Park Flora Research Articles

Diversity of jewel orchids (Goodyerinae, Orchidaceae) in Mount Rinjani National Park, Lombok

Orchids are one of the largest families of flowering plants, and one of the taxons is Goodyerinae or jewel orchids. The diversity of jewel orchids on Lombok Island is very little known so it needs to be studied and described. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify and describe species, habitat and distribution of jewel orchids (Goodyerinae) in Mount Rinjani National Park. Sampling and data collection were carried out using the cruising method along the tourist routes and hiking trails on the southern slope of Mount Rinjani. Nine species of five genera of jewel orchids (Goodyerinae) were found in Mount Rinjani National Park, namely Anoectochilus setaceus, Myrmechis sp., Goodyera colorata, Goodyera reticulata, Goodyera velutina, Goodyera sp., Vrydagzynea nuda, Vrydagzynea viridiflora and Macodes petola. Goodyera is a genus of jewel orchids with the largest number of species found. Most of the species are distributed in the montane zone. Joben Resort is the Mount Rinjani National Park subarea with the highest number of jewel orchid species. The results of this study add new orchid species records in the Mount Rinjani National Park flora database and checklist flora of Lombok Island.

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.

Садово-парковое искусство римской Африки

The cultural space of Roman Africa includes the territory of four provinces (Africa Proconsularis, Numidia, Mauretania Caesarea and Mauretania Tingiana), later united in the African Exarchate. Common borders, Mediterranean climate, more than a thousand-year history of horticulture and agriculture, starting with the Phoenician colonists who left to the Romans a rich heritage, the Romanization of the provinces, which ended with the granting of citizenship to the entire free population (edict of Caracalla 212th), the proximity of Italy and the common land holdings of Roman aristocrats on both sides of the sea, led to the cultural unity of this region over the centuries. In addition to parks at country villas and urban peristyle gardens, the landscape gardening art in Roman Africa is represented by a unique fountain complex (Temple of Water in Zaguan) and a park at the theater in Dugga. The rich archaeological material, combined with written sources and Roman mosaics of the Bardo Museum, makes it possible to study the stylistic features and flora of African gardens and parks. Of particular interest is the more than a century-old period of Vandal domination, when, at the royal court, Roman poets, who collaborated to the service of the conquerors, create a kind of poetry of gardens, singing the ideal garden as a refuge from the hardships of everyday life.

The alien fraction of the flora of Seymskiy Regional Landscape Park, Sumy Oblast, Ukraine

Abstract The adventive fraction of the flora of Seymskiy Regional Landscape Park (Sumy Oblast, Ukraine) including 237 species of 183 genera and 62 families, is described. Its systematic and biomorphological structures was analyzed. The major families, namely Asteraceae, Poaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, Boraginaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Solanaceae and Malvaceae are represented by 152 species (64.1% of the alien fraction). Therophytes (49.4%), hemicryptophytes (28.7%) and phanerophytes (17.7%) were found to be the prevailing life forms in the alien flora of the park. According to the time of immigration, kenophytes (69%) predominate among alien species of the park. The most common species belonged to the group native of North America (23.2%), the Mediterranean (21%), Asian (17.7%) and Mediterranean-Iran-Turanian (11.4%). Xenophytes (54.4%) predominated by way of penetration into the territory, ergasiophytes were represented by 39.6% and xeno-ergasiophytes by 5.9% of the species. According to the degree of naturalization epoecophytes (30%) and agrio-epoecophytes (27.8%) had high ranked positions as part of the alien flora and there are slightly less ephemerophytes (14.8%), colonophytes (14.3%), agriophytes (6.8%) and ergasiophygophytes (6.3%). At the time of the survey, we considered 162 species as naturalized, 50 taxa as casuals, 16 species as potentially invasive, and 9 as those of invasive status. The obtained data indicated the need for action to stop the increase in the adventive species within the park's flora in order to reduce their negative impact on natural habitats and the native flora.

