Life Form Spectrum Research Articles

Vascular flora of the isthmus of Feniglia (southern Tuscany, Italy)

We studied the vascular flora of the isthmus of Feniglia, a Nature Reserve in southern Tuscany stretching between the Italian Peninsula and Mt. Argentario. Since the nineteenth century, the area has undergone significant environmental modifications due to intensive grazing and deforestation. Later, rehabilitation interventions were carried out, including reforestation and planting of dune species, making it an interesting protected area to study for its botanical aspects. Therefore, we aim to compile the floristic inventory of this distinctive Mediterranean area by integrating old and new data. The checklist comprises 502 specific and subspecific taxa of vascular plants. The life-form spectrum shows a predominance of therophytes, followed by hemicryptophytes. The chorological spectrum highlights the dominance of Mediterranean species, followed by Euromediterranean and Eurasian species. The presence of 15 species of regional importance, 3 species of the Italian red list and 3 Italian endemics (Ornithogalum exscapum Ten., Limonium multiforme Pignatti, Linaria purpurea (L.) Mill.) is noteworthy. Despite the environmental changes undergone in this area, our study reports the presence of remarkable species, including rare ones such as Atriplex littoralis L., Ruppia spiralis L. ex Dumort., and species at their distribution margin in the Italian Peninsula, such as Staphisagria macrosperma Spach, Juncus sorrentinoi Parl. and Maresia nana (DC.) Batt. Additionally the presence of 26 alien species, of which 15 are invasive, 9 naturalized and 2 casual, indicates a relatively low presence of alien species. Notwithstanding the significant environmental changes that the Feniglia isthmus has experienced in the last century and the high tourist pressure during the summer, the presence of the protected area suggested the effectiveness and benefits of such a form of protection for plant diversity.

Accurate, scalable, and fully automated inference of species trees from raw genome assemblies using ROADIES.

Inference of species trees plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of evolutionary relationships and has immense significance for diverse biological and medical applications. Extensive genome sequencing efforts are currently in progress across a broad spectrum of life forms, holding the potential to unravel the intricate branching patterns within the tree of life. However, estimating species trees starting from raw genome sequences is quite challenging, and the current cutting-edge methodologies require a series of error-prone steps that are neither entirely automated nor standardized. In this paper, we present ROADIES, a novel pipeline for species tree inference from raw genome assemblies that is fully automated, easy to use, scalable, free from reference bias, and provides flexibility to adjust the tradeoff between accuracy and runtime. The ROADIES pipeline eliminates the need to align whole genomes, choose a single reference species, or pre-select loci such as functional genes found using cumbersome annotation steps. Moreover, it leverages recent advances in phylogenetic inference to allow multi-copy genes, eliminating the need to detect orthology. Using the genomic datasets released from large-scale sequencing consortia across three diverse life forms (placental mammals, pomace flies, and birds), we show that ROADIES infers species trees that are comparable in quality with the state-of-the-art approaches but in a fraction of the time. By incorporating optimal approaches and automating all steps from assembled genomes to species and gene trees, ROADIES is poised to improve the accuracy, scalability, and reproducibility of phylogenomic analyses.

Anthropogenic active grassland communities: Floral diversity and biological spectrum analysis in Odisha

Grasslands are the largest biome on earth. There is an urgent need to understand the value of species, plant community productivity, species composition and function of the grassland ecosystem. So, the floristic composition and life-form spectrum of ten different grassland communities in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha was studied from June 2022 to June 2023. The study revealed that the Mayurbhanj district has a unique floristic diversity composition comprising 137 species (55 Grasses and 82 Non-Grasses) belonging to 93 genera and 27 families. Among all the families Poaceae family occupies a greater number of species (i.e. 55 species) followed by Cyperaceae (26 species), Fabaceae (8 species), Asteraceae (7 species), Amaranthaceae (4 species), the species belongs to families Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Convolvulaceae, Lamiaceae and Malvaceae contribute (3 species), Orobanchaceae, Oxalidaceae, Plantaginaceae, Linderniaceae and Commelinaceae, (2 species), while the remaining 12 families represented only a single species. The species richness and growth form were calculated based on the existence (1)/ absence (0) of a particular species in each study site. The species richness of Saraskana was found to be the highest (42.33%) followed by Baripada (39.41%), Bangiriposi (35.76%), and Betnoti (35.03%). About 28.26% of species richness was estimated in Kuliana and Suliapada. A dendrogram was also prepared based on floristic similarity among study sites. There were 5 life form classes were observed in the study sites, among them Therophytes and Hemicryptophytes showed the highest diversity. The Life-form classes of the study sites were compared with Raunkier's Normal spectrum, and the Phyto spectrum of the present study indicates “Thero-Hemicryptophytic” types of Phyto climate. As a result, therophytic flora was found predominated to the extensively grazed site whereas the Hemicryptophytic flora indicated the moderately grazed and disturbed site. It is estimated that the variations in the species composition and life form in different grassland communities might be due to the Geographical distribution, biotic interference and climatic conditions of that region.

