Linnaea Research Articles

Features of the structure of the herbaceous cover and natural regeneration in the spruce forests of the Kologrivsky Forest Nature Reserve

The aim of the study was to identify the features of the structure of the herbaceous cover and natural regeneration in the southern taiga spruce forests of the Kostroma region using the example of the Kologrivsky Forest Nature Reserve. To achieve this goal, twelve temporary square sample plots (SP) with an area of 0.0625 ha were established. Forest type, canopy density, soil and topography were determined. To characterize the forest stands, a taxonomic survey of the sample plots was carried out. To describe the vegetation cover, a combined method was used, including the Braun-Blanke and Drude-Uranov methods, which assumes the distribution of typical plant complexes over a large number of plant species growing together. Geobotanical descriptions were processed according to the method of D.N. Tsyganov, which consisted in using two tables: ecological amplitudes of species and scales of factors. Correlation analysis was used for data processing. The obtained statistical data set was presented in histograms and graphs for the sake of clarity. The frequency of occurrence, errors, participation rate, and average projective cover of the species were calculated according to generally accepted methods. In the course of the work, all sample plots were characterized by a tree-by-tree census. As the sample plots were located in very different parts of the reserve, the taxonomic indicators varied. In most cases, however, the dominant species was spruce. Its viable regrowth was 95%, indicating a high renewal potential. In the studied forest areas, the dominant species of the living ground cover were Northern linseed (Linnaea borealis) and blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), oak fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) and wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella). The practical significance of the conducted research lies in the expansion of the ideas about the structure of the herbaceous cover formed under the canopy of spruce forests in the conditions of the Kologrivsky Forest Nature Reserve, as well as about the peculiarities of the process of natural regeneration in different conditions of the growth site.

Predicting the current and future distribution of pine woodland specialist plants in the Cairngorms National Park

The Caledonian pine forests of Scotland have declined significantly over the past century largely due to clearance for timber, fuel and grazing land. Approximately 1% of these native pinewoods remain from their historic extent, with a stronghold in the Cairngorms National Park. Creeping Lady’s-Tresses Goodyera repens (L.) R. Br., One-Flowered Wintergreen Moneses uniflora (L.) A. Gray and Twinflower Linnaea borealis L. favour this habitat, meaning that the clearance of pine woodland has resulted in widespread declines. There are multiple plantation schemes underway in the Cairngorms to reforest the Highlands, such as Cairngorms Connect, partly with the intent of assisting the recovery of pine woodland specialists. This study uses Maximum Entropy modelling (MaxEnt) to create species distribution models (SDMs), firstly to predict the current distribution for these species; thus, enabling land managers in the Cairngorms to target surveys with the hope of finding new populations. Secondly, future distribution models are created using different emissions scenarios to predict the regions of maximum habitat suitability for the study species, with the aim of visualising where pine woodland should be planted to ensure long-term habitat viability. The results showed that there are regions in the north and east of the Cairngorms which have the highest habitat suitability, currently and in the future. The creation of habitat corridors between these two regions should be a priority to prevent isolation between populations of pine woodland specialists. The high emissions pathway could increase the likelihood of isolation by significantly decreasing the habitat suitability between the most suitable areas.

Application of temporary immersion system RITA® for efficient biomass multiplication and production of artificial seeds for ex situ conservation of Linnaea borealis L

Linnaea borealis L., belonging to the Linnaeaceae family, in some European countries including Poland, is a protected species. Phytochemical studies indicate the presence of pharmacologically important secondary metabolites, which may indicate undiscovered biological activity and untapped therapeutic potential of this species. Harvesting the raw material from natural sites is impossible due to the protection status of this glacial relict in many countries. The aim of the current work was to develop an efficient protocol of Linnaea borealis L. var. borealis shoot multiplication via the development of axillary buds in an agitated culture and a temporary-immersion system as well as to establish the production of artificial seeds via alginate encapsulated nodes for short-time storage. The highest results of growth parameters were obtained for shoots agitated in MS (Murashige & Skoog) liquid medium enriched with cytokinin, auxin and gibberellin (18.3 ± 0.4 shoots per explant and 2185 ± 98% biomass increase, respectively). The growth of shoots in the RITA® bioreactor was highly efficient, especially when hormone supplementation in MS medium was used, the amount of medium in the culture vessel was 100 or 150 ml, and the immersion time of the shoots was 1 or 2 min. The survival and recovery rates of L. borealis artificial seeds, regardless of encapsulation matrix used, subsequently decreased with the increased storage duration up to 6 months (from 100 to 60% at 4 °C and from 100 to 54% at -18 ºC, respectively). This is the first report on twinflower shoot multiplication in a temporary-immersion system and artificial seeds production of this species.

Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Triosteum sinuatum, Insights into Comparative Chloroplast Genomics, Divergence Time Estimation and Phylogenetic Relationships among Dipsacales.

Triosteum himalayanum, Triosteum pinnatifidum (Triosteum L., Caprifoliaceae, Dipsacales) are widely distributed in China while Triosteum sinuatum mainly occurrs in northeast China. Few reports have been determined on the genus Triosteum. In the present research, we sequenced 2 chloroplast genomes of Triosteum and analyzed 18 chloroplast genomes, trying to explore the sequence variations and phylogeny of genus Triosteum in the order Dipsacales. The chloroplast genomes of the genus Triosteum ranged from 154,579 bp to 157,178 bp, consisting of 132 genes (86 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes). Comparative analyses and phylogenetic analysis supported the division of Dipsacales into two clades, Adoxaceae and six other families. Among the six families, a clade of Valerianaceae+Dipsacaceae was recovered as a sister to a clade of Morinaceae+Linnaeaceae. A closer relationship of T. himalayanum and T. pinnatifidum among three species was revealed. Our research supported that Lonicera ferdinandi and Triosteum was closely related. Zabelia had a closer relationship with Linnaea borealis and Dipelta than Morinaceae. The divergence between T. sinuatum and two other species in Triosteum was dated to 13.4 mya.

Woody Plant Communities after 40 Years of Pollution Control and Restoration in Smelter-Denuded Landscapes

Restoration of degraded ecosystems requires assessing the status of the recovery and identifying key factors limiting the recovery. Nearly 4 decades of the reduction in smelter emissions, soil amelioration, and planting of ∼10 million trees and shrubs have led to extensive revegetation of emission-denuded landscapes in the Sudbury area, ON, Canada. To evaluate the state of recovery and identify factors affecting it, we surveyed woody plants and environmental correlates (soil pH, soil nutrient content, and soil metal content) along gradients of historical smelting impacts. Species richness declined from reference sites to high-impact sites, with impact sites having 23–33% fewer species compared to reference sites. Species composition varied along gradients of historical smelting impacts, with the difference attributable to low abundances or absences of one third of the 43 species found in the reference sites. Species richness and composition were associated with soil toxicity (as measured by metal content and pH) but not soil nutrients. However, the negative relationships between soil toxicity and plant community were attributable to the mediation effect of canopy cover, rather than the direct effect of soil toxicity. Sixty three percent of species that were uncommon or absent in impact sites (Abies balsamea [Balsam Fir], Acer pensylvanicum [Striped Maple], Acer spicatum [Mountain Maple], Betula alleghaniensis [Swamp Birch], Fraxinus nigra [Black Ash], Gaultheria procumbens [American Wintergreen], Linnaea borealis [Twinflower], Lonicera canadensis [Fly Honeysuckle], Lonicera hirsute [Hairy Honeysuckle], and Ostrya virginiana [American Hophornbeam]) were shade-tolerant and declined with declining canopy cover. These species were reported to be absent or uncommon in impact sites nearly 4 decades ago. Together, these results suggest that woody plant community has undergone limited recovery and that the recovery is hampered by poorly developed canopy cover rather than direct soil toxicity or nutrient deficiency. Accordingly, strategic interventions of canopy cover-mediated processes (e.g., shading and soil moisture) is needed to facilitate the recovery of the woody plant community in the smelter-denuded landscapes.

Linnaea borealis L. var. borealis-In Vitro Cultures and Phytochemical Screening as a Dual Strategy for Its Ex Situ Conservation and a Source of Bioactive Compounds of the Rare Species.

