Forest Undergrowth Research Articles

Viburnum orientale Pall. (Adoxaceae), a new species for the flora of Russia

Viburnum orientale Pall. has been discovered for the first time for the flora of Russia from the territory of the Sochi National Park. A small aboriginal population covering an area of about 1 hectare was noted on the slope of the southeastern exposure of the Esto-Khrebet Ridge in the undergrowth of a broad-leaved forest at an altitude of 1414 m above sea level. The finding of the species in the Mzymta River basin suggests the possibility of its occurrence in the Psou River basin, along the border with Abkhazia.

Changes in the Effect of Tree Stand Competition on the Pinus sibirica Undergrowth during Postfire Successions in Mid-Taiga Birch Forests of the Urals

The effect of light and root competition of the tree stand on the growth of the Pinus sibirica Du Tour undergrowth in post-fire birch forests of different ages is investigated using the example of mid-taiga forests of the Middle Urals. The studies were carried out on the basis of a microecosystem approach, using indices of light competition of the tree stand (Ilsc), root competition of the tree stand (Irsc) and integral competition of the tree stand (Irlsc). At the stage of the 13-year-old young birch stand with almost full illumination, the main factor determining the growth and development of Pinus sibirica undergrowth is root competition for soil nutrition. In the 32-year-old middle-aged birch stand, a joint, almost identical, effect of the factors of light and root competition on the growth of Pinus sibirica undergrowth is observed. In the mature 70-yearold birch stand, the main factor, influencing the growth of Pinus sibirica undergrowth, is the level of interception of photosynthetically active radiation by its canopy (light competition) with root competition is not expressed. In our opinion, this is due to the adaptive abilities and characteristics of the soil nutrition of the Pinus sibirica undergrowth and a change in the degree of soil saturation with organic compounds during the development of the post-fire birch forest.

REFORESTATION POTENTIAL OF TUGAI FORESTS IN THE FLOODPLAINS OF SYR DARYA AND ILI RIVERS IN THE TERRITORY OF KAZAKHSTAN

In the present era, assumptions on tugai forests consist of a complex floodplain ecosystem (reed-cattail thickets, gallery forests, halophytic shrubs, and grass biocenoses) of various ecological levels located from the water’s edge to the upper floodplains and riverine shafts. Anthropogenic transformations disrupted the natural dynamics of the tugai ecosystem. The presented study sought to characterize the current state of tugai forests in different regions of Kazakhstan to conduct monitoring of forest entomology and determine the reforestation potential of tugai plants in the floodplains of the Syr Darya and Ili rivers of Kazakhstan. The recent work focused on vital aspects associated with reinstating tugai forests. Special monitoring of forest pests progressed for the timely detection of their reproduction bulk, foci development, and plan extinction measures. The forest entomology monitoring results revealed the destruction of plants due to leaf-gnawing and gall-forming insect pests. A laid out 27 test areas investigated the dynamics of the undergrowth in tugai forests. The reproductive capacity of the plants, viz., Populus diversifolia, Elaeágnus angustifólia, Sálix acutifólia, and Salix wilhelmsiana, attained evaluation. Natural renaissance under the main forest-forming rocks’ characterization in tugai plantations was good.

Study on the Regeneration Probability of Understory Coniferous Saplings in the Liangshui Nature Reserve Based on Four Modeling Techniques

