Table of Contents

For the period 1994-2004, despite financial constraints related to the economic and political changes in Bulgaria, some 400 papers dealing with the taxonomy, biosystematics and floristics of the vascular plants of the Bulgarian flora have been published. Taxonomic revisions of different groups, such as Achillea, Cardamine, Centaurea, Crepis, Erysimum, Plantago and Veronica, were based on modern biosystematic and allozyme or DNA supported analyses. Many of these studies have been carried out in cooperation with researchers and research teams from other countries, such as Austria, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, United Kingdom etc. Currently the Bulgarian flora consists of ca. 3900 species, 910 genera and 150 families. In the last decade many species new to science have been described and numerous taxa have been confirmed for the Bulgarian flora or recorded for the first time, e.g. 10 genera (Acalypha, Ambrosia, Commelina, Cytinus, Duchesnea, Echinocystis, Myricaria, Rochelia, Sicyos, Sisyrinchium) and two families (Commelinaceae, Rafflesiaceae). During the report period the 10th volume of Flora of Republic of Bulgaria has been published, including the taxonomic treatments of 10 families. Many taxa from Pteridophyta, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Campanulaceae, Poaceae etc. have been studied karyologically-

The Apuan Alps, a massif located between La Spezia and Lucca on the Tyrrhenian coast of NW Tuscany, harbors a diverse flora, rich in biogeographically significant endemic and relic species. Intense exploitation of the marble outcrops and traditional agropastural practices involving fire management of pastures are the major risk factors for the survival of many species, particularly those linked to marble substrates. Distribution of the populations of 8 rare and relic species (Anagallis tenella, Daphne alpina subsp. alpina, Horminum pyrenaicum, Biscutella cichoriifolia, Centaurea montis-borlae, Rhododendron ferrugineum, Biscutella apuana, Centaurea arachnoidea) was mapped in the field and the density and seed production of the populations were recorded. Updated distribution maps were obtained through GIS software. Preliminary, qualitative observations on the extent to which suitable habitats are colonized by the studied species are reported.

The assessment of endangered plant species is commonly performed by evaluating, among other things, the decrease in the quality and quantity of pollination services under global change parameters. This allows inferences to be made about declining pollination success, reduced genetic diversity and the low recruitment performances of descendants. Although most case studies on the pollination ecology of threatened Mediterranean species show no clear evidence of pollinator decline, negative consequences are commonly expected. In this article we review data from our own research and the literature in order to survey experimental approaches to assessing the true threat posed by pollination deficit. We report on documented cases of endangered plants – mainly from the W. Mediterranean - with limited pollination. Current conservation efforts are also outlined and further lines of research proposed.

Pollinator activity can have a major effect on the reproductive success of plant species, not only assuring their survival but also influencing gene flow and hybridization between species. N. cavanillesii is considered a threatened species in Portugal with only two reported populations, forming highly-fragmented, isolated patches. This autumnal flowering species develops small yellow flowers with a short perianth tube and an inconspicuous corona, allowing total exposure of the sexual structures. Although N. cavanillesii is self-compatible and self-pollinated, crosspollination processes are favoured and necessary to promote higher fruit set (50%). N. serotinus is distributed along the Mediterranean coast and in Portugal is considered a common species. Its fragrant flowers are white and have a very short yellow corona and a long, narrow perianth tube that hides the sexual organs. Self-pollination processes are favoured, although this species can also set fruits by cross-pollination. Floral visitors are necessary to promote self-crossings. N. serotinus has an average fruit set of about 70%. In Portugal, these two species are sympatric and their flowering periods overlap. Artificial crossings revealed weak reproductive barriers that do not prevent interspecific crosses especially when N. cavanillesii is the receptor species. However, in natural conditions, hybridization events are reduced by the activity of different pollinators. N. cavanillesii flowers are...