СИНАНТРОПІЗАЦІЯ РОСЛИННОСТІ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПРИРОДНОГО ПАРКУ «КРЕМЕНЕЦЬКІ ГОРИ»

The article describes the species composition of the synanthropic vegetation of the National Park "Kremenetski Hory", the distribution of species into three lists (Black, Gray and Alarming). The priority of the most aggressive plants was analyzed (24 species (2.8 %) from 13 families). The relation to humidity of synanthropic species with a predominance of mesophytes (46%) was determined. For the territory of the Park, Solidago canadensis is an aggressive synanthropus, the population of this species occupies large areas in open areas throughout the territory of the Park. Since 2017, the Park has carried out annual clearing of the Baraban tract and steppe areas from Solidago canadensis by hand, without the use of chemicals.
 Research results indicate that the level of synanthropization of the Park's flora is indirect. The proximity of agricultural lands and transport routes to the territory of the Park causes changes in the composition and structure of groups, impoverishment of the biodiversity of the rare part of the Park's flora. Therefore, it is expedient to carry out environmental protection measures to destroy the centers of spread of invasive and synanthropic plant species

CONCEPTUAL MODELING OF GIS OF THE PRIMARY ACCOUNTING OF THE CADASTRE OF THE NATURE RESERVE FUND (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE NIZHNYOS NATIONAL NATURE PARK)

The article presents the results of conceptual modeling of the database of thematicgeospatial data for the primary accounting of cadastral information. Lands of the nature reserve fundhave a special nature conservation value. According to the results of accounting, survey andinventory of natural complexes, assessment of the state of nature reserve facilities form "Cards ofprimary accounting of territories and objects of nature reserve fund of Ukraine". Other documentsof the cadastre of territories and objects of the nature reserve fund are created by generalizing thedata of these cards. Nizhnosulsky National Nature Park was created to preserve valuable natural andhistorical-cultural complexes and objects of the Middle Dnieper. It covers an area of 18,635.11hectares. The rare fraction of the park's flora includes 13 species of vascular plants, including 10species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. The Green Book of Ukraine includes 9 formations foundin the park. In the park, taking into account the value of natural complexes and objects, there arefour functional zones: protected area; regulated recreation; inpatient recreation; economic. Basedon the results of the analysis of the resources of the Nizhnosulsky National Nature Park and thecadastre of the nature reserve fund as an object of informatization, a conceptual scheme of thethematic geospatial database was compiled. The set of basic spatial data of such a system is proposedto include information on coordinate and altitude systems, administrative-territorial units, territorialcommunities, hydrographic objects and hydraulic structures, settlements, buildings and structures,roads, railways, utilities, soils, land plots, geographical names, relief, orthophotos. The set ofthematic data should include information on NPF objects, their functional zoning, land plots and lands, owners and users of land plots, economic activities, landscapes, rare types of environments,conservation objects, recreational value, as well as rare species of plants and animals. According tothe research results, a UML-diagram of the conceptual model of the thematic geospatial database ofGIS of the primary accounting of the cadastre of the nature reserve fund was created.

Self-renewal of tree plants in the conditions of the ecotope of the forest park of the Friendship of the city of Dnipro

Every year the role of parks in large industrial cities becomes more relevant. The consequences of anthropogenic impact are extremely powerful and diverse. Moreover, nature is trying to restore a clean ecological space on its own, so parks in cities are the driving force in the struggle for survival. The green lungs of the city create a qualitatively better climate, give the opportunity to rest, recuperate, give a feeling of peace, aesthetic pleasure and not only from the local flora, but also from unusual plants that inspire and cheer up, which is important for today's rapid pace of life. Therefore, the issue of aboriginal and introduced flora of parks will remain relevant. The species composition of seed self-regeneration of woody plants in trial areas 1, 2, 3 of the Druzhby Forest Park of Dnipro was analyzed in order to determine the ratio of introduced and autochthonous species and whether introduced species pose a threat to aboriginal flora. It has been investigated whether the distribution of introduced species contributes to the process of biotic homogenization using the Pearson correlation coefficient, the Jacquard index between indigenous species and introduced species. As a result of the research it was established that in the Druzhby Forest Park artificial stands are capable of forming a sufficient number of viable undergrowth of autochthonous and introduced species, of which aboriginal species dominate mostly. The ratio of indigenous species to introduced in Trial Areas 2, 3 is 66.5–65.5% and 33.5–34.5%, respectively. There is no competition between autochthonous and introduced species in these trial areas. Each tree species has adapted well to the conditions of the ecotope and to the conditions of its place of growth. Bioecological features of wood species in the plantations are not an obstacle to the development of the internal space of the ecotope. However, in Trial Area 1, competition was found between indigenous and introduced species, where introduced species make up 80.3% of the total number of restored woody plants. Therefore, longer-term monitoring and measures to curb the spread of introduced species is needed.

