Leucojum Vernum Research Articles

Leucojum vernum in Intorsurii Mountains (South- Eastern Carpathians)

This study investigates the population structure and ecology of the species Leucojum vernum (spring snowflake) in Întorsurii Mountains, South-Eastern Carpathians, where was supposed to be extinct. The research objectives were: (1) to identify the species in Popii Valley, (2) to estimate its population size, (3) to map the species extent, (4) to delineate the species ecological niche, (5) to identify and describe the vegetation types where the species grows, (6) to identify the co-occurring species as indicators of suitable habitat for L. vernum, and (7) to assess the species conservation status in Popii Valley and in Romania. Identification and description of the species population relied on an intensive survey in the whole watershed of Popii Valley. A detailed vegetation map of the Popii Valley watershed was created. For the description of the species habitat, 27 sampling plots were used. The species ecological preferences were drawn by means of the indicator species analysis, climate and geological maps. Climate suitability was checked by projecting the analyzed population in the bioclimatic envelope of L. vernum in Romania, using principal components analysis (PCA) ordination and classes of aridity index. The assessment of the conservation status followed the principles and methodological standards for monitoring protected species at the European Union and global level. In the studied area L. vernum was found in four forest associations, on moist and nutrient-rich soils. The indicator species of the suitable/unsuitable habitats were identified with the help of the phi coefficient of association between species. The population size and species habitat are in favorable conditions, although signs of bulbs collection for gardening were observed. These findings were discussed in a national and global context. An updated map for species extent in Romania was provided in order to support the assessment of the global and national IUCN category.

Biochemical and allelopathic features of Adonis vernalis, Allium ursinum, and Leucojum vernum in the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine

The article presents the results of a study on the content and dynamics of the accumulation of biogenic elements and brassinolides in plants of Adonis vernalis, Allium ursinum, and Leucojum vernum in Kyiv, Ukraine. Data is provided on allelopathic activity, content of macro- and microelements, phenolic compounds, and laccase activity in plants and the rhizosphere soil under the conditions of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NBG). The plants from the collection of the NBG were used as objects of study in field experiments. The content of biogenic elements in plant tissues and soil was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer. The allelopathic analysis of soil was conducted using a direct bioassay method with Lepidium sativum seedlings as the test object. Phenolic compounds were extracted from the soil using the ion exchange (desorption) method. The content of brassinosteroids was measured spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 450 nm. The content of laccase was measured spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 530 nm.The results demonstrate that model plant species employ a wide range of physiological mechanisms throughout the vegetation period to enhance their resistance to abiotic factors. These mechanisms include maintaining potassium and calcium balance and utilizing hormonal compounds. Plants have been proven to have compensatory mechanisms in response to stress factors, substituting one biochemical marker of resistance with another. Both, brassinosteroids and silicon, contribute to the adaptive capacity of organisms.

Insights from the preimaginal morphology of the constans species-group, to reveal novel morphological patterns of the Merodon albifrons-evolutionary lineage (Diptera, Syrphidae)

Merodon triangulum Vujić, Radenković & Hurkmans, 2020 is a European endemic hoverfly species belonging to Merodon constans species-group, inside albifrons-lineage. The distribution of this species is known to be mostly central Europe and Balkan peninsula and it has been categorized as Near Threatened in the European IUCN red list of hoverflies; this paper cites the species for the first time in Ukraine (western Ukraine, specifically). In the present study, the preimaginal stages of this species are described and figured using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The material used for the descriptions were larvae collected in Ukraine and Serbia feeding inside underground storage organs of the spring snowflake Leucojum vernum L., 1753. This morphological description constitutes the first one inside the constans species-group, and the sixth description of the albifrons-lineage, in which there is only one species-group left to have at least one species of the preimaginal stages described (i.e., ruficornis species-group). The descriptions were compared with the rest available of the genus, stating the diagnostical characters of the present species and the shared characters inside the lineage. The novel information provided on the trophic interaction between M. triangulum larvae and Leucojum bulbs is stated for the first time and further supports the association of the constans species-group with the underground storage organs of snowflakes and snowdrops (Galantheae) in their role as host plants.