Vegetational and Structural Features of Forest Clearings in Plitvice Lakes National Park

The impact of various ecological factors, biogeographical position and both former and current anthropogenic activity in Plitvice Lakes National Park greatly influenced the development of different habitat types, including forest clearings. Due to the insufficient knowledge of this habitat type, based primarily on general descriptions within the National Habitat Classification of the Republic of Croatia (NN 27/2021, NN 101/2022), this paper deals with presenting their vegetational and structural characteristics in the national park area. The following taxonomic keys were used to determine plant species: Tutin et al. (1964-1980), Pignatti (1982), Javorka and Csapody (1991) and Martinčič et al. (1999). Furthermore, scientific nomenclature of plant species was conducted using Flora Croatica Database (Nikolić 2012), while threat status was aligned by the Red Book of Vascular Flora of Croatia (Nikolić and Topić 2005). Also, protection level was adjusted according to the Regulation on strictly protected species (NN 144/2013, NN 73/2016). Spectrum of life forms and chorological types were aligned according to Pignatti (2005). Vegetation was studied in accordance with the principles of the Braun-Blanquet approach (Braun-Blanquet 1964). Together with the basic parameters of the selected plots, the research also included the collection of structural parameters of forest clearings according to Medak et al. (2023). Based on conducted research, a total of 98 plots of forest clearing habitats were established with a total of five different forest clearing communities. The largest number of forest clearing communities belonged to Salicetum capreae, followed by Eupatorietum cannabini, Atropetum bella-donae, Telekium speciosae and Rubetum idaei. A total of 257 species of vascular plants were identified in the area and classified into 60 families. The most represented family was Asteraceae, while the highest relative representation of life-forms belonged to hemicryptophytes (H). Furthermore, the most represented chorologycal type in the area was Eurasian (20.6%). The habitat type contained a total of 11 strictly protected (SZ), 6 nearly threatened (NT), 3 vulnerable (VU), 2 data-deficient (DD) and 4 endemic species. In addition, the largest number of plots had an anthropogenic origin, irregular type (shape), occupied a small area (less than 1000 m2) and were located along the edges of both forests and forest roads. The results of this paper represent the first vegetational and structural data of forest clearings in the national park area which contribute to an expansion of our knowledge and understanding of this habitat type, and form a starting point for the necessary future research.

The Role of Vegetation Monitoring in the Conservation of Coastal Habitats N2000: A Case Study of a Wetland Area in Southeast Sicily (Italy)

The coastal wetlands are among the most vulnerable and threatened environments of the Mediterranean area. Targeted actions for their conservation require in-depth knowledge of current and past natural vegetation. In this paper, we surveyed the vegetation composition and the spatio-temporal changes of a coastal wetland area in southeastern Sicily (“Saline di Priolo” SAC). Based on 128 phytosociological surveys and several plant collections, a total of 304 taxa, 28 plant communities, and 16 habitats have been identified. Furthermore, three new plant associations were described, including two in wetland and one in rocky coast environments. For the classification of plant communities and habitats, a hierarchical clustering was performed by using Euclidean coefficient and beta-flexible algorithm. The life form spectrum of the current flora highlights the dominance of therophytes and hemicryptophytes. The Mediterranean species are largely prevailing with 123 taxa. The cartographic analysis performed with ArcGis 10.3 shows a radical reduction in the wetland habitats in the last 70 years, and a strong alteration of the ecological succession of the psammophilous-hygrophilous vegetation. Moreover, landscape configuration of the coastal vegetation and habitat types was well highlighted by a set of specific landscape metrics. In particular, our outcomes identify three habitats (2110, 2210, and 5220* EU code) with bad conservation status, among which we identified one of priority conservation (Zyziphus arborescent matorral) that requires urgent restoration measures.