Biodiversity of flora in parks of Almaty city

The article provides an analysis of the biodiversity of flora in 13 parks in the city of Almaty. According to the results of many years of floristic research, the flora of the parks of the city of Almaty is represented by 360 species of vascular plants belonging to 201 genus and 70 families. Central Park of Culture and Leisure 201 species; park “28 guardsmen Panfilov’s men” 111 species; Kok-Tobe park 110 species; park “The First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan” 124 species; “Friendship” park 73 species; park “Yuzhny” 98 species; park “Gulder” 76 species; Gandhi park 97 species, Seifulina park 74 species, Children’s park Shvernik 76 species, Family park 142 species, Zheltoksan park 58 species. In terms of species composition, the flora of Almaty parks is dominated by the department Magnoliophyta, which accounts for 98.4% and 1.6% belongs to Pinophyta, Polypodiophyta, Lycopodiophyta, and Equisetophyta. The analysis of the flora of the parks showed that about 35 species of trees and shrubs were common for all parks, boulevards and squares. In the flora of all parks, the percentage of local aboriginal species is very low (1-3%). Perennial grasses (46.1%) and trees and shrubs (54.0%) play the main role in the spectrum of life forms of the parks flora. For the general flora of the parks of the city of Almaty, the prevalence of xeromesophytes and mesophytes is expressed.Key words: parks, city, flora, Almaty, green spaces.

The ecological state assessment of the flora and vegetation in the parks of cities in the steppe zone of Khakasia

A study of parkland in Abakan and Chernogorsk cities, located in the steppe zone and characterized by a high level of atmospheric pollution. Plant taxa are identified that make the greatest contribution to the purification of the urban environment. The most common tree plants in the parkland are adventitious species Populus alba L., P. balsamifera L., Acer negundo L., Sorbaria sorbifolia (L.) A. Braun, Syringa vulgaris L., Ulmus pumila L. et al. In the flora of parks and squares of Abakan, 288 species of higher vascular plants belonging to 59 families and 183 genera were identified. The flora of parkland in Chernogorsk totals 142 species belonging to 33 families and 105 genera. Leading position belongs to the largest families – Asteraceae, Poaceae, Rosaceae and Fabaceae. An analysis of satellite data made it possible to remotely determine the functional state, phenological changes, and weather sensitivity of green zone vegetation. As a result of the studies, the general and seasonal indicators of the vegetation and water index were analyzed according to the satellite data (Landsat 8) for the territories of Abakan and Chernogorsk located in the steppe zone of Khakasia. Abakan had higher values of the integral NDVI (45.1-57.9), in comparison with Chernogorsk (11.4-14.2), better water supply and earlier dates of the beginning of the growing season. Based on satellite data, the productivity of green zones was compared and the regression dependences of spectral and meteorological indicators were identified.

Composition of the Synanthropic Fraction of Spontaneous Flora of the Gardens and Parks in the Middle Pobuzhzhia Region of Ukraine

AbstractThe aim of our work was to analyse synanthropic fraction of spontaneous flora of gardens and parks in the Middle Pobuzhzhia Region of Ukraine and to reveal the features of synanthropisation. The landscapes of gardens and parks in the Region include botanical gardens, arboretums and monuments of landscape art. A total of 15 objects were studied. The floras of parks were estimated by proportion of different groups (origin, naturalisation degree, time and ways of introduction) of synanthropic species. The synanthropic fraction of spontaneous flora was calculated using the indices of synanthropisation, apophytisation, anthropophytisation, archeophytisation, kenophytisation and modernisation. These indices were specified for each park and for the Middle Pobuzhzhia Region in general. The obtained data were compared to each other and to the analogous urban floras from different zones of Ukraine. It was revealed that the apophytisation processes were dominated by the processes of adventisation in most of the parks. The proportion of the synanthropic fraction of spontaneous flora of the Middle Pobuzhzhia Region was significantly lower compared to urban floras of some cities of Ukraine, and despite a considerable anthropogenic pressure retained some features of natural flora.