On the immature stages of some Merodontini hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) from Europe and Africa

The genera Eumerus and Merodon (Syrphidae: Merodontini) form together the most speciose grouping of hoverflies in the Palaearctic Region. However, little is known about the morphology and biology of their larvae. The few larvae of Eumerus and Merodon that have been uncovered are phytophagous in underground organs of plants (some Eumerus and all Merodon) or saprophagous in a variety of plants' parts (the reminder of Eumerus). In this study, the second larval stage (L2) of Eumerus lyneborgi Ricarte & Hauser, 2020 and both the larva (L2) and puparium of Merodon constans (Rossi, 1794) are described for the first time. Larvae of E. lyneborgi were found in a decaying stem of Cyphostemma juttae (Dinter & Gilg) Desc., 1960 (Vitaceae) in Namibia (Africa), while larvae of M. constans were collected in bulbs of Leucojum vernum Linnaeus, 1753, (Amaryllidaceae) in France (Europe). Morphology of the immature forms was studied by observation and imaging with stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The head skeleton of E. lyneborgi larvae was found to be of the filter feeding type, i.e., in accordance with a saprophagous trophic regime, while that of M. constans was typically phytophagous. Variability in certain characters of the M. constans early stages is described and discussed in relation to the adult form and molecular information published in literature. An updated identification key to all known third larval stages/puparia of Merodon is provided.

Spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum L.) and summer snowflake (L. aestivum L.): Chemical composition and uses in medicine

Snowflake genus (Leucojum L.) species currently have wide application as ornamental crops for the landscaping of gardens and parks. Previously, there were conducted several researches aimed at studying the composition of alkaloids as well as prospects for using these herbs as sources for medicines, in particular, containing galanthamine. This review shows systematical data on chemical composition (primarily, galanthamine and lycorine alkaloids) and medical application of two Snowflake species: spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum L.) and summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum L.). There have also been considered issues concerning the standardization of medicinal plant raw material.

ФІТОРІЗНОМАНІТТЯ УРОЧИЩА «ГАЇВКА» (ПЕРЕДКАРПАТТЯ)

The flora and vegetation of the forest range “Haivka” were studied. On the given territory 112 species of higher vascular plants were recorded. They belong to 98 genera, 45 families and 5 divisions. The article presents the results of biomorphological, ecological analysis and the frequency of species occurrence. In the biomorphological structure herbaceous perennials dominate (67.86 %), in the ecological structure – mesophytes (67.86 %), mesotrophs (78.57 %) and sciogeliophytes (55,36 %), as for the occurrence – species with a fairly abundant occurrence (44.62 %). Typical forest and meadow associations (Symphyto cordati-Fagetum, Luzulo sylvaticae-Piceetum) are descкibed. The sozological status of five species (Lilium martagon L., Galanthus nivalis L., Leucojum vernum L., Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich., Lycopodium annotinum L.) has been determined.

The habitat diversity and its sosological evaluation of the Lviv museum of folk architecture as an example of previous analysis of anthropogenic landscape demutations

The habitats diversity of Lviv Skansen was researched and it sozological value was estimated. On the territory of Skansen, 19 types of habitats belonging to 12 groups of 7 classes have been identified and described. Among them, 14 types have an anthropogenic origin, 3 – semi-natural, and only one – natural. On the territory of the museum were found 2 species of vascular plants listed in the Red Book of Ukraine – Allium ursinum L. and Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz, as well as naturalized populations of cultural Crocus sp. and Leucojum vernum L. From the sozological point of view, tree habitats – highly artificial broadleaved deciduous forestry plantations, coniferous forestry plantations and hard water source settlements on tuff and travertine formations – are of the greatest importance. The last one is a new type of habitat for region, barely studied. Currently, only one location is known in the vicinity of Lviv (Bryukhovychi). On the territory of the European Union, this habitat is included in the list of particularly valuable habitats of the NATURA-2000 environmental network. Highly artificial broadleaved deciduous forestry plantations habitats, although formed by non-native species, are currently ongoing through demutation proces. During the years of absence any cuttings or other forms of management, the plantations of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Aesculus hippocastanum L. were replaced by semi-natural forests from young undergrowth of Betula pendula Roth, Acer platanoides L. and Picea abies (L.) H.Karst. The grass layer in these forestry plantations is represented by fragments of typical nemoral species. Thus, despite the anthropogenic origin of the habitats formed in Lviv Skansen, they play an important role in the conservation and distribution of biodiversity and help maintain the stability of green corridors of sub- and urban areas.