Forests are one of the most important natural resources for humans, and understanding the regeneration probability of undergrowth in forests is very important for future forest spatial structure and forest management. In addition, the regeneration of understory saplings is a key process in the restoration of forest ecosystems. By studying the probability of sapling regeneration in forests, we can understand the impact of different stand factors and environmental factors on sapling regeneration. This could help provide a scientific basis for the restoration and protection of forest ecosystems. The Liangshui Nature Reserve of Yichun City, Heilongjiang Province, is a coniferous and broadleaved mixed forest. In this study, we assess the regeneration probability of coniferous saplings (CRP) in natural forests in 665 temporary plots in the Liangshui Nature Reserve. Using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 images provided by the European Space Agency, as well as digital elevation model (DEM) data, we calculated the vegetation index, microwave vegetation index (RVI S1), VV, VH, texture features, slope, and DEM and combined them with field survey data to construct a logistic regression (LR) model, geographically weighted logistic regression (GWLR) model, random forest (RF) model, and multilayer perceptron (MLP) model to predict and analyze the CRP value of each pixel in the study area. The accuracy of the models was evaluated with the average values of the area under the ROC curve (AUC), kappa coefficient (KAPPA), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) verified by five-fold cross-validation. The results showed that the RF model had the highest accuracy. The variable factor with the greatest impact on CRP was the DEM. The construction of the GWLR model considered more spatial factors and had a lower residual Moran index value. The four models had higher CRP prediction results in the low-latitude and low-longitude regions of the study area, and in the high-latitude and high-longitude regions of the study area, most pixels had a CRP value of 0 (i.e., no coniferous sapling regeneration occurred).

Physiological aspects of selected indicator species of undergrowth of old forests

The study concerns the study of selected physiological features of three indicator species of the undergrowth of the oak-hornbeam forest (Anemone nemorosa L., Galeobdolon luteum Huds. emend. Holub and Stellaria holostea L.), after the forest canopy closure. Las Wolski, an isolated forest complex located within the city of Cracow (Southern Poland), was selected for the study. The plant material was collected at two points in the season – right after the forest canopy closure and a month later. Under laboratory conditions, the physiological characteristics of the indicator species were analysed. Light stress may play a smaller role here, and physiological parameters are probably most affected by the phenology of undergrowth species, which is adapted to seasonal changes in habitat conditions. However, these issues require more research.

Distribution of Species and Life Forms of the Genus Sambucus L. in Lori and Tavush Marzes of Armenia

Key words: vegetation, life forms, biometric indicators, forest, natural ecosystems, biological diversity The territory for our research belongs to the Ijevan floristic region, covers the basins of the Aghstev and Debed rivers. The purpose of the work is to identify the distribution areas, life forms of some species of the genus Sambucus nigra L. in the forest ecosystem of the Lori and Tavush marzes. The features of the distribution areas of species and life forms (trees, shrubs, herbs) of the genus Sambucus L. under the conditions of altitudinal zonality of these areas are determined. In the undergrowth of the surrounding forests of Vanadzor and Stepanavan, shrubs (up to 6 m) trees of the species Sambucus nigra L. It should be noted that the Black Elderberry outside the fores is represented only by trees and in the undergrowth – by shrubs. On the outskirts of the city of Vanadzor, at the foot of the forest, unpretentious shrub S.nigra. laciniata L. Zabel. grows. In Tavush Marz, particularly in the vicinity of Dilijan and Lake Parz Lich, all life forms are found. S. nigra L. and S. ebulus L. species are common in the vicinity of the city of Dilijan and the Dilijan National Park. Representatives of the Sambucus nigra L. species are found in the undergrowth of the mixed forest. Sambucus ebulus L. is found in clear thickets, in open, well-lit areas. Elderberry species grow almost everywhere, but are especially fruitful in full sun. There are approximately 25-40 individuals in the population. Due to the differences in climatic conditions in Lori and Tavush marzes, the stages of the growing season take place in different time periods.

Scientific and traditional knowledge meet: diet of the lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris in the Orinoquia region of Colombia

The lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris is the second largest mammal in South America. It occupies a wide variety of ecosystems where it fulfills key functional roles. It is mainly folivorous, supplementing its diet with fruits, insects, and aquatic invertebrates. The lowland tapir is considered fundamental in shaping forest undergrowth and in seed dispersal processes. Despite its functional importance, ecological aspects related to diet, habitat use, and food preferences are still unknown in much of its geographic range. Currently, these aspects in the Colombian Orinoquia are unknown. We wanted to develop an approximation to the diet of the lowland tapir in the Colombian Orinoquia based on analysis of fecal samples and traditional knowledge derived from citizen science monitoring. Fecal samples were collected between October 2015 and July 2018 and vegetation monitoring and interviews with local communities were implemented. We recorded a total of 37 species of plants, 23 species of which were determined through traditional knowledge. The most representative species in fecal samples were Rudgea crassiloba, Attalea butyracea, Inga alba and Cecropia peltata. The plants most commonly recognized by local communities were Mauritia flexuosa, A. butyracea, Bellucia grossularioides and I. alba. Our results provide insight into the importance of tapirs in the consumption of large seeds such as M. flexuosa and A. butyracea that are considered of economic relevance for local communities. Incorporating citizen science monitoring allowed us to identify plant species that are taxonomically difficult to distinguish and to evaluate new information related to the natural history of cryptic species such as tapirs. This information is crucial to establish conservation strategies for the lowland tapir in the Orinoquia region of Colombia.

Vegetative propagation of Epimedium elatum C. Morren and Decne.

Epimedium L. is a celebrated medicinal genus of Chinese pharmacopoeia comprising of sixty two species, with only one species, Epimedium elatum C. Morren and Decne., in Indian subcontinent. The species is endemic to Kashmir Himalaya and grows wild as undergrowth in forests. It is a slow-growing and slow-reproducing medicinal herb, with a huge potential for being exploited for therapeutic uses, thereby necessitating its conservation, cultivation and propagation. In this context, the present work has been undertaken to develop its propagation protocol. In spring, rhizomes were divided into different sizes on the basis of the number of buds and fresh mass; planted in 10 cm pots and then evaluated for survival, growth, production and multiplication. Similarly, the divisions were made in different seasons to study the seasonal effect. Single bud divisions, with or without roots, were also made to study the effect of IBA on rooting. Rhizome divisions of larger size produced plants with the best growth characteristics and propagation potential. Plants produced from the rhizome divisions of small size didn’t flower, but showed high bud production efficiency. Rhizome divisions of spring significantly produced plants of bigger size, with better growth characteristics, than plants produced from divisions of summer and autumn. When treated with different concentrations of IBA, single-bud divisions without roots, rooted successfully; however, rooting and survival rate was significantly higher at IBA concentration of 800 ppm as compared to other two IBA concentrations. The present study indicates that small size divisions can be used in nurseries to produce more plants from a smaller number of mother stock, while large size divisions can be used to produce and cultivate mature plants. Though division of Epimedium elatum rhizomes can be undertaken at any time of the growing season, spring is the best season.

Bayesian belief networks: a potential tool for conservation planning of endangered plant species populations

Abstract Bayesian belief networks (BBNs) have been increasingly used as a potential decision supporting tool useful in conservation management. We assessed the application of the BBN model to support management in conservation planning of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill., the endangered plant species on a European scale, as an example. The Bayesian network approach was used to develop a model of the impact of biotic and abiotic variables on the morphological–developmental features and demographic features of the population in northeast Poland. Field data collected from the total number of 47 sites in the 4 largest forest complexes were used to develop a model using GeNIe 2.0. The diagnostic testing and sensitivity analysis indicated that the greatest impact on the population features was the number of competing species in the forest undergrowth. Validation has shown that the developed model is effective for evaluation of the impact of habitat conditions on the population features deciding about the reproduction of this taxon. The BBN model was also used to define optimal habitat conditions ensuring regular growth and development of P. patens. Finally, we demonstrated the protective treatment to help preserving the species considered. Therefore, the developed model is recommended as a potential tool to support decision-making aimed at the conservation planning of endangered plant species.