«HADIATSKYI» REGIONAL LANDSCAPE PARK FLORA GEOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE (POLTAVA REGION)

The article contains results of «Hadiatskyi» regional landscape park flora geographic structure due to the nature of species distribution in the latitudinal (zonal), belt (oceanic continental) and regional aspects, in accordance with the approaches of G. Moisel with co-authors. «Hadiatskyi» RLP flora is characterized by predominance of relatively wide floristic areographic types. According to zonal characteristics there distinguish 16 types, with predominance of species representing submeridional-temperature (177; 18,7 %) and submeridional-boreal (134; 14,2 %) areasamong them. The core of the park florais formed with species ofsubmeridional-temperature, meridional-temperature, submeridional-boreal, meridian-boreal, sub-temperature boreal areas, which make up 64% of the species diversity of the region flora and determine the flora floristic-zonal accessorynature. Climatic features of areas of the region flora are dominated by species with habitats tending to regions with a higher degree of oceanic climate. According to regional confluence and length of areas, there is species of European-Asian (383; 40,5%) and European (221; 23,3%) ranges dominance. The European-Asian group composition is much dominated by species with the European-Western-Asian distribution (195; 20,7%). Among the species whose habitats are associated with Europe, widespread species of European type (195; 20,6%) predominate. In general, geographical structure of «Hadiatskyi» regional landscape park flora corresponds to the western European steppe and steppe flora.

Bosque Pehuén Park's Flora: A Contribution to the Knowledge of the Andean Montane Forests in the Araucanía Region, Chile

In Chile, most protected areas are located in the southern Andes, in mountainous landscapes at mid or high altitudes. Despite the increasing proportion of protected areas, few have detailed inventories of their biodiversity. This information is essential to define threats and develop long-term integrated conservation programs to face the effects of global change. Consequently, the objectives of this study were to (1) describe the richness, conservation status, and species composition of the vascular flora found in Bosque Pehuen Park; and (2) analyze the relationships among altitude, species richness, and growth forms. Bosque Pehuen is one of the largest privately protected areas located within the Araucarias Biosphere Reserve, in southern Chile (39°S). The park is dominated by secondary forests that grew after intensive exploitation in the 1970s, with some remnant old-growth forests. Fifteen regularly distributed plots, 150 m in radius, were sampled. At each plot, all vascular plant species were recorded; 101 species were found, of which 79% are endemic, 10% are introduced, and 13% are currently listed in IUCN conservation categories. The highest richness was concentrated within the plots associated with riparian zones. The total richness tended to decrease with altitude. Epiphytes and climbers were only recorded at lower altitudes, making them the growth forms most influenced by altitude. The background information reported here is essential for effective park management and conservation of the vascular flora species found within this Andean montane forest.

Floristic diversity and medical interest of Djebel Aissa national park flora (Ksours Montains,Algeria)

Declared national park since 2003 in the province of Naâma in Algeria, it covers an area of around 24 400 hectares. Djebel Aissa national park offers particularly favorables conditions for the development of important floristic diversity with endemic and / or rare taxa.The inventory of the plant biodiversity in the park revealed the existence of 379 taxa belonging to 52 families and 233 genera. An important endemics number has recorded: 24 North Africa, 23 Algerian-Moroccan,4 North Africa and Iberian Peninsula, 5 Algerian, 6 Saharan, 1 Algerian-Tunisian, 1 ibero-algero-Moroccan and 2 ibero –Moroccan. 65 species were reported as rare or very rare, including 15 quite rare species, 36 rare species, 12 very rare species and 2 extremely rare species.

Видоидентификация и филогенетический анализ флоры растений национальных парков «Баянаульский» и «Бурабай» с использованием ITS