Linnaea borealis L. (Twinflower)—a dwarf shrub in the Linnaeeae tribe of Caprifoliaceae family—is distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. By means of this study, a reliable protocol for efficient micropropagation of uniform L. borealis L. var. borealis plantlets has been provided for the first time; callus culture was also established. Different initial explants, types of cultures, media systems, and plant growth regulators in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media were tested. Agitated shoot cultures in the liquid media turned out to be the best system for the production of sustainable plant biomass. After stabilization of the callus lines, the highest growth index (c.a. 526%) was gained for callus maintained on MS enriched with picloram. TLC and UHPLC-HESI-HRMS analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids, and for the first time, the presence of iridoids and triterpenoid saponins in this species. Multiplication of L. borealis shoot culture provides renewable raw material, allowing for the assessment of the phytochemical profile, and, in the future, for the quantitative analyses and the studies of the biological activity of extracts, fractions, or isolated compounds. This is the first report on in vitro cultures of traditionally used L. borealis rare taxon and its biosynthetic potential.

Ceramothyrium linnaeae . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Ceramothyrium linnaeae (Chaetothyriaceae, Chaetothyriales) found on living leaves of Linnaea borealis . Information on its morphology, habitats, dispersal and transmission and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Sweden and Canada (New Brunswick)) and associated organisms ( Metacoleroa dickiei, Equisetum fluviatile, Linnaea borealis, Linnaea borealis var. americana and Lycopodium annotinum ).

Offsite effects of mining on the frequency and abundance of five understorey plant species in western Québec (Canada)

Although the mining industry provides minerals and metals to the global market and represents important economic opportunities, it also constitutes a major anthropogenic disturbance in the ecosystems where it takes place. However, little is known about its offsite impacts on plant communities. We assessed the frequency and the abundance of five common boreal understorey plant species (Coptis trifolia (L.) Salisb., Cornus canadensis L., Linnaea borealis L., Lysimachia borealis (Raf.) U.Manns & Anderb., and Maianthemum canadense Desf.) at different distances around six mines in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Nord-du-Québec (Québec). Frequency and (or) abundance of Coptis trifolia and M. canadense decreased near mines, suggesting that they might be sensitive to the loss of forest cover, particle deposition, and soil contamination induced by mining. Conversely, the frequency and abundance of Cornus canadensis increased near active mines, which indicates its resilience to the stress caused by mines and its ability to exploit the niche space left by more sensitive species. No effects on Linnaea borealis and Lysimachia borealis were observed. Our study suggests the possible presence of offsite impacts of mines on plant communities. Further studies considering enigmatic impacts should be conducted in order to develop our understanding of the broader environmental footprint of mining activity.

Two flowers per seed: Derivatives of CoG@F127/GO with enhanced catalytic performance of overall water splitting

Abstract In this work, cobalt glycerate (CoG@F127) nanosheets grown on the surface of graphene oxide (GO), i.e. CoG@F127/GO, have been synthesized with the assistance of nonionic surfactant Pluronic F127 via a hydrothermal method. After calcination, CoG@F127/GO is transformed into one derivative, Co nanoparticles coated with a trace amount of carbon (Co-C) on GO (Co-C/GO). The Co nanoparticles consist of an atypical core–shell structure, in which the core and the shell are both Co. Co-C anchored on GO can avoid the nanoparticles aggregation and expose more active sites for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) to significantly improve the catalyst activity of HER. CoG@F127/GO is phosphatized to form the other derivate, cobalt pyrophosphate coated with a small amount of carbon (Co2P2O7-C) on GO (Co2P2O7-C/GO). Co2P2O7-C/GO composite owns a large electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) and fast rate towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Furthermore, the two derivatives of CoG@F127/GO, i.e. Co-C/GO and Co2P2O7-C/GO as twin flowers, are assembled into an overall water splitting electrolytic cell with a cell voltage of 1.56 V to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2.