Különböző gyepkezelések hatásának cönológiai és természetvédelmi vizsgálati eredményei üde gyepen

In grassland management systems, the various agrotechnical elements have to be used in many cases on "primitive grasslands", where the coordination of agricultural and nature conservation tasks is necessary. Here, animal husbandry is the main aspect, which includes the long-term preservation of the quality of the pasture, as well as the most economical use of the pasture and keeping the animals as cheap as possible. The tests were carried out on a grassy area on the border of the settlement of Aba. We examined the vegetation of 8 plots of the same size in the area and the quantitative and qualitative composition of the biomass produced there. In this thesis, we provide data on the vegetation composition and evaluation of the following treatments. The plots and treatments were as follows: I. plot-ventilated; II. parcel-relaxed; III. plot loosened and ventilated; ARC. parcel control; V. plot-ventilated and 15 t/ha manure; VI. plot loosened and 15 t/ha manure; VII. plot loosened, ventilated and 15 t/ha manure; VIII. plot loosened, ventilated and 30 t/ha manure. In each plot, 5 ceenological recordings were made using 4 x 4 m quadrats. The estimated coverage of each species was given in %, taking into account the proportion of grasslands and other species. Among Borhidi's plant ecological indicators, the species were evaluated based on the NB (relative values of nitrogen demand) and WB (relative soil water and soil moisture indicator numbers). The social behavior types (SZMT) were also defined based on Borhidi's work, and the nature conservation value categories (TVK) were defined according to Simon. The lifestyle analysis was performed based on Pignatti's lifestyle types. Based on the data, the composition of the vegetation of each plot changed significantly compared to the data of the control plot IV. A direct proportionality can be discovered between the increase in the cover value of the dominant lawn grasses, primarily Festuca arundinacea, Dactylis glomerata, Alopecurus pratensis, and Fabaeceae species (e.g. Lathyrus tuberosus, Lotus corniculatus) and the amount of applied nutrients. Based on the coenological survey of the eight examined areas, the control area (IV.) showed the most natural state, which was confirmed by the species composition and number of species. The IV. plots are close to I., II. and III. for plot recordings, which proves that aeration and loosening do not worsen the condition of the lawn, but rather promote the preservation of its natural state. The VII-VIII. plots have the smallest number of species, but based on the life form spectrum, naturalness indicators, nature conservation value categories and social behavior types, they are not very disturbed habitats. No significant difference can be detected between the effect of lawn loosening and lawn aeration, but III. plot, where both treatments were carried out, was closer to the control area. Regarding the effect of the lawn management methods, it was possible to produce a starting data set in the long term (with the same environmental conditions). Overall, the study gave valuable results regarding the age of change occurring during the application of different lawn management methods, and was also effective from an economic point of view.

ФЛОРА СУДИННИХ РОСЛИН НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПРИРОДНОГО ПАРКУ "ЗАЛІССЯ"(КИЇВСЬКА І ЧЕРНІГІВСЬКА ОБЛАСТІ)

Background. The aim of our study is to establish the current species composition of the flora of vascular plants of the National Nature Park "Zalissia" (Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, Ukraine), its analysis and identification of regional peculiarity. Methods. Research methods are classical comparative floristic, which are used for vegetation research during field trip, and its further cameral processing as well as critical analysis of the literature and herbarium data. Scientific novelty is at first on the territory of the Park, which had been closed for a long time to such research, complexes floristic inventarization studies were conducted. Results. The results of the study was analyzed and for the first time integral data on the structure of the flora were obtained. The taxonomic composition of the flora of the Park has been established (778 species and subspecies of vascular plants), which is more than half (58.5 %) of the diversity of the regional flora of Eastern Polissia. The results of the fractional and structural analysis of the flora of the Park are presented. The flora is consists of 612 native and 166 alien taxa. Systematic, life form and geographical analysis of the flora was carried out, and its peculiarities were identified. The native and alien fractions of the Park's flora were analyzed. The structural features of the native fraction of the flora reflect its rather well-defined forest character. In the family spectrum, the highest positions belong to Asteraceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae. The hemicryptophytes (65.7 %) predominate in life form spectra, and the total share of woody plants is 11.6 %. Widespread taxa are dominated, but a high share of Boreal, European, and European-sub-Mediterranean geoelements. Conclusions. The results of the fractional analysis indicate that the adventitization process dominates the synanthropization of the flora. The taxa of sub-Mediterranean origin are dominated in alien fraction flora, and American and Asian origin species have the largest number.