Раритетна компонента флори лісових екосистем Галицького Національного природного парку (Івано-Франківська область)

Представлено конспект раритетної компоненти флори лісових екосистем Галицького національного природного парку, оцінено характер поширення раритетних видів судинних рослин та стан їх популяцій. Галицький національний природний парк розташований в Галицькому районі Івано-Франківської області, створений у 2004 році й займає площу 14684,8 га. Більша частина парку (81,1 %) припадає на ліси, серед яких переважають чисті та змішані дубові (Querceta roboris), букові (Fageta sylvaticae) й грабові угруповання (Carpineta betuli). Інвентаризацію рослинного покриву лісових екосистем парку проводили впродовж 2008–2019 років, за результатами якої у лісових угрупованнях і на узліссях виявлено 303 види судинних рослин, з яких 63 види (20,8 %) – раритетні. До переліку раритетних видів віднесли види, включені до Червоної книги України та офіційних міжнародних охоронних переліків, а також види, які перебувають під загрозою зникнення у регіоні дослідження, оскільки представлені малою кількістю локалітетів, або їх популяції мають малу чисельність. Регіонально рідкісні види відібрані на підставі аналізу результатів наших польових досліджень, матеріалів гербарних фондів. Встановлено, що третина раритетних видів (33,3 %) відзначається широкою ценотичною амплітудою, дещо менше їх приналежні до рослинності узлісь (26,2 %). Більшість раритетних видів з вузькою ценотичною амплітудою приурочені до букових лісів (19,1 %). Раритетні види суттєво відрізняються за частотою трапляння. Серед них істотно переважають рідкісні види, зокрема 61 % видів на сьогодні відомі з 1–5 локалітетів; особливо рідко (1–2 локалітети) трапляються 25 видів. Частка видів, відомих з 6–10 локалітетів, становить 26,6 %. Видів, що трапляються порівняно часто (11–20 відомих локалітетів і понад 20 локалітетів), порівняно мало (по 6,2 %). Найбільш поширеними є Lilium martagon, а також деякі представники родини Orchidaceae. Для більшості раритетних видів притаманна низька загальна чисельність, зокрема 81,2 % видів знайдені у кількості від кількох особин до кількох сотень. Найбільшу занепокоєність викликають види, загальна чисельність яких у парку становить по кілька особин (15,6 %). До них належать Circaea alpina, Atropa bella-donna, Campanula latifolia, Phyteuma spicatum, Epipactis atrorubens тощо. Найбільші частки припадають на види із загальною чисельністю по кілька десятків, а також по кілька сотень виявлених особин (сумарно 65,6 %). Чисельніших видів виявлено мало. Дев’ять видів відомі у кількості по декілька тисяч особин, а три види (Allium ursinum, Galanthus nivalis і Leucojum vernum) – понад мільйон особин. Встановлено, що 52,4 % популяцій раритетних видів рослин лісових екосистем Галицького національного природного парку перебувають у критично поганому стані, 28,6 % – у поганому, 14,3 % – у задовільному стані. І лише стан 4,8 % популяцій можна охарактеризувати як добрий. За результатами досліджень, близько 95 % видів потребують охорони й постійного моніторингу чисельності популяцій, а 51 вид рослин, які відзначаються низькою чисельністю та поганим станом популяцій, вимагають нагальної розробки та впровадження менеджмент-планів щодо відновлення їх чисельності.