Biodiversity and Structure of Undisturbed Mountain Siberian Pine Taiga of the Idarsky Belogorye Ridge (East Sayan)

The structure of flora and fauna, which is a standard of the state and dynamics of the taiga forests in humid climatic facies of the Altai-Sayan mountain region, has been analyzed based on the example of the undisturbed mountain Siberian Pine taiga (Eastern Sayan mountains). The ecological–phytocenotic features and floristic and faunistic composition of the late succession stage are studied. The dominance of the green moss group of forest types is revealed across the topographic profiles. The forest stands have a complex age structure with the dominance of Pinus sibirica Du Tour. and are characterized by low productivity (quality classes IV–V prevail), high class of normality (from 0.5 to 1.0), and sufficient regeneration. A floristic, ecological–coenotic analysis of the herb–dwarf-shrub layer, the elements of undergrowth, and the moss cover indicates the dominance of humid taiga flora. The species of the taiga ecological–coenotic group (ECG) (Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex iljinii, Calamagrostis obtusata, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Phegopteris connectilis, Oxalis acetosella, Aegopodium alpestre, Trientalis europaea, Linnaea borealis, Maianthemum bifolium, Stellaria bungeana, et al.), moss–bog ECG (Ledum palustre, Vaccinium uliginosum, Carex globularis et al.), and bor-taiga ECG (Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Pyrola rotundifolia, Lycopodium annotinum et al.) form the herb–dwarf-shrub layer in the prevailing forest types. Green mosses (Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi with a mixture of Ptilium crista-castrensis and Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus) dominate in the moss layer. Polytrichum commune, P. strictum, Dicranum scoparium, D. polysetum, and Sphagnum sp. mosses are found in some sites. The increased role of higher spore plants characterizes the flora as well-preserved archaic features flora. The Siberian pine forest coenoflora consists of 224 species and belongs to the Cyperaceae type. In the structure of the geographical elements of the flora, the leading role belongs to the Palaearctic, European, and Siberian elements with an increased role of endemics. The species typical for the Siberia taiga complex compose the core of the fauna. The most diverse avifauna is represented by 102 species (Tarsiger cyanurus, Parus montanus, Parus ater, Luscinia calliope, Sitta europaea, Loxia curvirostra, Coccothraustes coccothraustes, Tetrastes bonasia, Phylloscopus proregulus, etc.).

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Linnaea borealis, a rare, clonal self-incompatible plant

Linnaea borealis L. is a creeping shrub which grows about 5–10 cm high and is a rare clonal plant. Linnaea is a monotypic genus. Here, we release and detail the complete chloroplast genome sequences of L. borealis, whose size is 161,576 bp, containing a large single copy region (LSC) of 85,609 bp and a single copy region (SSC) of 46,694 bp which typically separates by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 29,210 bp. The amount of the overall genes is 136, which includes 37 tRNA genes, eight rRNA genes, and 91 protein-coding genes. The content of the G/C in whole plastome is 61.74% while the G/C content of the LSC, SSC, and IR region are 36.58%, 38.86%, and 42.25%, respectively. The complete cp genome sequences of L. borealis will be a useful resource to the phylogenetics study in family Caprifoliaceae.

A monograph of Caprifoliaceae: Linnaeeae

Tribe Linnaeeae is a diverse group disjunctly distributed in the northern hemisphere between China and Japan and Mexico. The tribe consists of shrubs with showy flowers that are important in the horticultural industry. We present a detailed monograph of tribe Linnaeeae that includes descriptions, identification keys, botanical plates with line drawings and photographs, distribution maps, morphometric analysis of key characters, and discussion on evolution, cultivation and conservation. Twenty species, as well as five new varieties and four new forms, are recognised in six genera. Forty heterotypic names (not including the 218 names for Linnaea borealis) are listed as synonyms. 1,973 specimens were studied and databased from 13 herbaria (A, BM, CAS, E, GZAC, IBSC, KUN, KYO, MAK, PE, TNS, TOFO and TI). The Kolkwitzia–Dipelta–Diabelia clade radiated from the Qinling Mountain Range of China and is disjunctly distributed in Japan. The Linnaea–Vesalea clade may have migrated through the Bering Land Bridge and radiated along the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico. Abelia, which is most diverse in China, evolved in relation to the formation of the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau.

AFLP markers show low levels of clonal propagation and high genotypic diversity in the rare, southernmost populations of Linnaea borealis L. (Caprifoliaceae) in the Western Alps.