The vascular flora of the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna National Park (Northern Apennines, Italy): updating the checklist

Plant species inventories are crucial for botanical research and plant conservation, as they provide fundamental data regarding the measurement and distribution of biodiversity. To be effective, floristic lists must be prepared and continuously updated at global and local level. For these reasons, this study was aimed to update and discuss the vascular plant list of the flora of the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falrerona, Campigna National Park, an important Italian Protected Area located in the Northern Apennines (Italy). We implemented the existing checklist published in 2010 (with data updated to 2008) by analysing both published and unpublished data up to 31.12.2023. We also carried out some museum checks on exiccata in the Central Italic Herbarium of Florence and in other herbaria. The study was also aimed to verify whether the updated native and alien floristic richness of the area resulted to be higher or lower than expected. In total, the number of species recorded are 1415. Of these, 1172 species from 100 families are considered native confirmed by data obtained after 1960, while others can be distinguished as non-native to the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falrerona, Campigna National Park territory (mostly cultivated), doubtful, or in some cases excluded. There was an increase of 58 species compared to 2010, of which 45 are native. According to the best performing species-area formula with respect to vascular plant species, in the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falrerona, Campigna National Park the native floristic richness resulted to be a little higher than expected (1172 against 1159). At the same time, the alien floristic richness (naturalised and invasive species, as no casuals were detected) resulted to be much lower than expected (24 against 109), reinforcing the already well-known great conservation value of this area. The extent of the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falrerona, Campigna National Park’s phytodiversity is confirmed to be very high. This is caused by the fact that this territory hosts forest ecosystems of great value, considered among those best preserved at European level, and has a geographical position that makes it a connection between two very differentiated floristic contingents, one coming from the north (Alps, Northern Apennines) and the other from the south (Italian Peninsula, Central and Southern Apennines). The updated characteristics of the chorology shows in fact that various plants in Italy have their southern or northern distribution limit here. However, the Italian endemism that characterises the flora is essentially north-Apennine and peninsular (3.1%), while the most consistent chorotype, in percentage terms, is the European sensu lato (> 25.5%). The life-form spectrum, the presence of rare, conservation-interest, doubtful and alien species are also updated and discussed. The characteristics of all the confirmed flora and of the flora of conservation interest with respect to the various habitats are outlined. The updated checklist provides the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna National Park with an essential database to manage this territory, and quite precisely quantified the plant diversity present here. Moreover, it has highlighted the lacunae in floristic knowledge, towards which future research should be directed, giving information about rare plants, species not reported after 1960, and taxa, which need to be studied taxonomically more in depth, since the flora varies over time and the checklists, like any other information tool, must be implemented and continuously improved.

Bioecological analysis of the flora of suburban and urban forests of Samara

The article presents the results of the study and analysis of the flora of the forests of suburban and urban forests of Samara. 279 plant species have been identified in the study area, among which only five are rare and protected at the regional level (Campanula latifolia L., Fritillaria ruthenica Wikstr., Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult. et Schult. fil., Cephalanthera rubra (L.) Rich., Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill.). In the spectrum of life forms, trees are represented by 24 species, shrubs – by 23 species. Among herbaceous perennials, the rhizomatous group of plants predominates – 57 species, or 20,4%. In the group of juveniles, numbering 68 species, or 24,3%, annuals predominate – 41 species, or 14,6% of the total flora. In the surveyed forests, the forest group of plants naturally dominates among the phytocoenotypes – 71 species, which is 25,4% of the total flora. The ecological group of mesophytes, being the leading one, includes 184 plant species, which makes up 65,9% of the flora. The analysis of the flora showed a significant proportion of weed-ruderal representatives. Indigenous oak-linden forests currently retain their positions in the region, however, maple forests occupy a significant territory among them. The anthropogenic factor (recreation, fires, clearings) has a significant impact on the floristic complex. Recreation and forest fires in some cases are the main reason for the transformation of forest plant communities in the territory of Samara and its suburbs.

Floristic, chorological and life-form patterns at the highest summits of Mt Olympus, Greece

ABSTRACT High elevation habitats within the Mediterranean biome are expected to be disproportionally exposed to climate change impacts in comparison to the ecosystems of the lower and drier sites. The distribution and structure of alpine ecosystems greatly depend on temperature variables including growing season length. Tree-line shifts, structural change of alpine plant communities and shifts of the alpine-nival ecotone are among the most commonly observed impacts of climate change. The Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments (GLORIA) network has developed a common methodology and facilitates a global approach for studying the effects of climate change in alpine ecosystems with repeated measurements in permanent plots. Mt Olympus, Greece, was the last target region to join the network. In this study we use the vegetation data from the baseline survey on Mt Olympus to describe floristic patterns along an elevational gradient of four summits. To examine compositional, life-form and chorological differences between- and within-summits we analyzed data from 32 plots. Moreover, we fitted generalized linear models to distinguish important environmental variables for the occurrence of plant taxa. Our results demonstrate that elevation was the dominant factor influencing vegetation changes along the examined gradients. Additional, the life-form spectrum does not provide sufficient information to be used as index for monitoring climate change impacts on vegetation composition. Instead, the use of the species matrix provides enough information regarding the between-summits dissimilarities. We also identified a number of plant taxa that are highly related to either low or high elevations. These taxa could be used as early warning indices of compositional shifts.