Оптико-микроволновая диагностика восстановления леса после пожаров

Рассмотрена возможность обнаружения лесного подроста с помощью поляриметрических разложений и анализа временны´х рядов радиолокационных изображений ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 и Sentinel-1. Представленные результаты показывают принципиальную возможность уверенно определять рост лесных насаждений. The problem of large-scale assessment of forest restoration after artificial deforestation and wildfires is relevant in connection with climate change and the corresponding desire of the world community for further low-carbon development. One of the promising methods aimed at solving this problem is remote sensing of the Earth using space-based synthetic aperture radars (SAR). The paper proposes a comprehensive approach to assessing the dynamics of forest plantings growth using time series analysis of ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 and Sentinel-1 radars data, as well as Sentinel-2A/B optical sensors data. It is shown that with the help of model-based decomposition (Freeman-Durden decomposition) of fully polarimetric data in L-band (ALOS-2 PALSAR-2), the increasing of volume scattering component and the corresponding decrease in the surface component can confidently identify the growth of young forest. However, the data of ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 with dual polarization are not able to separate forest undergrowth from other types of vegetation over a seven-year observation interval. This is also true for the C-band. Thus, the polarimetric Cloud- Pottier decomposition of Sentinel-1 data allowing only separation for the areas with vegetation from the treeless ones. Time series analysis of radiometrically corrected radar backscattering at vertical co-polarization in this band, imaged in the winter period of time, allows reliable determining of the dynamics for the growth of forest plantations. The use of freely available Sentinel-2A/B multispectral sensors data makes it possible to further divide the identified undergrowth by species composition and exclude classification errors of radar data in treeless areas, which show an increasing of volume backscattering component on model-based polarimetric decompositions.

The Effect of the Distance from a Path on Abiotic Conditions and Vascular Plant Species in the Undergrowth of Urban Forests and Parks.

Urban forests and parks are essential for the maintenance of biodiversity as well as human health and well-being. Residents and tourists commonly use urban forests and parks for recreational and sport purposes, contributing to changes in vegetation. This study aimed to assess the effect of distance from formal paths on the abiotic conditions, vegetation cover, as well as ecological diversity of vascular plant species in the undergrowth of urban forests and parks. The investigations were carried out in 2021 in 10 urban forests and 10 urban parks located in Kraków (southern Poland), using a total of 400 plots (1 × 1 m) situated in close (CL) and further (FU) vicinity of formal paths. We found a positive effect of the distance from the path on the depth of the compact soil layer, vegetation cover and height of the tallest shoot in the undergrowth of urban forests and parks. On the other hand, the distance from the path had a negative effect on the number of vascular plant species in the undergrowth in both forests and parks. Forests and parks differed significantly from each other in light intensity, the content of P in soil, depth of compact soil layer, number of species, as well as in cover-abundance of species representing different life forms, dispersal types, habitat affiliations and origins. Trampling leads to low plant cover and height of the undergrowth, as well as contributing to shallow localization of the compact soil layer near paths. Human movement on paths (walking, running, biking) with accompanying pets contributes to the successful dispersal of plants, resulting in high species richness. High light intensity in urban parks enhances the total number of species, cover-abundance of meadow and grassland plants, as well as cover-abundance of hemicryptophytes. The number of alien species was higher in parks than in forests, but the cover-abundance of alien plants was higher in forests than in parks. Urban forests are more suitable for the growth and biomass production of some alien herbs than urban parks, as mowing commonly used in parks appears to be an important factor in reducing their cover abundance. Regular fertilization and irrigation contribute to the high content of phosphorus in the soil, as well as to the high cover-abundance of meadow and grassland plants in urban parks. Urban forests enhance cover abundance of plants with dispersal mechanisms of the Bidens and Lycopodium types, whereas urban parks promote cover abundance of plants with the dispersal of the Allium type. Further study is needed to confirm the role of urban forests and parks in the preservation of ancient forest species, as well as to develop an appropriate design of paths that will allow the protection of vegetation and soil in urban forests and parks.