Micromorphology and anatomy of the flowers of Galanthus nivalis and Leucojum vernum (Amaryllidaceae)

We studied the structure of flowers of Galanthus nivalis and Leucojum vernum using cross-sections and longitudal sections of permanent preparations using a light microscope. Genera Galanthus and Leucojum belong to the Galantheae tribe characterized by a unique combination of features of the family Amaryllidaceae, i.e. absence of septal nectaries, poricidal anthers and fruit – fleshy capsule. Both species are represented in the flora of Ukraine and have the life form of bulb ephemeroid of decidous forests. Microscopic surveys of flowers are considered as an instrument for determining yet unknown structural adaptations of plants to specialized ways of pollination and determining the first stages of morphogenesis of fruit, because many features of the fruit appear already at the stage of flower. We determined that the tepals of both studied species have multi-bundle traces of 8–9 vascular bundles. Apical dehiscence of the anthers occurs due to short longitudinal sutures in the upper part of the anthers. The nectar disk on the roof of the inferior ovary is poorly differentiated, and has no vascular bundles. We associate the indicated peculiarities of the flower structure with the offer of pollen as the main reward of the pollinator during buzz-polination, which has not reported for the studied species. Placentation is axile in the lower part of the ovary and parietal in the upper one. We consider that the gynoecium of the studied species is eusyncarpous. The vascular system of the inferior ovary is composed of three dorsal and three septal veins, paired ventral bundles of carpels, which form the traces of ovules, and also small additional bundles in the wall of the ovary. For the first time, we have determined the presence of airy parenchyma in the ovules, ovary roof, the style and anthers’ connectives and have confirmed their presence in the tepals and the wall of the ovary at the stage of flowering. We found differentiation of the mesocarp into photosynthesizing and airy parenchyma, small sizes of cells of the endocardium in the area of the dorsal vein, bifurcate dorsal bundles of the carpels, which could be considered as adaptation of different stages of morphogenesis of fruit to dehiscence. Anatomical peculiarities of the ovaries of G. nivalis and L. vernum: numerous vascular bundles in the pericarp, thick parenchyma mesocarp with air-filled cavities, non-lignified endocarp at the stage of the flower we consider adaptations to the formation of fleshy fruit. The new data we obtained on the anatomical structure of the flowers is a significant addition of information about anthecological and carpological (post-anthetic) peculiarities of the surveyed species.

Species structure of the ephemeroids of the regional park of local importance «Nemyriv Pobuzhia» near the village of Hvozdiv

Analyzing the literature data, it was found, that the majority of ephemeroids that grown in the territory of Ukraine are directly or indirectly influenced by humans, which leads to accelerated rates of decrease in their number. Urban factors influence not only the species structure of populations, but also their absolute quantitative indicators.The purpose of the research was to study the floristic composition of ephemeroid plants in the territory of a landscape park of local importance «Nemyrivske Pobuzhya» near the village of Gvozdiv, Nemyriv, district of Vinnytsia region.Materials and methods. The study of the floristic composition of ephemeroid plants in the territory of the landscape park of local importance Pobuzhzhya was carried out by the expedition-route method, as well as by the accidental-regulatory method - laying of accounting sites with an area of 1 m2. The systematic identification of plants was determined using a designator. The abundance of species was determined by the Gult-Drude scale (with the addition of A. Uranov and P. Yaroshenko). The meeting coefficient (%) was determined by the formula: R = a x 100 / n.Results. It was revealed, that on the territory of Nemyrivske Pobuzhya the structure of the ephemeroid plants includes 27 species of plants, belonging to 19 genus, 14 families, 12 orders and 2 classes. Such orders as Ranunculales (7 species or 25.9 % of the total ephemeroid species), Papaverales (4 species or 14.8 %), Liliales (4 species or 14.8 %), Amaryllidales (3 species or 11.1%), Capparales (2 species or 7.4 %) are represented by the largest number Anemone sylvestris L., Ficaria verna L., Viola odorata L., Galanthus nivalis L. were dominant among the species.Conclusions. It was established, that Galanthus nivalis L. is one species that is growing at the researched area and registered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; and two species (Allium ursinum L. and Galanthus nivalis L.), included in the «European Red List». 6 species of ephemeroids are included in the Red Book of Ukraine: Leucojum vernum L., Allium ursinum L., Galanthus nivalis L., Crocus reticulatus Stev. ex Adams., Pulsatilla grandis Rupr. and Pulsatilla pratensis L. (Mill). 4 species of plants have the status of rare plants of regional importance: Anemone sylvestris L., Dentaria bulbifera L., Dentaria quinquefolia M. Bieb. and Primula veris L.