A rapid decrease in the size and composition of macromycetes populations has been observed in various regions of Europe. Such changes have been mainly attributed (directly or indirectly) to human interference, and most notably to the degradation of natural ecosystems and to air pollution. Especially as regards ectomycorrhizal fungi, it has been demonstrated that many of them are very suitable bio-indicators of the disturbance of forest ectotrophic stability. Air pollution affects negatively not only the number of species but also the number of basidiomata produced by this category of fungi; in contrast, fungal communities seem to get enriched in lignicolous species. Studies focusing on the determination of the deterioration of forest ecosystems are practically non-existent in the Mediterranean area. Hence, monitoring of the suitable groups of macrofungi in terms of both qualitative and quantitative assessments could provide valuable pertinent data

Progress in Turkish lichenology has been made in four areas: firstly, by evaluation of material collected by non-lichenologists during historical expeditions, secondly, by analyses of random collections made by lichenologists during sightseeing trips, thirdly, by special projects concerned with floristic studies, and finally through applied studies using lichens as environmental monitors. An analysis of the 361 papers covering these topics in relation to Turkey has been undertaken. Papers by Turkish authors, which first appeared in the 1980s, relate to floristics, chemistry, bioindication, microbiology and radioactivity, with a noticeable absence of publications on systematics, taxonomy, nomenclature and physiology. Lichenological studies are relevant to environmental interpretation in Turkey in different ways: the available database of floristic information can help to calculate the influence of changing agriculture and forestry management, focussing on eutrophication, afforestation and grazing by sheep and goats. The use of lichens to demonstrate fluctuations in air pollution has been demonstrated in Izmir, Eskişehir and Ankara. Further subjects in Turkey which need to be environmentally interpreted by means of lichens include radioactivity, tourism and global climatic change; initial studies in these areas are presented, and others are considered. Fortunately the increasing interest of young Turkish scientists in lichens and their involvement in the Turkish Lich...

We analyzed the spatial distribution of Marsilea strigosa, an aquatic fern, considering two life stages (vegetative and sexual) and interpreted results taking into account possible facilitation or competition effects among individuals as well as existing colonization strategies. Marsilea strigosa is distributed from Spain to the Black Sea. It is considered a rare species due its high habitat specificity and small fragmented populations. We surveyed 95% of the Balearic population of M. strigosa, covering a surface of approximately 1000 m2. Single life stage and bivariate distribution patterns were analyzed using second-order spatial analysis based on Ripley’s Kfunction. The relationship between vegetative and sexual node types is discussed. Aggregation of vegetative and sexual nodes was the only spatial point pattern found. The same results were obtained when both stages were analyzed together with bivariate function. We discuss the effect of life stage on the balance between competition and facilitation in dynamic environments. The importance of these two processes in colonization sites can best be understood by comparing them between different life stages.

The six Lupinus species that grow naturally in Spain were used as a model of how GIS and gap analysis can be used in the assessment of the conservation status of a crop wild relative (CWR). Data on the geographic location of Lupinus populations was compiled along with relevant environmental data for Peninsular Spain. This information was used to generate predictive distribution models, to identify areas of high richness in Lupinus species and to assess whether the current network of protected areas holds sites of high richness in Lupinus species that might be utilized to establish genetic reserves.

The identification of plants mentioned in classical Greek and Roman literature was performed mainly during the 19th century. Plants depicted on sculptures, vases or coins received attention much later. This paper is exclusively devoted to plants depicted on Greek vases of the classical period, mainly trees and shrubs. Some of the depicted plants can be recognised without difficulty, but for others, archaeological and mythological knowledge must support identification. The grape vine is easily recognised by its typical leaf shape and the grapes, the palm tree by its characteristic growth, whereas myrtle, olive and laurel, the leaves of which as depicted are often more or less identical, can usually be identified by their known association with a particular deity or hero. Such traditional connections, in Greek mythology, between a god or hero and a particular plant dedicated to him, especially trees and shrubs, are well known. They are illustrated here by the representations of about 18 vases.