Особенности горизонтальной структуры лесов еловых формаций европейской тайги России

The article highlights the issues of studying the structure of indigenous forests of different ages as a model of sustainable forest formations. The research purpose is to study the patterns of horizontal structure formation of indigenous virgin spruce forests of the northern, middle and southern taiga subzones of European Russia. We consider the nature of the horizontal structure as one of the most important signs of sustainability of forest communities developed over the evolution. Indigenous virgin spruce forests in each of the taiga subzones of European Russia were adopted as research objects: spruce forests of the Severodvinsk forestry of the Arkhangelsk region in the northern taiga subzone; spruce forests of the Vepsky forest reserve in the middle taiga subzone; spruce forests of the Central Forest Nature Reserve in the southern taiga subzone. Sample plots were laid out in biogeocenoses, where we studied the age, horizontal, and pathological characteristics of spruce forests. Continuous tree drilling was carried out to determine the age of trees and their infestation by wood-destroying fungi of the biotrophic complex. The mosaics of age generations were identified on the plans of sample plots; the area of each of them, the volume of trees in the mosaics and the homogeneity by age, and the amount of natural regeneration were determined. Indigenous spruce fir forests of the taiga of European Russia have a different age structure with a different number of age generations in the age series and various dynamic indicators of biogeocenoses. All of them have a mosaic arrangement of trees grouped by different age generations, growing in different sized areas and distinguished by an unequal degree of homogeneity in terms of age. This defines a complex age horizontal and vertical structure of biogeocenoses; the most important condition for sustainability of forest communities. Accounting of spruce natural regeneration showed significant differences in the number of undergrowth in spruce forests of different taiga subzones, which refers to a variety of horizontal structures of such forests. The ratio of the number of spruce undergrowth growing on decaying trunks of woody debris and on the ground is as follows: the number of 0.5 m high undergrowth in both growing conditions is almost equal, the number of over 3 m high undergrowth on deadwood trunks is less compared to the number of undergrowth of this height category on the ground.

Bayesian network model informs on the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on the population characteristics of an endangered plant species

AbstractPreservation of the endangered plant species requires knowledge of the impact of environmental factors on their populations. This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of a Bayesian network (BN) model to analyze the impact of habitat conditions on the current characteristics of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. population in NE Poland. The model was based on field data collected in 2011–2015 from 47 sites in the four largest forest complexes of NE Poland. The causal network between (1) the biotic and (2) abiotic factors as well as morphological‐developmental features of individuals and demographic features of populations (20 attributes, 1573 records) was made using the Bayesian Search Algorithm in GeNIe 2.0. The results indicate that the greatest impact on the population features had the number of competing species in forest undergrowth and exposition of slopes. Diagnostic testing and sensitivity analysis revealed that these factors were the major variables determining the size of the population, developmental phase, and the size of individuals. Tenfold cross‐validation revealed that this model was the most effective to analyze the impact of habitat conditions on the presence of generative shoots, developmental phase, and juvenile shoots. The optimal levels of factors following from the BN modeling of the impact of habitat conditions on the characteristics of the population will allow regular growth (size of individuals) and development (life cycle of individuals) of a given endangered species.

First Breeding Record of the European Robin Erithacus rubecula in Lebanon 2020

European Robin Erithacus rubecula has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion. The population trend appears to be increasing and the size is extremely large. For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern. In Europe, the breeding population is estimated to number 58,700,000-90,500,000 pairs, which equates to 117,000,000-181,000,000 mature individuals. This species is found in forest undergrowth and edge, preferring conifer tracts in some parts of its range and deciduous woodland in others. It uses copses and adjacent open land, farmland woodlots, thickets along watercourses, hedgerows with some tall trees, orchards, gardens and parks and is also found in urban areas in parts of Europe. It requires cool shade, medium-height cover with perches, and patches of bare ground. Breeding occurs from early April to mid-June in the U.K., from the end of April to late July in central Europe and from mid-May in northern Russia and mid-April in southern Russia. On the 28th of April 2020, I was birdwatching in Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve Zgharta-Ehden District, north Lebanon when I encountered a couple of European Robins carrying insects to a nest in a hole in a big rock near the river. Following the birds, they entered the whole and went outside immediately watching me cautiously. I went to see what’s inside that rock and I saw the nest of the European Robin with 3 nestling inside of it. Later after 3 weeks I went again to see the nest I found the juveniles wandering around it. Reporting it to Dr Ghassan Ramadan Jaradi, it was accepted as a first breeding record of this species to Lebanon. Later on, I was able to identify many juvenile individuals near the same location.