In plants, clonal propagation is a common reproductive strategy in parallel to sexual reproduction. It has both advantages and drawbacks, and the potential complete loss of sexual reproduction causes serious conservation concerns, especially because population maintenance then only relies on adult survival and low genetic diversity leads to decreased adaptive potential. We investigated the rare, southernmost populations of the mostly circumboreal twinflower Linnaea borealis, located in the Western Alps. Based on 105 AFLP markers and 118 leaf samples, including replicates, we estimated the genetic similarity threshold above which samples belong to a single clone. Although the species is known for extensive clonal propagation, we observed high genotypic diversity within the seven studied populations and almost all samples were genetically distinct. Nevertheless, some clonal samples were detected in two populations, separated by up to 180m. We found a strong genetic differentiation among populations (overall Fst = 0.38), which was congruent with the previously documented high plastid diversity in the region. We therefore hypothesize that Alpine populations are relicts of the Quaternary glacial periods, when the species probably survived at these lower latitudes before colonizing Northern Europe. Regarding conservation, our results suggest that most extant plants result from sexual reproduction and that populations are not highly threatened. Nevertheless, since clones can be very long-lived and almost no seedlings were observed in recent years, events of sexual reproduction may be ancient. The current reproductive dynamics should therefore be studied to estimate e.g. pollinators activity, proportions of flowering plants, and seed set.

Good Morning, Midnight, and: In a Mirror Universe, and: A Face Made of Light, and: Irradiance

Good Morning, Midnight, and: In a Mirror Universe, and: A Face Made of Light, and: Irradiance L. A. Johnson (bio) Good Morning, Midnight I tune my telescope toward the sky,searching the cosmos for what I wantto find: safety in empty spaces, planets lighter than snow, one less thouto miss. In my fixed experiment, there wasn't ever one—no messagesof uncertainty thickeningin a doctor's vials, life unspooling. The law of reflection says onlywhat you can see is what can see you. Mirrors create multitudes, transform aurorasinto thousand of echoes, ringing.Even then, there are losses, the trapped light of a galaxyburied behind our apology-lit sky. In this map of no distance,I trace the anatomy of prisms,latitude vanishing by the hour— an evolution of a never-will-becollapsing between stars. [End Page 31] If a mirror vanishes, if a bodyvanishes, so does its reflection,so does celestial possibility. Heat repairs in the crematorium.Light completes the feeling. I dream a midnight madefrom arrows and ghost words,mirror world with a different name. In a Mirror Universe Devotion is what's containedin a snowglobe or measuredby the evidence of phone calls.Winter spans landscapeswith voices, birdsongs echotinny and indistinguishablein the cold. Frozen in midnight,identical snowflakes soften,twin flowers that violatenot one hypothesis. I lingerin the stillness of the peninsula,watch ice catch in pine trees.Supernovas reduce as ifphosphorescent bedroom stars.Counted by moonlight, the ordinarymoments: liquid medicinetapered to the size of a spoon,chalk pills sized too largefor swallowing. If physics doesnot dictate that time must moveonly forward, how do we know [End Page 32] about then or the now, waking upnot knowing where I am.Years ago, I cut your fingernailsdelicately, so as to not harmthe quick. Pulled the sheets up tight.Folded the linen dresses, leftthe oven on. Your houseperformed a vanishing actin slow movements, withoutbother for repairs. In this life,great unpreparedness. Whydid I call so late, why did the yardfill with moths, why did frost thickenon the windshield even thoughit hadn't been cold at all. Memoryunraveled, memory reflected,let the forever be tonight. A Face Made of Light I see you there, under the traveler's palm,face shielded by the rows of stiff fans, rainwaterpooling across the east-west compass line. I see you twisted among curtains, reflectedin the mirror into the space beside me. Later, you are singing behind the iron gate,your song the sound of cicadas in late summer. In the swimming pool, as I kick from one endto the other, you are beneath me: your eyes more wet [End Page 33] than the water. The fluid that suffocated youweighs you down like an anchor, pressing youback into the sharp-bottom of the pool. Your mouth opens to gibberish. Your voicelost to so many air bubbles breaking and breaking. You become a white diagrammade of holes, radiating daylight, moonlight, every hour of borrowed time before you werereduced to shadow. Memory changes shape. You are: what is present, what is absent. Irradiance Your body in ruins, wrappedin an electric blanket. Radiographs reveal blood in place of air.Each breath a precipice. Each breath a theoryof glass breaking in a field. Your cell phone on the bedone last blue ship to elsewhere, while past cities drift into languagein the last hour of the night: the white Point Reyes lighthouse,lantern room sootless and pristine— [End Page 34] how far we are from those shipsavoiding the rocky danger of coastline. You've felt the weight of candlelight,the absence. What to miss of what gets cut out, replacedwith a landscape of sutures. Meanwhile, your mind bright asthe moonlight outside, but trapped behind glass. I measure the light-yearsbetween this strange planet and the next, here and not-here. Quasars disappearas they become regular galaxies. At midnight, I hold back my own breath.Water enters your body, cold...