A Kerka-vidék gyertyános-tölgyesei

In this study, the phytosociological characteristics of oak-hornbeam forests in the Kerka valley, sW Hungary are summarized using 50 vegetation samples. These forests grow on alluvial soils affected by high groundwater table, and thus are best regarded as extrazonal communities exhibiting some characteristics of hardwood gallery forests. The high number of submontane elements are particularly typical of them: Aco-nitum vulparia,Adoxa moschatellina, Anemone nemorosa, Anemone ranunculoides, Asarum europaeum, Athyrium filix-femina, Cardamine bulbifera, Cerastium sylvaticum, Coryda-lis cava, Coridalis solida, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Gagea spathacea, Galanthus nivalis, Galeobdolon luteum, Isopyrum thalictroides, Knautia drymeia, Lathyrus vernus, Leucojum vernum, Lilium martagon, Luzula pilosa, Maianthemum bifo-lium, Mercurialis perennis, Milium effusum, Oxalis acetosella, Paris quadrifolia, Pulmonaria officinalis, Ranunculus lanugi-nosus, Sanicula europaea, Scilla drunensis, Stellaria holos-tea, Veronica montana, etc. The high frequency of Fritillaria meleagris is particularly noteworthy. These plants are likely to be relics of the cooler and wetter, and less extreme Beech I. phase of the Holocene. The occurrence of some sub-Med-iterranean species (Carex strigosa, Helleborus dumetorum, Knautia drymeia, Vicia oroboides) suggests some degree of relatedness to the oak-hornbeam forests in the zala Hills (Helleboro dumetorum-Carpinetum). The studied woods are sharply separated from the oak-hornbeam forests of Western Transdanubia (Cyclamini-Carpinetum), and exhibit relatively closer similarity to the oak-hornbeam forests of the Mura and Drava floodplains and the Raba River valley (Veronico montanae-Carpinetum). syntaxonomically, they are best identified with the latter under the name Veronico montanae-Carpinetum scilletosum drunensis.

Site conditions and recipient plant communities as indicators of the origin of a cryptogenic species. Leucojum vernum L. in North France as a case study

Regional lists of protected species commonly include rare plant species that are found in small, isolated populations at the range margin or disjunct. However, such populations often have suspicious origins and may have been historically introduced and now falsely viewed as native. Here I use a simple community ecology approach to assess whether plant community composition and site features can indicate whether local populations of a rare cryptogenic species are more likely of natural or introduced origin. I took the vernal geophyte Leucojum vernum L. in North France as a case study. Using multivariate analyses I show that L. vernum occurs in various plant communities, which correspond to different sets of environmental conditions. More specifically, several community types clearly reflect an introduced origin, with a discrepancy between L. vernum’s autecology and site features as well as a number of co-occurring anthropophilous species, including xenophytes. These populations are often associated with more or less ancient human artefacts, such as archaeological sites. In contrast, an equal number of community types likely correspond to natural populations, that are all located at the range margin and connected to the core range via a (former) west-flowing river corridor, pleading for a post-glacial recolonization. I conclude that a cryptogenic species, such as L. vernum in this case study, has a “socio-ecological signature” which can indicate whether a given population is more likely native or introduced, and thus informs conservationists on where to prioritize conservation efforts.