The distribution of Balkan endemics is mapped using similar 50×50 km UTM squares as adopted in the Atlas Florae Europaeae project. Approximately 1660 taxa at species and subspecies rank out of an estimated 2670 taxa or c. 60% of the total endemic Balkans flora, has already been mapped. The following families contribute most in terms of species number: Caryophyllaceae (293), Cruciferae (161), Scrophulariaceae (136), Liliaceae (119), Campanulaceae (111), Boraginaceae (81), Ranunculaceae (62), Violaceae (59), Rosaceae (49), Dipsacaceae (45) and Iridaceae (36). In addition, c. 30 smaller families as well as certain large genera that may be mentioned as the most prominent, are included: Verbascum (67),_ Asperula_ (44), Scutellaria and Micromeria (13 each), Satureja, Nepeta and Saxifraga (12 each) and Pedicularis (11).

It is well known that the life form of a geophyte is admirably adapted for dwelling in arid and semi-arid habitats and that the ephemeral occurrence or temporal use of ecological niches in such habitats is a specific survival strategy to avoid unfavorable conditions such as drought and competition. The extremely rich endemic flora of the Balkan Peninsula is represented by several life forms and it is estimated that geophytes account for at least 10% of this flora. The majority of taxa (numbers in parentheses) belongs to the Monocot families Liliaceae (incl. Alliaceae, 124), Iridaceae (28), Orchidaceae (still unknown), Amaryllidaceae (5) and Araceae (8) which have all members geophytic. One of the most important centres of a geophytic flora is the Mediterranean region including the adjacent mountainous areas. The Balkan Peninsula is a significant centre of diversity for endemic geophytes both in terms of origin and speciation. The distribution of c. 175 endemic geophytic Monocots (excl. Orchidaceae, Gramineae & Cyperaceae) in the Balkans was mapped using 50x50 km UTM squares. The data permitted correlations of distribution with several interesting topics such as morphology, phenology, altitudinal range, island isolation and centres of diversity

Between 1999 and 2002 an up-to-date check-list of the Italian Vascular Flora was achieved, following a convention funded by the Dipartimento di Biologia Vegetale, University ‘La Sapienza’ of Rome, and the Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio, Direzione Conservazione della Natura. The first, printed edition of this check-list (Conti & al. 2005) required a further update of data, which ended in 2004. Here we report the main national and regional data about the Italian vascular flora.

The results of a survey on the endemic vascular flora of Sulcis (SW Sardinia) are presented. This flora consists of 122 taxa, including 81 species, 32 subspecies, 5 varieties and 4 hybrids. The total of 80 genera, 34 families and 23 orders are represented. The analysis of biologic and chorological data highlighted the environmental peculiarities of Sulcis, given by the local evolution of a rich floristic contingent. Eight exclusive endemics, together with an unique blend of geolithologic, geomorphologic, paleogeographic, bioclimatic and vegetation features, let to attribute the rank of biogeographic sector to the Sulcis-Iglesiente territory, whose southern part can be seen as the Sulcis sub sector. The new IUCN protection categories are proposed for all taxa restricted to the Sulcis-Iglesiente sector.

The authors report on the results of their floristic researches conducted on the Island of Molara (north-eastern Sardinia) as regards changes in the ruderal element linked to land use over the past 80 years. Our present-day research has identified 384 taxa, belonging to 83 families and 252 genera, whereas past floristic composition was 402. Comparison of present-day flora with that of the past showed that 86 taxa were new to the island, 285 were confirmed and 104 were no longer observed. Amongst the taxa no longer found, some 25% were ruderal. Their disappearance was due to changes in land use, in particular over the past 50 years, during which time farming activity ceased and stock rearing declined to minimal terms.