When identifying biological materials popular is the use of universal DNA-barcode. At present, the study of the genetic diversity of the flora of Northern Kazakhstan at different taxonomic levels (generic, species and subspecies) was not carried out using DNA markers. The purpose of this work was the identification and phylogenetic analysis for flora of national parks «Bayanaul» and «Burabay» by using  ITS. As a source material, plant material was used, which was collected from May to July months 2015-2017 in national parks «Bayanaul» (90 species ) and «Burabay» (69 species). As a result of the research, 64 endemic and rare plant species of two national parks were visually identified. The level of genetic diversity of plants of the family Fabaceae is estimated. In phylogenetic analysis, the Lathyrus pisiformis,  Trifolium repens,  Medicago falcata, Oxytropis floribunda,  Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., the family is divided into 2 clusters of five plant genera. The intraspecific level of the genetic diversity of the Juniperus sabina L. formed two subclusters, depending on the type of population, where the Tajima index was 1.183269. The obtained data on the basis of classical approaches of taxonomy and molecular genetic methods will allow to create in the future an electronic database on endemic, rare and economically valuable plant species. Key words: Bayanaul SNNP, Burabay SNNP, flora, DNA genotyping, ITS (internal transcribed spacer)

Herpetofaunal species presence in buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) versus native vegetation‐dominated habitats at Uluṟu‐Kata Tjuṯa National Park

AbstractBuffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) has been established in Uluṟu‐Kata Tjuta National Park since 1968. To date, the influence of buffel grass on the Park's flora and fauna has been largely unassessed. The objectives of this study were to determine if buffel grass dominates vegetation communities at the base of Uluṟu and if buffel grass habitats are associated with lower reptile and amphibian species richness than endemic vegetation communities. We used vegetation transects to measure the amount of buffel grass and genera of endemic vegetation at 26 sampling locations around the base of Uluṟu. The vegetation survey data were paired with pitfall trap data from reptile and amphibian captures at the same sampling locations. Indicator species analysis and non‐metric multidimensional scaling were used to analyse the vegetation and herpetofaunal community data. Our analyses determined five distinct vegetation communities around Uluṟu. At the base of Uluṟu, buffel grass dominated half of sampled areas and the rest of the inselberg's base was dominated by Themeda grasses. Buffel grass habitats had significantly higher herpetofaunal species richness than the Themeda habitats that dominated other areas at Uluṟu's base. Herpetofauna species richness in buffel grass‐dominated habitats was also significantly higher than all vegetation communities except for Triodia‐dominated habitats. These observations do not directly indicate that buffel grass presence promotes higher species richness of reptiles and amphibians since the observed patterns may be driven by factors such as proximity to breeding sites and abiotic variables not directly related to the grass itself.

The Structure of the Vascular Flora in the Manor Park in Laskowice

Background. The manor park in Laskowice (Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship) was established in naturalistic style in the 19th century. Since then it has been transformed considerably. The aim of this paper was to analyse the structure of the vascular flora before revitalisation of the park and to present proposals of specimens of the dendroflora to be protected as natural monuments. Material and methods. In 2015 and 2016 vascular plants, including monumental specimens of the dendroflora, were inventoried, as had been commissioned by the current administrator of the Dąbrowa Forest Inspectorate. The vascular flora was analysed for life forms, geographical, historical, sociological and ecological groups. Results. There were 203 taxa of the vascular flora in the park, including 8 valuable species –endangered and protected. The Poaceae, Asteraceae and Rosaceae families were the most abund­ant. There was a large share of alien species in the flora (27%), among which kenophytes were the most abundant. Hemicryptophytes were the predominant life form, followed by phanerophytes, therophytes and geophytes. Species of the following classes of non-forest habitats were predominant: Artemisietea vulgaris, Agropyretea intermedio-repentis and Molinio-Arrhenathe­retea. There was a slightly smaller share of species of the Querco-Fagetea class. Both forest and ruderal species pointed to Tilio-Carpinetum as the potential forest community. Conclusions. The large share of alien species in the park flora indicated its anthropogenic character. The inventory of the flora provides the basis for revitalisation of the park with its natural values. 61 tree species and blooming ivy specimens were proposed for legal protection as natural monuments.