Vegetation recovery of old-arable lands by vegetation in the Forecarpathian Upland

In the process of forming succession on abandoned arable lands, the quantitative indices relative to the permanent cоenopopulations are quite similar, although in the third stage they decrease almost twofold, and at the final stage of light oak forests the representation of cоenopopulations of rare species increases: Epipactis helleborine, Leucojum vernum, Galanthus nivalis.

Sources for developing new medicinal products: biochemical investigations on alcoholic extracts obtained from aerial parts of some Romanian Amaryllidaceae species

BackgroundAlthough Galanthus nivalis L. (snowdrop) is known for the galanthamine content, used in the treatment of Alzheimer disease, the polyphenolic compounds of Amaryllidaceae species are less studied. Proper understanding of the polyphenolics in these extracts and of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties may allow a reconsideration of their medicinal uses.MethodsThe polyphenolic content of four selected Amaryllidaceae species harvested from Romania (Galanthus nivalis L., Narcissus pseudonarcissus L., N. poeticus L. and Leucojum vernum L.) was determined by spectrophotometric methods; the identification of phenolic compounds was performed by a HPLC-MS method, in order to establish their polyphenolic fingerprints. For the evaluation of the antioxidant potential the following methods were employed: DPPH radical scavenging, FRAP, hemoglobin ascorbate peroxidase activity inhibition (HAPX), inhibition of lipid peroxidation catalyzed by cytochrome c, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy assays. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method.ResultsQualitative and quantitative analyses highlight important amount of polyphenols (over 15 mg/g); the main identified compounds are chlorogenic and p-coumaric acids in all species. Only G. nivalis shows antioxidant activity by all the used methods. G. nivalis and L. vernum strongly inhibits the growth of S. aureus, while N. poeticus shows a very good antifungal activity.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide a new approach to the properties and therapeutic uses of some Romanian widespread Amaryllidaceae species that could be considered sources of developing new medicinal products with anti anti-staphylococcal and antifungal activity.

A vasi Rába-völgy fehérnyár-ligetei (Senecioni sarracenici-Populetum albae Kevey in Borhidi & Kevey 1996)

In this paper are summarized the phytosociological characteristics of the white poplar dominated riparian forests (Senecioni sarracenici-Populetum albae) along the rába river in western Hungary. This community grows typically on alluvial soils developed over fluvial sand in the more elevated parts of the lower floodplain. Its species composition is clearly differ-ent from that of the oak-ash-elm forests growing in the higher floodplain, particularly in the higher proportion of Salicetea species, and the lower proportion of Fagetalia species. stands of this community host some local and regional rarities, such as Leucojum vernum, Galanthus nivalis, Omphalodes scorpi-oides, Peltaria alliacea, Scilla drunensis,Stellaria alsine. The community is classified in the „Populenion nigro-albae Kevey2008” suballiance.

Regeneration of some monocotyledonous plants from subterranean organs in vitro

The aim in view was investigation ofthe regenerative potential of rhizomes, bulbs and corms of ten monocotyledonous plant species from four families: <i>Amaryllidaceae</i> (<i>Haemanthus katharinae, Crinum abyssinicum, Leucojum vernum</i>), <i>Araceae</i> (<i>Spathiphyllum wallisii</i>), <i>Iridaceae</i> (<i>Crocus vernus, Iris germanica</i>), <i>Liliaceae</i> (<i>Hosta lancifolia, Muscari racemosum, Scilla laxiflora, Veltheimia viridifolia</i>) under conditions of in vitro culture. All the investigated species were capable of buld or, alternatively, bud and root regeneration. Different morphogenetic potential was noted between the particular families. A high regenerative potential under the conditions of culture applied was characteristic for plants of the <i>Liliaceae</i> and <i>Araceae</i> families, it was lower in plants belonging to <i>Amaryllidaceae</i> and lowest in those of the <i>Iridaceae</i> family. Plants from the <i>Liliaceae</i> family exhibited also the highest ability of callus formation, whereas <i>Amaryllidaceae</i> and <i>Iridaceae</i> plants possessed this ability in only a low degree. The influence of growth regulators of the auxin group (NAA, IAA, 2,4-D) and of cytokinins (K) on the initiation and course of organogenesis was tested. The results of the experiments indicate that auxins in interaction with kinetin gave the highest percentage of regenerating explants and also a large number of buds on the latter. Stimulation of callus tissue was highest under the influence of 2,4-D, and weaker when NAA IAA were used.