The biodiversity of higher plants in the Tchelkov Rid (W Rhodopi Mts) has been investigated. A total of 261 species belonging to 157 genera and 50 families have been found in an area of about 500 ha. The largest families are Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Scrophulariaceae. The highest number of Sub-Mediterranean and EuroMediterranean geoelements in the studied region can be explained by its geographical position. The area is enclosed between two arms of Mesta River along which Mediterranean climatic influence penetrates into Bulgaria. Eighteen taxa of conservation concern are registered: 13 endemics (12 Balkan, 1 Bulgarian endemics), 6 species from the Red Data Book of Bulgaria, 2 species protected by the Law for Protection of Biodiversity, 1 from the IUCN Red List and 1 from the CITES. A new locality of the Bulgarian endemic species Sedum stefco Stef. is reported. That species is of a very restricted distribution, with small populations and weak reproductive potential.

The Tara Mountain is among the most important centers of Balkan and European ecosystem and species biodiversity. It is characterized by diversified and well-maintained communities of old deciduous and mixed coniferous forests (beech/fir/spruce). They represent a unique example of well-preserved forests in SE Europe with numerous endemic and relict species of indigenous flora and fauna. Specific geomorphologic, hydrologic, geologic, soil and climatic features are also present on Tara Mountain. Tara National Park is located in the West part of the Republic of Serbia (180 km southwestward from Belgrade), and encompasses the largest part of Tara Mt. (average altitude 1000-1200 m asl). NP Tara has an area of 19175 ha, and a protected buffer zone around it of 37584 ha. The first study to declare Tara Mt. a National Park was carried out in 1951, but NP Tara was not established until 1981. During 2004 NP Tara was nominated within the UNESCO-ROSTE program as one of the next MAB Biosphere Reserves. We have developed a Geographical Information System (GIS) that has proved to be an excellent tool for evaluating and protecting the natural resources of NP Tara.

Cynoglossum montanum L. Demonstr. Pl. Horto Upsaliensi: 5 (1753) was described from material obtained in Italy and cultivated in Uppsala. The description refers to name “Cynoglossa media altera virente folio, rubro flore, montana frigidearum regionum” in Colonna´s (Columna´s) Ecphrasis 176 t., 175 (1606). Description and picture were designated as lectotype by Lacaita in Bull. Orto Bot. Napoli 3: 291 (1913) see Figure 1. The type material is not preserved in Linné´s herbarium (Brand 1921 or http://www.nhm.ac.uk/botany/linnaean/databasehome.html). The authorship of the whole publication is sometimes ascribed to Höjer and therefore this name appears sometimes as C. montanum Höjer in Linné (e.g. Cincović & Kojić 1974).

During the floristic investigation of the Great Beach of Ulcinj and hinterland, Kickxia cirrhosa (L.) Fritsch was found for the first time in Montenegro. According to Flora Europaea the area of this species is in W Mediterranean and SW Europe, but the presence on former SFR Yugoslavia is doubtful. The record of K. cirrhosa (L.) Fritsch in the hinterland of Great Beach of Ulcinj confirms the presence of this taxon in the flora of Balkan Peninsula.

Doronicum plantagineum is confirmed as a member of the Italian flora. Former reports of this species, or of D. hungaricum, from the Sila Massif (C Calabria) have been verified and are all referred to D. plantagineum. In addition to its confirmed presence in Sila, this species occurs in several localities of N Calabria (Pollino Massif and Verbicaro-Orsomarso mountains). D. plantagineum is a W Mediterranean species. Its S Italian stands are separated by more than 1000 km from its main area of distribution, the nearest localities being in SE France and NE Algeria. The presence of D. plantagineum in S Italy is therefore of particular phytogeographical interest. A map showing all known Italian localities of this species is provided.

Within floristic investigations on the Sila Massif (S Italy), taxonomical considerations and new contributions on the endemics of this territory are given. The flora of Sila has 13 exclusive endemics and includes further 55 endemics with a wider distribution range, 8 of which are restricted to the siliceous Calabrian massifs. In order to contribute to the knowledge of the endemics of the Silan flora, two new species (Adenocarpus tenoreanus and Allium julianum) are here described and a new combination is proposed.