Эколого-ценотические позиции Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt и Linnaea borealis L. на северной периферии ареала

Эколого-ценотические позиции Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt и Linnaea borealis L. на северной периферии ареала

Influence of repeated fertilization on forage production for native mammalian herbivores in young lodgepole pine forests

Abstract Stand thinning and fertilization are silvicultural practices designed to enhance wood and biomass production. Applications of nitrogen-based fertilizers make nutrients potentially available to all trees, plants, and wildlife in a given forest ecosystem, and therefore may affect productivity of forage plants for native mammalian herbivores. Species associated with areas of forest fertilization in temperate and boreal zones of North America include mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), elk (Cervus elaphus), moose (Alces alces), and woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus), snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), and several species of voles. Impacts of fertilization on forest plant species may have important consequences for the nutrition, cover, and consequent survival of these herbivores, particularly in winter. This study tested the hypothesis (H1) that large-scale repeated fertilization, up to 20 years after the onset of treatments, would enhance the biomass production of forage plants, particularly grass, forb, shrub and tree species for native mammalian herbivores. A secondary hypothesis (H2) predicted that mosses and terrestrial lichens would decline as part of the ground vegetation in fertilized stands. Study areas were located in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) stands near Summerland, Kelowna, and Williams Lake in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Each study area had eight replicate stands: four unfertilized, and four fertilized five times at 2-year intervals. Mean biomass of total grasses responded dramatically starting in the first year after fertilization. Total forbs and herbs also followed this pattern, although not to a significant degree until after the second and third applications of fertilizer. All of the dominant grasses and forbs serve as summer forage for mule deer, moose, elk, and woodland caribou. Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), a preferred forage for mule deer, increased in fertilized stands. Grasses and dominant herbs in fertilized stands provide excellent forage and cover habitat for snowshoe hares and Microtus voles. Mean biomass of total shrubs was not affected by fertilization. However, saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia), prickly rose (Rosa acicularis), and red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) increased significantly in biomass in fertilized stands. Willow (Salix spp.) also increased in biomass, but was variable across treatment stands. Snowshoe hares respond favourably to enhanced shrub growth for food and cover in fertilized stands. All of these shrubs are readily eaten by deer, moose, and elk, and their structural attributes provide security and thermal cover. Mean biomass of understory Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) responded positively to fertilization, but subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and the three deciduous tree species did not. Dwarf shrubs such as kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), twinflower (Linnaea borealis), and dwarf blueberry (Vaccinium caespitosum) declined in fertilized stands. Thus, H1 was partially supported for some species. Increasing cover of grasses and nitrophilous herbs, and canopy cover from rapidly growing crop trees, in fertilized stands may have contributed to the decline of some dwarf shrubs. Mean crown volume index of total mosses and terrestrial lichens declined significantly in fertilized stands, thereby supporting H2. Mean biomass of total grasses (increase), R. acicularis (increase), and V. caespitosum (decline) were significantly affected after one application of fertilizer. Repeated applications of fertilizer may enhance biomass of some additional forage forbs and shrubs, but reduce biomass of some dwarf shrubs, mosses, and lichens.