New York City Department of Parks and Recreation

In January 2013, John C. Liu, New York City's comptroller, wrote to the residents of the city about his audit of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Liu summarized his office's findings: “The audit found that DPR was not carrying out and overseeing capital construction projects in a timely and cost effective manner.” To investigate the existence of the in organizations, information from nearly 1,800 capital projects undertaken between 1998 and 2008 was obtained from the office of the chief engineer of the New York City DPR. In light of the data, how severe was the planning fallacy during this time and could it be used for overcoming the planning fallacy? Excerpt UVA-QA-0815 Rev. Aug. 11, 2015 New York City Department of Parks and Recreation On January 11, 2013, John C. Liu, New York City's comptroller, wrote to the residents of the city about his audit of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Among his responsibilities, the comptroller made recommendations for city programs and operations and audited city agencies. Liu summarized his office's findings: “The audit found that DPR was not carrying out and overseeing capital construction projects in a timely and cost effective manner.” New York City Department of Parks and Recreation The New York City DPR was responsible for maintaining more than 1,700 city parks and recreational facilities, preserving natural areas, and furnishing recreational properties. The agency was in charge of 29,098 acres of parks, beaches, playgrounds, stadiums, marinas, gardens, and squares. The DPR not only cared for street and park flora and fauna, historic houses, statues, monuments, and open spaces in the five New York City boroughs, but also oversaw activities supporting physical fitness, environmental education, and performing arts. . . .

Can Artificial Ecosystems Enhance Local Biodiversity? The Case of a Constructed Wetland in a Mediterranean Urban Context.

Constructed wetlands (CW) are considered a successful tool to treat wastewater in many countries: their success is mainly assessed observing the rate of pollution reduction, but CW can also contribute to the conservation of ecosystem services. Among the many ecosystem services provided, the biodiversity of CW has received less attention. The EcoSistema Filtro (ESF) of the Molentargius-Saline Regional Natural Park is a constructed wetland situated in Sardinia (Italy), built to filter treated wastewater, increase habitat diversity, and enhance local biodiversity. A floristic survey has been carried out yearly 1 year after the construction of the artificial ecosystem in 2004, observing the modification of the vascular flora composition in time. The flora of the ESF accounted for 54% of the whole Regional Park's flora; alien species amount to 12%; taxa of conservation concern are 6%. Comparing the data in the years, except for the biennium 2006/2007, we observed a continuous increase of species richness, together with an increase of endemics, species of conservation concern, and alien species too. Once the endemics appeared, they remained part of the flora, showing a good persistence in the artificial wetland. Included in a natural park, but trapped in a sprawling and fast growing urban context, this artificial ecosystem provides multiple uses, by preserving and enhancing biodiversity. This is particularly relevant considering that biodiversity can act as a driver of sustainable development in urban areas where most of the world's population lives and comes into direct contact with nature.

Spontaneous and ornamental flora of the park of Lužnica manor near Zaprešić (northwestern Croatia)

century and laid out after the construction of the manor. The estate also comprises farm buildings, vegetable garden and orchards, which all make a func tional whole together with the main manor house. This research has established the presence of 342 plant species belonging to 233 genera and 80 families, 80 taxa of which belong to ornamental flora (a.s. planted) while 262 are spontaneous species. The flora has been analysed according to taxonomy, chorology, life forms and protected species status. It was also compared to some similar areas in the conti nental part of Croatia. According to the chorological composition and life forms, the Lužnica park flora is not significantly different from that in the compared areas. Nevertheless it is important to note that the park, although the smallest of the compared areas, abounds in a relatively large number of species, 6 of which are strictly protected by law. Therefore, we recommend that Lužnica park to be officially recognised as a protected area.

FLORA OF THE IVANOVO REGION FARMSTEAD PARK “GRIDINO”

Data about flora of Ivanovo old region farmstead park Gridino are presented. Park and reservoir belong to Ivanovo region special protected territories-natural monument. Historical information about manufacturer farmstead of M.A. Pavlov and park planning are briefly reported. Modern park flora consists of 270 vascular plant species from 5 classis, 94 families and 146 genera. Asteraceae-32 species (11,9%), Rosaceae-29 species (10,7%), Poaceae-24 species (8,9%) are leading families of the park flora. 1 species (Agrimonia pilosa) included in to Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife, 3 rare species (Abies sinirica, Cornus alda, Deschampsia flexuosa)-in to regional Red date book are characterized. Some decorative arboreal (woody) species (Thuja occidentalis, Larix sibirica, Alnus incana forma pinnati - fida, Populus alba, Caragana arborescens, Crataegus sanguine and other) species and grassy introduced plants (Hieracium murorum, Myosotis sylvatica, Phyteuma spicatum and other) are described. Examples of alien plant species spreading on territory of the park are given. Events for green plantations improvement are listed. Farmstead park Gridino is important object for regional biological diversity conservation and rare plan protection. Large recreational, educational and informa - tive functions of the park are shown.