Current knowledge of the taxonomy, distribution and ecology of Orobanche in Sicily is based on collections made at the beginning of the XX century or earlier. A revision of this genus, often neglected in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, has therefore been started. The taxa described as new by Vincenzo Tineo and Michele Lojacono Pojero, 2 and 13 respectively, are here examined. For each, the nomenclatural type has been established, and the synonymy, taxonomic status and known distribution are presented.

Viola sect. Melanium is represented in Sicily by six species. Two of them, originally described as varieties of Viola nebrodensis, were later transferred at the species rank and named V. tineorum and V. ucriana. The study of micromorphological characteristics gives additional evidence agreeing with the independent specific status of V. tineourum and V. ucriana, that are confined to two very restricted areas south of Palermo: Rocca Busambra and Monte Pizzuta respectively.

In order to assess the taxonomic significance of the epidermal structure, seven taxa from genus Cyanus Mill. (sect. Napuliferae) have been studied: Cyanus pseudaxillaris, C. orbelicus, C. velenovskyi, C. napulifer, C. nyssanus, C. tuberosus and C. thirkei. The investigated taxa possess thick covering of trichomes. The hairs consist of two or more basal cells (stalk) and a long whip cell. Five types of trichomes, very well distinguished by the number, form, size and the wall thickening of the stalk, were established. The cuticle is thin and easily could be distorted under gentle maceration. Some taxa possess cuticle corrugations, somewhere parallel to long cell axis. There are striations on the whole cuticle or only around the stomata and the trichome bases. The main stomatal type is anomocytic, but there are some stomata from anisocytic type, frequently untypical: the three cells do not encircle the stoma. There are stomata with only one subsidiary cell, which is rounded, smaller and well distinguishable by the other epidermal cells. The comparative study shows the epidermal features possess taxonomic significance and could be used as additional characters to differentiate the species into sect. Napuliferae of genus Cyanus.

Comparative anatomy of leaf cross sections of fourteen Ornithogalum taxa is carried out: O. orthophyllum subsp. baeticum, O. collinum, O. comosum, O. divergens, O. exscapum var. exscapum, O. exscapum var. ambiguum, O. exscapum var. parlatorei, O. gussonei, O. montanum, O. kochii subsp. monticola, O. refractum, O. televrinum, O. umbellatum 3x (= O. angustifolium), O. umbellatum 4x (= O. vulgare). Analytical drawings are presented. Thirteen noteworthy leaf characters were quantified, organized in a data matrix (two more Ornithogalum species from literature were added) and finally analyzed through Neighbour Joining (NJ) and UPGMA methods. Leaf features in Ornithogalum result useful in order to group species, while often are not sufficient to characterize each single taxon.

The occurrence in Sardinia (Italy) of Asparagus acutifolius L., A. albus L. and A. horridus L. is here confirmed. The three taxa were studied on material collected from natural populations and specimen from several herbaria (SS, SASSA, CAG, FI and Ancona). Notes on chorology, systematics, ecology and fenology of the mentioned species are given. The exclusion of A. aphyllus L. and the uncertain presence of other taxa related to the A. officinalis L. group, are discussed.