Floral scent chemistry within the genus Linnaea (Caprifoliaceae)

‘Beauty bush’ and ‘twin flower’ are common names attributed to two well‐recognizable species belonging to the genus Linnaea (16 spp.) – L. amabilis and L. borealis – long admired by botanists and gardeners for their perfumed paired bell‐shaped flowers. In the present study, we investigated their floral scent compositions through gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis of dynamic headspace samples. Because the flowers of L. borealis in wild populations are fragrant both during the day and in the evening, circadian variation of scent emission was also assessed for this species. In total, 26 chemical compounds comprise the floral scent bouquets of L. amabilis and L. borealis, identified as monoterpenes (14), benzenoids and phenylpropanoids (5), aliphatics (3), sesquiterpenes (3) and irregular terpenes (1). Whereas monoterpenes, notably (‐)‐α‐ and β‐pinene, dominated the scent of L. amabilis (over 82% relative abundance), benzene derivates: 1,4 dimethoxybenzene, anisaldehyde, 2‐phenylethanol, benzaldehyde and nicotinaldehyde were exclusive to analysed headspace samples of L. borealis, accounting for 52% to 100% of their relative compositions, in three Swedish populations. A southwestern Finnish population was characterized by the four first mentioned benzenoid compounds and large amounts of (‐)‐α‐ and β‐pinenes plus two aliphatic substances. The scent compounds identified for both species are ubiquitous and may serve as generalist attractants/stimulants for a broad assortment of anthophilous insects. The basic work on the flower scent of L. amabilis and L. borealis should inspire studies of their pollination biology, primarily the behaviour‐guiding roles of the characteristic emitted volatiles.

Ecological phytocoenotic characteristics of <i>Platanthera bifolia</i> (L.) Rich. within the territory of Nature Reserve «Bylina» in Kirov Region

Ecological-phytocoenotic confinement of Platanthera bifolia in conditions of middle taiga subzone of Kirov Region was investigated. Studied coenopopulations are restricted mostly to spruce-birch, pine and rarely to spruce phytocoenoses. Herbaceous-shrub cover includes 78 species of vascular plants with dominance of Maianthemum bifolium L., Vaccinium myrtillus L. , Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., Hieracium pilosella L., Equisetum sylvaticum L. , Pyrola rotundifolia L. , Linnaea borealis L. , Trientalis europaea L. , etc . Populations age spectres are in most cases normal and incomplete. Ontogenesis of P. bifolia has pregenerative and generative periods as well as juvenile, immature, virginile and generative age stages. Ecological positions of the species within Bylina Nature Reserve are given by Tsyganov scales. It was shown that P. bifolia is a mesobiont species. Maximum potential of P. bifolia is marked on soil acidity scale (11,54%) and illumination scale (11,51%). Estimation of habitat ecological conditions for P. bifolia was accomplished with Ellenberg scales. It was defined that P. bifolia is characterised by significant ecological amplitude. It is a subcontinental, semi-shade species which prefers semi-wet soils with moderate acidity and moderate nutritients richness. According to hemeroby parameters, P. bifolia can be considered a species that survives insignificant and moderate anthropogenic influence in the studied area.

Fritillaria tunievii (Liliaceae), a new species from Armenia and North-East Anatolia

The new peculiar species Fritillaria tunievii Gabrielian with twin flowers is described from Urts mountain range in Yerevan fl oristic region of Armenia. Revision of herbarium collections of related species revealed this species to grow also in Aragats, Aparan and Darelegis floristic regions of Armenia, and even in North-East Anatolia. Description, holotype image, distinguishing features from F. hajastanica (Gabrielian) Gabrielian, F. caucasica Adams and F. assyriaca Baker, the map of distribution of the species and photos of plants are enclosed.

Studies on Oberonia 3. Aberrant flowers and other floral modifications in the orchid genus Oberonia

Orchid flowers are amongst the most conspicuous attractions that plants have generated over evolutionary epochs. However, organ homology in particular of androecium and gynoecium of orchid flowers have been, and are still, the subject of long‐term discussion. Studies of aberrant – teratologic – flowers have traditionally helped to clarify organ identity in orchids. We here present for the first time teratological flowers within the florally smallest and inconspicuous orchid genus Oberonia and illustrate them by light and scanning electron microscopy. Pseudopeloria with half of a lateral petal transformed into a lip was found in O. costeriana J.J.Sm. and O. mucronata (D.Don) Ormerod & Seidenf. A supernumerary lip is known from O. mucronata. Oberonia rufilabris Lindl. is documented with multiple aberrations: triple gynostemium and a total of 10 tepals, twin flowers, and duplicate lips. We interpret these aberrations in light of known floral developmental and organ identity information.