The flora of the island of Rivanj and the vegetation of the macchia and forest of Rivanj and the Sestrice islets

According to literature data and field research conducted in 2019 and 2020, there are 346 vascular native and non-native taxa with the ability to survive outside crops (309 species, 36 subspecies and varieties) on the island of Rivanj (3,615 km2). Including 84 taxa in cultivation, we state that the total flora of Rivanj numbers 430 taxa. Those in cultivation are not included in the flora analysis. During earlier research, 45 taxa were recorded, while 385 taxa are listed for the first time in this work. In addition to the flora inventory, a taxonomic, ecological and phytogeographical analysis was performed. The results are presented in Tables 1–4 and Figure 2. The composition of the flora is dominated by angiosperms, in which dicotyledons (73.99%) are significantly more common than monocotyledons (23.99%). The flora also includes two ferns and 5 gymnosperms. By the number of taxa, the most represented families are Poaceae (13.01%), Asteraceae s.l. (11.85%) and Fabaceae (8.96%). The spectrum of life forms is dominated by therophytes (43.93%) and hemicryptophytes (24.28%), while plants of the Mediterranean floral element (42.77%) dominate in the phytogeographical analysis, which indicates the climatic conditions and geographical position of the island of Rivanj. Four endemics and four endangered taxa (Lathyrus ochrus – critically endangered, Carex extensa – endangered and two vulnerable taxa: Orchis tridentata and Parapholis incurva) were recorded in the flora, as well as five orchid. Eleven invasive taxa were recorded in the weed and ruderal vegetation of the settlement (3.18% of the total flora of the island). The investigation of the macchia and forest vegetation of the island of Rivanj and the islets of Sestrice was conducted in 2019 and 2020. The relevés were produced and analyzed according to the Braun-Blanquet method. Thirty relevés presenting the vegetation of the Quercetea ilicis and Pinetea halepensis classes were statistically analyzed and their dendrogram created. The results are shown in Tables 5–7 in accordance with the classic presentation regarding phytosociological relevés. Through the syntaxonomic analysis the Erico arboreae-Arbutetum unedonis Allier et Lacoste 1980 ex Foggi in Foggi et Grigioni 1999, Myrto communis-Pistacietum lentisci (Molinier 1954) Rivas-Martínez 1975, Pistacio lentisci-Juniperetum turbinatae Trinajstić 1987 ex Asensi, Díez-Garretas & Quézel 2007 and Myrto communis-Quercetum ilicis (Horvatić 1963) Trinajstić (1976) 1985 associations from the Quercetea ilicis class and the Pistacio lentisci-Pinetum halepensis De Marco, Veri & Caneva 1984 association. The autochthonous macchia and forest vegetation is mostly endangered by planted community of Aleppo pine on the islet of Mala Sestrica and on smaller areas on the island of Rivanj. North-west of the settlements on the Rivanj island a thick and impassable macchia grows. It is necessary to clear out the firefighting access paths and ban all activities that might cause fire.

Saxicolous vascular flora of karst outcrops: An overlooked component of Brazilian biodiversity

Rock outcrops are islands in the landscape that usually harbor a xeric saxicolous flora with endemic and endangered species. They are abundant in the Neotropical region, but floristic and ecological studies are centered on quartzite and granite-gneissic lithologies, leaving a knowledge gap regarding those of calcareous origin. It is expected that outcrops of carbonate rocks, like other rock outcrops, harbor a peculiar saxicolous flora tolerant to drought, and share communities of species associated with the distinct microhabitats. To test these assumptions, we carried out a floristic survey of the saxicolous vascular vegetation of two calcareous outcrops at Lagoa Santa region, Minas Gerais, Brazil, the historical site studied in the XIX Century by Eugen Warming – one of the fathers of Ecology. We also analysed the floristic similarity between the outcrops, among the five recognized microhabitats, crevices, exposed rock, fissures, soil islands, and epiphytic, as well as the life form spectra. Our results registered 45 families, 92 genera and 124 species, standing out Orchidaceae (14 species), Bromeliaceae (11 species), Piperaceae (10 species) and Asteraceae (8 species). There was a low similarity between the outcrops (Ij = 0.45), but the cluster analysis revealed three floristic groups inhabiting the microhabitats (exposed rock, crevices-soil islands, and fissure-epiphytic), each one sharing a similar subset of species. The distribution of the life forms into the microhabitats was homogeneous in the two outcrops, meaning that there is a correspondence between them. Three saxicolous species are threatened, but most of the inventoried species (73%) were never assessed and may be under extinction risk. Our results highlight that the saxicolous flora on outcrops of carbonate rocks deserve more attention on conservation once they have high biological importance, share communities of saxicolous plants inhabiting particular microhabitats, and face strong pressures of anthropic activities, especially mining.