While many scientific studies have been developed at the wide territory of Doñana area (SW Spain) which extends in Huelva and Sevilla provinces, especially at the Doñana Biological Reserve, Doñana National Park and parts of Doñana Natural Park, very little attention has been paid to the area covered by the Natural Park in Cádiz province (“Monte Algaida”), at the other side of Guadalquivir river. Monte Algaida covers a band of aeolian sands developed over a sedimentary clay substrate. A study of this area has shown that it is covered by seven woody vegetation units: juniper woodlands; “monte blanco”, a scrubland dominated by Halimium halimifolium; “Lentiscar”, a scrubland dominated by Pistacia lentiscus; scrublands dominated by Corema album; Tamarix formations, and in more reduced proportion some formations of Populus alba and herbaceous communities dominated by Juncaceae. An interesting herbaceous community has been detected and analyzed. Floristic composition of the woody vegetation units of “Monte Algaida” is analyzed in comparison with the same units in Huelva province. This shows that plant communities at “Monte Algaida” are rather degraded and are in clear regression, owed, most probably, to the lack of new sand input by wind from the coast, and mainly to antropic pressure.

The authors aimed to highlight the combined effects of fire, grazing and reafforestation on the vegetation of a coastal cork oak forest located in the north-eastern of Algeria. The results show that fire and grazing are the main factors of disturbance in this cork oak forest even fire seems to stimulate the very good and fast recolonization by shrubby species of the maquis such as Cistus and Calicotome. Intensive bovine grazing characterizes the high ligneous formations with clear or absent underlayer on weak slopes while the plantations with Eucalyptus sp.or with Pinus pinaster seem to favour the soil erosion as testifiy by an increase of the sand’s rates in the upper soil’s layers. Moreover, the reafforestation would disturb the re-establishment of the original vegetation especially the shrubby species under pines and Eucalyptus although the high percentage of regenerations of Quercus suber out of the plantations testifie to the high potentialities in the studied area allowing the return of the oaks.

Ecological and distributional data on eleven lignicolous fungi, such as Antrodia ramentacea, Ceriporiopsis mucida, Ceriporia viridans, Eichleriella deglubens, Kavinia himantia, Oxyporus latemarginatus, Phanerochaete sordida, P. velutina, Phellinus erectus, P. rimosus and Phylloporia ribis are here reported.

The causes of limited number and distribution of critically endangered Nepeta rtanjensis were investigated in the sense of ecophysiological status of this species. Three populations of N. rtanjensis were subjected to analysis of photosynthetic efficiency: natural population (growing at Rtanj Mt.), re-introduced population (the population established by planting of seedlings near the natural site) and the cultivated population (growing in controlled conditions). The seedlings for planting were obtained by the method of in vitro micropropagation and pre-adapted for ex vitro planting. The aim of this study was to achieve data on ecophysiological adaptation of in vitro propagated seedlings. Results showed that the favorable photosynthetic efficiency of these plants was related to their successful adaptation at natural site. Such adaptive response is in favor of further propagation and re-introduction of this rare species.

Twenty angiosperms were collected from several Croatian and Bosnian localities, aiming to make karyological studies. The results are reported in the present work: Allium commutatum Guss., 2_n_ = 16; A. roseum L., 2_n_ = 32+0-2B; Aquilegia kitaibelii Schott, 2_n_ = 34; Artemisia alba Turra s. l., 2_n_ = 18; Colchicum autumnale L., 2_n_ = 36; Doronicum columnae Ten., 2_n_ = 60; Euphorbia gregersenii K. Maly ex G. Beck, 2_n_ = 14; E. montenegrina (Bald.) Rohlena, 2_n_ = 22; Fritillaria montana Hoppe, 2_n_ = 18+2B; Galanthus nivalis L., 2_n_ = 24; Moltkia petraea (Tratt.) Griseb., 2_n_ = 16; Narcissus tazetta L. subsp. tazetta, 2_n_ = 20; Ornithogalum comosum L., 2_n_ = 18, O. televrinum Speta, 2_n_ = 72; Plantago media L. s. l., 2_n_ = 12, 24; P. reniformis G. Beck, 2_n_ = 12; P. serpentina All., 2_n_ = 12; Potentilla erecta (L.) Räuschel, 2_n_ = 28; Ranunculus fontanus J. et C. Presl, 2_n_ = 40; Silene armeria L., 2_n_ = 24. For Euphorbia montenegrina is reported the first counting, while data for Allium roseum, Aquilegia kitaibelii and Ranunculus fontanus do not agree with those resulting in literature from other provenances.