Sleep in the lesser mouse-deer (Tragulus kanchil).

The mouse-deer or chevrotains are the smallest of the ungulates and ruminants. They are characterized by a number of traits which are considered plesiomorphic for the Artiodactyla order. The objective of this study was to examine sleep in the lesser mouse-deer (Tragulus kanchil), which is the smallest in this group (body mass < 2.2 kg). Electroencephalogram, nuchal electromyogram, electrooculogram, and body acceleration were recorded in four adult mouse-deer females using a telemetry system in Bu Gia Map National Park in Vietnam. The mouse-deer spent on average 49.7 ± 3.0% of 24 h in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. REM sleep occupied 1.7 ± 0.3% of 24 h or 3.2 ± 0.5% of total sleep time. The average duration of REM sleep episodes was 2.0 ± 0.2 min, the average maximum was 5.1 ± 1.1 min, and the longest episodes lasted 8 min. NREM sleep occurred in sternal recumbency with the head held above the ground while 64.7 ± 6.4% of REM sleep occurred with the head resting on the ground. The eyes were open throughout most of the NREM sleep period. The mouse-deer displayed polyphasic sleep and crepuscular peaks in activity (04:00-06:00 and 18:00-19:00). The largest amounts of NREM occurred in the morning (06:00-09:00) and the smallest before dusk (at 04:00-06:00). REM sleep occurred throughout most of the daylight hours (08:00-16:00) and in the first half of the night (19:00-02:00). We suggest that the pattern and timing of sleep in the lesser mouse-deer is adapted to the survival of a small herbivorous animal, subject to predation, living in high environmental temperatures in the tropical forest undergrowth.

Root Foraging Precision of Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel Subjected to Contrasting Light Spectra.

Root foraging behavior in heterogeneous patterns of soil nutrients is not well understood for undergrowth in alpine forests, where light spectra may generate an interactive effect on root foraging precision. A dwarf alpine species, Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel., was cultured in pots where nitrogen (N)–phosphorus (P)–potassium (K) nutritional granules (N–P2O5–K2O, 14–13–13) were added to both halves of an inner space at a rate of 67.5 mg N (homogeneous) or 135 mg N to a random half (heterogeneous). Potted seedlings were subjected to either a green-and-blue light spectrum with a red-to-green light ratio of 4.24 (15.3% red, 64.9% green, and 19.8% blue) or a red-light enriched spectrum (69.4% red, 30.2% green, and 0.4% blue) both at irradiations of 200.43 µmol m−2 s−1. The root foraging precision was assessed by the difference in the fine root morphology or weight between the two halves. The foraging precision was assessed by both fine root length and surface area and was promoted in seedlings subjected to the heterogeneous pattern in the red-light enriched spectrum. Seedlings subjected to the green-and-blue light spectrum showed lower shoot growth, biomass, and root morphology but had higher shoot and root N and P concentrations. The heterogenous pattern resulted in greater seedling growth and fine root morphology as well as N and P concentrations compared to the homogeneous pattern. We conclude that P. pumila has a strong ability to forage nutrients in heterogenous soil nutrients, which can be further promoted by a spectrum with higher red-light proportions.