Environmental variables drive medicinal plant composition and distribution in various forest types of subtropical region in Pakistan

Analyzing the ecological distribution patterns of medicinal plants under the influence of environmental variables can provide important information about how these plants are affected by environmental factors. This analysis can also serve as a conceptual foundation for medicinal plant management strategies. We examined the composition and distribution of medicinal plants as well as how and which environmental factors influence the plant communities in subtropical forest types from Pakistan. 11 forest sites over the course of two years (2020−2021) were sampled, measuring 10 environmental variables and documenting medicinal plants that were present in the study area. Plants data viz.; cover, density, and frequency were recorded from randomly selected sites through quadrat method. Soil parameters i.e., pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, electrical conductance, potassium and soil organic matter were recorded from each site. After calculating importance value index for each species, the data was analyzed utilizing a multivariate ordination approach. The most prevalent family observed during present investigations were Asteraceae followed by Fabaceae and Solanaceae. The life form spectra outcomes exhibited the predominance of the therophyte species, followed by chamaephyte species. The results of the regression analysis exhibit that soil organic matter, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus have a positive influence on medicinal plant richness, while electrical conductance (EC) and soil pH have a negative influence. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the soil parameters and anthropogenic factors (grazing pressure, land degradation, over-collection) had a significant (p ≤ 0.002) effect on the distribution of medicinal plants. The seasonal pattern of the life cycle revealed its peak during the spring season (41%), followed by monsoon (32%). The leaf size spectra results showed dominance of microphylls, over nanophylls and leptophylls. The results would be significant in establishing plant conservation strategies in Pakistan, especially due to over-exploitation of medicinal plants and the negative effects of climate change make it imperative to protect them on prior basis.

PLANT DIVERSITY IN DAK NONG PROVINCE, VIETNAM: A CASE STUDY IN DAK GLONG AND KRONG NO DISTRICT

This study was conducted in Quang Son commune (Dak Glong district), Quang Phu and Dak Nang commune (Krong No district), Dak Nong province, to determine the diversity of plant resources. The temporary transect survey and sample plot method were applied to assess the properties of forest resources as the foundation for conservation management and sustainable development of this valuable resource. This study demonstrates that the flora in Dak Nong has tremendous and vital value in terms of plant biodiversity. A total of 731 species, 425 genera, and 145 families of plants were recorded. The most diverse families are Fabaceae, Orchidaceae, Asteraceae, Rubiaceae, etc. The genera with dominant species numbers are Ficus, Syzygium, Bulbophyllum, Cinnamomum, Crotalaria, etc. Regarding the life-form spectrum, Phanerophytes (Ph) accounted for 85.50% of species of the whole flora; in terms of plant geography, up to 89.47% of species belonging to tropical elements in the study area. The flora has high use and conservation value, with 533 useful plant species and 74 plant species threatened nationally and internationally. These results indicate that merging this forest resource into Nam Nung Nature Reserve is required to more effectively manage, conserve and develop a valuable resource beyond its potential and value.

Floristic Composition and Biological Spectrum of The Bogdkhan Mountain, Mongolia

The Bogdkhan mountain of Mongolia is strictly protected and possesses a unique ecosystem, because of its location in the transitional zone of Siberian taiga and the Asian steppe. Floristic composition and the biological spectrum of the Bogdkhan Mountain were studied during July 2019 to September 2020. A total of 522 vascular plants were recorded belonging to 249 genera and 63 families. Asteraceae was found to be the most dominant family (13.22%; 33 genera and 69 taxa) followed by Poaceae (8.43%; 21 genera and 44). The classified life-form spectra of all the species recorded from the study area revealed the predominance of hemicryptophytes (63.03%) followed by geophytes (11.30%), therophytes (10.34%), phanerophytes (9.58%), chamaephytes (5.36%), and hydrophytes (0.38%). The notable changes found in the biological spectrum, which are chamaephytes from 12 to 5.36%, geophytes from 8 to 11.30% and therophytes from 8 to 10.34%. Variaty of reasons might cause change the life form, such as climate change, anthropogenic impacts, etc. Hemicryptophytes and chamaephytes dominate the flora of the mountain due to the cold mountain niche. The floristic diversity of this mountain tends to decline further videnced from the observed lesser divergence values of geophytes and therophytes. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 29(2): 241-268, 2022 (December)