Artificial populations of holm oak (Quercus ilex L. s. l.) and their natural seed origin populations selected from Andalusia (Southern Spain) and Sicily (Southern Italy) were analysed with six nuclear microsatellite loci to explore the effect of seed collection methods. Low effective allele numbers (3.07-6.67) and extremely low effective population sizes (35.4-102.9) were detected in both reforestation stands, probably due to an inappropriate forester seed collection strategy limited to a few mother trees. Analysis of simulated progenies showed that optimal sampling size to obtain seed collections genetically similar to the origin population should range from 20 to 50 individuals, but could be different between the two regions, being higher in the more genetically diverse Andalusia.

The objectives of this study were to reveal DNAs (RAPD) individual variation and to analyze the genetic and geographical diversity of Fraxinus ornus populations from Serbia. PCR-RAPD variation was examined in three natural populations (90 trees) and the data analysed with genetic softwares (POPGENE, Arlequin and TFPGA) for obtaining parameters of genetic diversity and structure. PCR-RAPD markers reveal individual variation in F. ornus. A total of 122 fragments were amplified using 7 primers and of these 77 (63%) fragments were polymorphic. The mean gene diversity for all populations was 0.27 and the Shannon’s index was between 0.38 and 0.42. The partition of total genetic variance indicates a relatively restricted population differentiation as expected in outcrossing species. Present and future information on genetic structure and variability in F. ornus needs to be incorporated into strategies for the preservation of genetic resources of tree species.

The species of the Allium stamineum group are examined in their morphological, karyological and taxonomic aspects, on the base of literature data as well as herbarium and field surveys. This group is widely distributed in the eastern Mediterranean area, where it is represented by many species well differentiated as regards their morphology, ecology and distribution. Most of the species are diploid with 2_n_=16 and occur in natural habitats, while some triploid (2_n_=24) and tetraploid (2_n_=32) are linked to synanthropic places. Nomenclature, morphology, karyology, ecology and distribution are provided for each species, as well as the iconography of their main distinctive features. The identification keys of these species are provided too.

Height growth of one-year old beech (Fagus moesiaca Cz.) seedlings was studied in different environmental conditions: in a closed stand and in a felled site. In a closed stand, the seedlings form a phenotype of a sciomorphic structural form, whereas the seedlings in the felled site show significant divergences compared to the unique and complex biological properties of the seedlings formed in the conditions of the closed canopy. A greater significance of differences between the identical biological properties depends on the sequence of their formation, and the most expressive differences occur in the development of the “above-epicotyl-axis”. The significantly different length of the “above-epicotyl-axis” in the seedlings formed in different environmental conditions also conditions a significantly different number of the leaves and axillary buds. In this way, in the same seedling growth stage, the potential of the coppicing base of the dormant buds in the seedlings of sciomorphic structural form (two opposite buds in cotyledon axil, two opposite buds in primary leaf axils) is significantly different from the potential of the coppicing base from the dormant buds in the seedlings with a higher growth intensity of the “above-epicotyl-axis”.

The field and laboratory studies about Gagea bohemica (Zauschn.) Schult. & Schult. f., G. chrysantha Schult. & Schult. f. s. l., G. granatellii (Parl.) Parl., G. lutea (L.) Ker-Gawl., G. fragifera (Vill.) Ehr. Bayer & G. Lòpez are carried on community structure, phenology and reproductive biology. The studied species show differences in terms of community characteristics (species composition, structure), time and duration of flowering, and seed production. The species of rocky environment (G. granatellii and G. bohemica) show the highest number of vegetative individuals with respect to the flowering ones, the shortest duration of flowering and the lowest seed-set. It appears as a consequence of the low resource availability. The species of meadows (G. chrysantha, G. fragifera and G. lutea) appear instead to suffer overall the biological competition for resources and pollinators. Gross morphological analysis of the pollen grains revealed that deformed pollen is more abundant in triploid (G. chrysantha, G. granatellii) and heptaploid (G. fragifera) species, compared to the tetraploid (G. bohemica) and the hexaploid (G. lutea) ones. Seed production was very low. There is a positive correlation between amount of morphologically regular pollen and number of produced seeds. In most of the studied species we observed a trend to increase the seed production in individuals with many flowers; probably this is the result of a strategy aimed diminishing t...