The Effect of Informal Tourist Trails on the Abiotic Conditions and Floristic Composition of Deciduous Forest Undergrowth in an Urban Area

The study aimed to assess the effect of informal tourist trails on the abiotic conditions and floristic composition of deciduous forest undergrowth in an urban area. The study was carried out in the Wolski Forest in Kraków (Poland) in 2020 using a total of 400 plots (1 m × 1m) situated in close (CL) and further (FU) vicinity of informal (&lt;50 cm in width) and formal (≥150 cm in width) tourist trails in the forest interior and forest edge sites.Agreater content of N-NH4, P, and K occurred in the forest interior sites, while greater light intensity, species number, total plant cover, and stem height were found in the forest edge sites. Greater light intensity and a higher percentage of total and damaged plant cover were recorded in CLplots, while a greater height of plants was seen in FUplots. The number of species was higher in plots located along informal trails than in plots along formal trails. The dominance of therophytes and autochorous species along informal trails in the forest interior sites might be a result of successful diaspore dispersal by people walking, while the substantial share of zoochorous species along formal trails suggests their dissemination by dogs accompanying visitors. The dominance of forest and ruderal taxa in the forest interior sites suggests unfavourable conditions for the germination of meadow and grassland species. The higher cover-abundance of alien plants in CL plots along informal trails and FU plots along formal traits suggests that alien plants growing near the formal trails are more exposed to mechanical damage.

Evolution of brood-site mimicry in Madagascan Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)

The species-rich flora of Madagascar is well known for a range of unusual floral ecologies. One example is Impatiens section Trimorphopetalum with its unique combination of floral traits: small, spur-less, cup- or lip-shaped, greenish or brownish flowers. So far no hypotheses on floral function or pollination of this peculiar group have been proposed. We analysed six reproductive traits in relation to pollination syndromes for 34 Madagascan Impatiens species, including 18 species of section Trimorphopetalum plus six outgroup species, in a phylogenetic framework. Further, we present pollinator observations for one additional species of Trimophopetalum. All pollination syndromes occurring in the African species are also present in Madagascan Impatiens. In addition, species of Trimorphopetalum represent two unique floral types, possibly corresponding to two different types of fly pollination. The evolution of these flower types corresponds to a strong decrease in nectar production, flower display size, pollen grain and ovule number. Autogamy is found in one derived sub-clade of the otherwise largely pollinator-dependent Trimorphopetalum. We find evidence consistent with the evolution of brood-site deception and fungus mimicry in combination with fly pollination in one clade of Trimorphopetalum and the stepwise evolution of autogamy in the second clade. The evolution of these very different reproductive strategies may have been triggered by pollinator limitation in the dense, humid forest undergrowth of Madagascar.

The First Record of the Rust Fungus (Pucciniales) Spores from Middle Eocene Sakhalinian Amber

Fungus spores resembling teliospores of the genus Nyssopsora (Pucciniales) were found in a sample of Sakhalinian amber. Morphological features of the spores in the examined amber sample in general correspond to description of teliospores of the extant species Nyssopsora trevesiae parasitizing host plants of the Araliaceae, Trevesia sundaica in Java and Sumatra and Brassaiopsis ciliata in Southern China. It can be assumed that the plant on which those teliospores formed most likely belongs to the Trevesia–Brassaiopsis group. Extant species of these genera are characteristic of the undergrowth in humid forests from the Himalayas to Indonesia, which supports paleofaunistic data on rather warm and humid climate of Sakhalinian amber forest.

Assessment of the impact of the urbanized territory of Yekaterinburg city on the formation of undergrowth in the forest park zone

The parameters of the undergrowth in the forbs and berry groups of pine forest types in 9 parks in Yekaterinburg and areas of natural forest have been investigated. Data on the species composition, density, and distribution by groups of heights of plants that make up the undergrowth collected. It has been established that the transformation of the undergrowth by an urbanized environment neutralizes the influence of the growing conditions of the considered forest types on it. In the forest-park zone, an increase in the density of the undergrowth is observed in comparison with the natural forest. The specificity of the forest park undergrowth is the floristic contamination with adventive species, the number of which is close to 50% of the total number of undergrowth species. The coefficient of floristic similarity of the undergrowth, according to the Sorensen coefficient between forest parks and a site of natural forest, was 0.26-0.46. In quantitative terms, the self-seeding of adventive species in the undergrowth is less than that of native plants. The invasive activity of ash-leaved maple in city parks and its dynamics over a 10-year period are considered, using the example of one of the parks.