Vascular flora of Zarrin-Kuh Protected Area in Central Kopet Dagh Mountains, NE Iran: An annotated checklist

Zarrin-Kuh Protected Area (ZPA) is a part of the Khorassan-Kopet Dagh floristic province of the Irano-Turanian region. In this research, we present the first checklist of vascular plants of ZPA along with the life-form spectrum, phytogeography, and conservation status. We conducted field surveys through several random collection efforts and vegetation sampling during 2015–2017. A total of 549 species/infraspecific taxa belonging to 69 families and 318 genera are recorded as native and naturalized plants. The most prominent families are Asteraceae (43 genera/72 species), Poaceae (29/44), Brassicaceae (31/43), Fabaceae (15/43), and Chenopodiaceae (24/41). The richest genera are Astragalus (21 taxa), Euphorbia (10), Acanthophyllum (8), and Allium (8). The therophytes (47.2 %) and hemicryptophytes (25.2%) are dominant in the life-form spectrum. Irano-Turanian elements (347 taxa, 63.2%) are the most common plants; however, the area is inhabited by several Iranian and/or Khorassan-Kopet Dagh endemic, rare and narrow-range plants, among which 17 species are threatened. Astragalus androssovianus Gontsch. is also recorded as new to the flora of Iran. Over-grazing and exploiting valuable plants are the most critical threats to the area. The results support more effective protection practices to ensure the conservation of the unique flora of Central Kopet Dagh.

Structure and seasonal dynamics of the adventitious fraction of the flora of "Gagarin Park" (Dnipro)

Alien species significantly change the structure and functions of green spaces in cities, can affect people's health and cause economic damage to the urban economy. Studies show that the flora of urboecosystems has been significantly transformed by human economic activity, which causes the spread and rapid advancement of invasive species and the reduction of phytodiversity. The object of the study was the grass cover of "Gagarin Park" (Dnipro). The species composition and projective cover of vascular plants of the grass layer were studied in April–May and June–July 2021–2022. Experimental sites measuring 3×3 m were laid in different parts of the park, the total number of spring descriptions – 420, summer – 230. Field work was carried out using classic geobotanical methods of research (route-reconnaissance, detailed-route, geobotanical description, establishment of test plots). 121 species of vascular plants belonging to 45 families were recorded in the grass cover of Gagarin Park (Dnipro). The most numerous are Asteraceae (17%) and Poaceae (12%). At the beginning of the growing season, the families Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, and Scrophulariaceae are characterized by the richest species composition; in the summer, the role of Aceraceae, Brassicaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Fabaceae, and Rosaceae increases. 42 adventive species belonging to 29 families were found in the grass layer of the park. The share of adventitious plants increases during the growing season from 22 to 37% in species composition. In spring, representatives of the Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Scrophulariaceae families predominate among the 12 registered adventives (15% each), in summer the number of adventive species increases to 36, and the Asteraceae family dominates (28%). The spectrum of life forms is dominated by herbaceous annuals - 33.3% and perennials - 23.8%, as well as numerous seedlings of woody species – 21.4%. There are much fewer biennials (9.5%) and vines (7.1%), biennials and shrubs are represented singly. American species (33.4%) are the leaders in species diversity by origin: North American and South American migroelements have 13 and 1 species, respectively. There are also numerous representatives of Mediterranean (23.8%) and Asian origin (21.4%). This ratio is more typical for the group of invasive plants than for alien species of Ukraine as a whole. The predominance of species of American origin indicates that plants that grow in similar conditions in their original habitat are best adapted to new conditions. This confirms the proposition that species with a transcontinental habitat type have greater opportunities for adaptation to new conditions than species originating from adjacent floristic regions. The spectrum of adventitious plant biomorphs in «Gagarin Park» is dominated by annuals in the spring, but in the summer the share of woody species seedlings increases. Among the life forms according to K. Raunkier (or climamorph), the largest percentage belongs to therophytes in spring, and phanerophytes and hemcryptophytes in summer. The dominant group of biomorphs is vegetatively immobile plants – 80% in spring and 55% in summer. Cenomorphic analysis of the grass cover indicates the dominance of ruderants throughout the season, which is natural for the analyzed group of adventive plants. Xeromesophytes and mesophytes predominate among hygromorphs, and mesotrophs among tromorphs, which indicates favorable conditions for the growth of tree vegetation in the park. Among the heliomorphs, heliophytes and scioheliophytes predominate, which reflects the increased level of illumination under the canopy of woody park plants compared to typical forest phytocenoses. In the grass cover of the «Gagarin park», representatives of alien species with high and medium indicators of phytocenotic activity were found. Among them, most of them belong to invasive plants and transformative species – Impatiens parviflora, Solidago canadensis, Acer negundo, Erigeron annuus, they are the ones that pose a threat to the phytodiversity of the studied ecosystem, inhibit naturalization processes and require measures to regulate the number of populations. Due to the detected increased phytocenotic activity of Partenocissus quinquefolia and Vitis vinifera, we state that these species acquire invasive properties, therefore they require the attention of researchers and monitoring.