Vegetation dynamics of beech forests on limestone in central Germany over half a century – effects of climate change, forest management, eutrophication or game browsing?

The aim of this study was to investigate the vegetation dynamics of suboceanic, submontane, mesic beech forests on limestone that are very rich in spring geophytes over half a century, considering changes in abiotic and biotic conditions including global climate change. Vegetation releves sampled in the Gottinger Wald, southern Lower Saxony, Germany, between 1955 and 1960 (n = 25) and in 1968 (n = 10) were re-surveyed in 2009 on quasi-permanent plots. Differences in species composition, species abundance and vegetation structure were compared between inventories using detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), multiple response permutation procedure (MRPP) and the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Forty to fifty years ago, a shrub layer was scarcely present, but is common today as a consequence of intensified hunting. An increasing abundance of Allium ursinum, Urtica dioica and Sambucus nigra and a general shift to species composition with higher Ellenberg indicator values for nitrogen can be ascribed to atmospheric nitrogen deposition. The spring geophytes A. ursinum, Corydalis cava and Leucojum vernum can also benefit from global climate change with an earlier start of the vegetation period. A shift towards more oceanic conditions, with mild winters in the past fifty years, may also have increased the competitive strength of evergreen species that are susceptible to long frost periods (e.g. Hedera helix). The resampling of the beech forest vegetation on limestone revealed that many factors have influenced the dynamics over the past half century. These include eutrophication and a reduction in roe deer browsing, but our results also indicate a possible influence of climate change on community composition. In focussing on a small dataset from a very rich sub-unit of beech forests on limestone, the positive response of the spring geophytes becomes particularly obvious.

Synchrony in the phenology of a culturally iconic spring flower

We examine the flowering phenology of the cultural iconic Spring Snowflake Leucojum vernum, a considerable tourist attraction, recorded from two sites in western Poland. Flowering dates at the two sites were closely correlated but about 6 days later at the more natural area. The end of flowering was associated with the start of canopy leafing. Early flowering was related to a longer flowering season which may benefit ecotourism under future climate warming.

Leucovernine and Acetylleucovernine, Alkaloids from Leucojum vernum

The fresh bulbs of Leucojum vernum provided seven tyrosine-derived alkaloids; two of them have not been reported before and are named leucovernine and acetylleucovernine. The five known alkaloids were N-demethylgalanthamine, hippeastrine, 9-O-demethylhomolycorine, 5alpha-hydroxyhomolycorine, and 11-hydroxyvittatine. These compounds have been isolated from this species for the first time. The structure determination was carried out by the combination of liquid-phase one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Ramularia vallisumbrosae . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Ramularia vallisumbrosae . Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. DISEASE: White mould. Infects the leaves and stems of daffodils, causing leaf spots, and can cause the leaves to die down early, which reduces flowering in the following year. HOSTS: Leucojum vernum, Narcissus biflorus, N. odorus, N. poeticus and N. pseudonarcissus, Pancratium maritimum and numerous Narcissus cultivars ( Amaryllidaceae ). GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: NORTH AMERICA: Canada (British Colombia), USA (Oregon, Washington). EUROPE: Denmark, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Ukraine. TRANSMISSION: The fungus survives in the dead leaves as sclerotia, which in turn germinate to produce conidia when the new leaves emerge. The fungus is also spread between plants by wind and water splash.