family, which includes Hypericoideae. In Iran, species of this genus are mainly found in the north, northwest, and center of the country, and they are key contributors to the floral elements of the Hyrcanian mountains, Irano-Turanian, and Mediterranean regions (such as the Zagros). Medicinal, commercial, and horticultural values are associated with these plants.The genetic diversity was assessed through Sequence-related amplified polymorphism. To uncover genetic diversity and species characteristics in Hypericum species, were studied through a combination of morphological and molecular data. Eighty-five individuals related to 7 Hypericum were collected in 6 provinces. A total of 76 (Number of total loci) (NTL) DNA bands were produced through polymerase chain reaction amplifications (PCR) amplification of seven Hypericum species. These bands were produced with the combinations of 5 selective primers. The total number of amplified fragments ranged from 10 to 20. According to the SRAP (Sequence-related amplified polymorphism) markers analysis, H. perforatum and H. asperulum had the lowest similarity. This study also detected a significant signature of isolation by distance (Mantel test results). Present results showed that sequence-related amplified polymorphism have the potential to identify and decipher genetic affinity in Hypericum species. Current results have implications in biodiversity and conservation programs. Besides this, present results could pave the way for selecting suitable ecotypes for forage and pasture purposes in Iran. Genus Hypericum (Guttiferae, Hypericoideae) is perennial, belonging to the Hypericaceae family, having 484 species in forms of trees, shrubs, and herbs, distributed in 36 taxonomic sections. The genetic diversity was assessed through Sequence-related amplified polymorphism. To uncover genetic diversity and species characteristics in Hypericum species, were studied through a combination of morphological and molecular data. Eighty-five individuals related to 7 Hypericum were collected in 6 provinces. A total of 76 (Number of total loci) (NTL) DNA bands were produced through polymerase chain reaction amplifications (PCR) amplification of seven Hypericum species. These bands were produced with the combinations of 5 selective primers. The total number of amplified fragments ranged from 10 to 20. According to the SRAP (Sequence-related amplified polymorphism) markers analysis, H. perforatum and H. asperulum had the lowest similarity. This study also detected a significant signature of isolation by distance (Mantel test results). Present results showed that sequence-related amplified polymorphism have the potential to identify and decipher genetic affinity in Hypericum species. Current results have implications in biodiversity and conservation programs. Besides this, present results could pave the way for selecting suitable ecotypes for forage and pasture purposes in Iran.

The Taxonomically Richest Liverwort Hemiboreal Flora in Eurasia Is in the South Kurils

The long coexistence of various floral elements, landscape diversity, and island isolation led to the formation of the richest Eurasian hemiboreal liverwort flora in the southern Kurils. This land that covers less than 5000 square kilometres and houses 242 species and two varieties of liverworts and hornworts. The flora ‘core’ is represented by hemiboreal East Asian and boreal circumpolar taxa. Other elements that have noticeable input in the flora formation are cool-temperate East Asian hypoarctomontane circumpolar and arctomontane. The distribution of some species is restricted to the thermal pools near active or dormant volcanoes or volcanic ash deposits; such species generally provide specificity to the flora. Despite the territorial proximity, the climate of each considered island is characterized by features that, in the vast majority of cases, distinguish it from the climate of the neighbouring island. The last circumstance may inspire the difference in the liverwort taxonomic composition of each of the islands. The comparison of the taxonomic composition of district floras in the Amphi-Pacific hemiarctic, boreal, and cool-temperate Asia revealed four main focal centres: East Kamchatka Peninsula and Sakhalin Island, the southern Sikhote-Alin and the East Manchurian Mountains, the mountains of the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, and the South Kurils plus northern Hokkaido. The remaining floras involved in the comparison occupy an intermediate position between these four centres.

인간․비인간의 난민화와 레푸기아(Refúgĭa)

This paper focuses on the Kruger National Park in South Africa, the background of Nadine Gordimer’s novel “The Ultimate Safari”(1991), and how the park turned from a historical site of Apartheid to an ecological one. Human and non-human migration, once mainly caused by conflicts and civil wars, are increasingly the result of habitat destruction, environmental pollution, and climate change. Although the movement of flora and fauna is noticeable, the constant movement of humans has been neglected. As a result, immobility between continents was taken for granted by society, and the overall human and non-human mobility was interpreted as ominous and negative. Also, the establishment of borders and adherence to ethnocentrism and the nation-state stems from political and power relationships that incite migration with instability. Therefore, gender, race, ethnicity, and nationality work unevenly. However, humans and non-humans have a longer history of migration than imagined, and it is a natural cycle. It is rather a sign of hope to decide to move in a situation of deprivation when being ousted from one’s home. Many species die due to climate change, but finding shelter even after suffering a displacement demonstrates the capacity to move. Unlike enclaves, which alienate adjacent regions or are alienated from ones, “Refúgĭa,” refers to regions where elements of modern flora and fauna might have survived glacial periods with greatly reduced numbers and distributions. Even now, “Refúgĭa” continues to occur in many places, including Kruger National Park. In the background of losing domicile and increasing refugeeism worldwide, the move to Refúgĭa should not just mean places, but should lead to the act of creating controversial places across major connections between multiple “sharing” experiences.