Species Composition and Utilization Values of Oil Plants in Xuan Nha Special-use Forest, Son La Provine

This study was conducted to assess the resources of oil plants in Xuan Nha special-use forest, Son La province. The survey period was conducted from July 2018 to June 2021. The results showed that there were 317 species, 196 genera of 62 families belonging to Pinophyta and Magnoliophyta. In addition to the value for essential oils, many species had other values such as 256 medicinal species, 105 edible species, 66 timber species, 35 bonsai species, 20 wine additive species, 9 species used for animal feeds, 7 dye-containing species and 3 poisonous species. The spectrum of life forms of identified species included: SB = 63.41Ph + 11.99 Th + 11.04Cr + 7.57Hm + 5.99 Ch. We have identified 24 species of plants as being endangered in the Vietnam Red Book (2007), 12 species listed in the Governmental Decree and 10 species in the red list of IUCN (2021). These are species with a small number of individuals that need to have policies for conservation and development.

Integrating expert knowledge at regional and national scales improves impact assessments of non-native species

Knowledge of the impacts of invasive species is important for their management, prioritisation of control efforts and policy decisions. We investigated how British and Irish botanical experts assessed impacts at smaller scales in areas where they were familiar with the flora. Experts were asked to select the 10 plants that they considered were having the largest impacts in their areas. They also scored the local impacts of 10 plant species that had been previously scored to have the highest impacts at the scale of Great Britain. Impacts were scored using the modified classification scheme of the EICAT framework (Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa). A total of 782 species/score combinations were received, of which 123 were non-native plants in 86 recording areas. Impatiens glandulifera, Reynoutria japonica and Rhododendron ponticum were the three species considered to have the highest impacts across all regions. Four of the species included in the list of the 10 highest impact species in Great Britain were also in the top 10 of species reported in our study. Species in the higher impact categories had, on average, a wider distribution than species with impacts categorised at lower levels. The main habitat types affected were woodlands, followed by linear/boundary features and freshwater habitats. Thirty-nine native plant species were reported to be negatively affected. In comparison to the overall non-native flora of Britain and Ireland, the lifeform spectrum of the species reported was significantly different, with higher percentages of aquatic plants and trees, but a lower proportion of annuals. The study demonstrates the value of local knowledge and expertise in identifying invasive species with negative impacts on the environment. Local knowledge is useful to both confirm national assessments and to identify species and impacts on native species and habitats that may not have gained national attention.

The Effects of Different Management Methods on Restored Grasslands in Potential Temperate Forest Zones

The European temperate forest zone has great importance, in terms of maintaining the habitats of not only forests but also anthropogenous grasslands, which were formed as a result of habitat reconstruction. These habitats have great importance, by means of nature conservation, landscape use, economy, and forest and grassland use. The mosaic-like habitat complexes that consist of these grasslands and forest patches help to increase biodiversity and supply the habitat for forest game. In this survey, changes in the vegetation of the temperate forests (Fagetum) of the Mátra Mountains of Hungary were investigated after reconstruction. In 2012, shrub cutting was carried out in the area of Parádóhuta, and then three different management methods (abandoning, mowing, and grazing) were utilized. Our goals were the following: to perform a vegetation survey of the sample areas (i); surveying the natural regeneration of the grassland and analyzing its biodiversity, nature conservation, and economical value (ii); and analyzing the vegetation in terms of nature conservation and valuing its life form spectrum, economy values, and livestock-feeding ability (iii). According to our results, systematic mowing and a less-intensive grazing had a significantly positive effect on biodiversity and the coverage of species, thus increasing the naturalness of the studied grassland habitats, while wild game were able to act as ecological engineers.