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the breeding system in the reproductive success of Narcissus cavanillesii A. Barra & G. López (Amaryllidaceae), a species listed under Annexes II and IV of European Community Habitat and Species Directive. This taxon, which occurs in only two populations in Portugal, is of conservation interest in this country due to its low area of occupancy and population size, and fragmentation. Hand-pollinations were carried out to evaluate the performance of self- and cross-pollination offspring. Results show that xenogamous pollinations produce more fruits and seeds than autogamous ones. However, no significant differences were detected neither in seed weight nor in seed germination percentage between treatments. Germination rate (T50) was significantly higher in autogamous crosses whereas radicle vigour as well as the number of days until the appearance of the first leaf were lower. A fitness coefficient was estimated for each of these parameters by comparing the results obtained from selfing and outcrossing treatments. These results are important for the formulation of effective management strategies in the conservation of this scarce geophyte in Portugal. This study was promoted by EDIA, S. A. and co-financed by EDIA, S. A. and European Regional Development Funds (ERDF).

The aim of this work was to analyze seed germination characteristics between species that share the same habitat. We studied the influence of temperature on the germination of seven species that grow in grassland areas of SE Portugal: Bellardia trixago (L.) All. (Scrophulariaceae), Daucus carota L. (Apiaceae), Petrorhagia nanteuilii (Burnat) P.W. Ball & Heywood (Caryophyllaceae), Scabiosa atropurpurea L., S. simplex Desf. (Dipsacaceae), Silene colorata Poiret and S. gallica L. (Caryophyllaceae). Seeds were incubated under 16/8 hours light/dark photoperiod, constant 15ºC, 20ºC or 25ºC and alternating 25/15ºC temperature conditions. Final germination percentage, germination rate (T50), uniformity (T75-T25) and skewness (T50/Mean Germination Time) were obtained. Seed germinability varied among the tested temperatures. B. trixago, D. carota, P. nanteuilii, Scabiosa atropurpurea and S. simplex presented the highest results at the lowest temperatures although D. carota seemed indifferent to the tested temperatures. S. colorata and S. gallica only germinated at 25ºC and 15/25ºC but the very low results suggest that seeds may present dormancy. All the species presented a rapid and constant germination with most seeds germinating in the first days. In general, the seven species showed different behavior among the assayed temperatures, which allow these species to explore different ecological conditions in the same habitat.

This paper points out the effect of temperatures at the beginning of the vegetation period on beech yield in Belgrade. The reconnaissance in the field study and the comparative analysis were performed during years 2001, 2002 and 2003. The reasons of the reduced yield are related to the variability of temperatures during the study period, but also with the conditions of cultivation outside the ecological optimum

Vegetation is very important to stabilize and minimize the effects of pollution. Industrialized areas near the city of Huelva, southwest Spain, have both soil and atmospheric pollution. Contaminants move off-site following wind direction, spreading the contamination beyond its original centre. This study checks the possibility of using Nerium oleander L. to minimize the effects of soil and atmospheric pollution. Samples were collected along three transects running along the prevailing wind directions (NE, NW and SE), and a fourth against wind direction (SW); a control site (Bkg) was chosen for comparison. Leaves and roots, together with soil samples were collected and the concentration of Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn was determined. This species is useful to fix Fe and Pb from soil through roots. Leaf Cu, Fe and Mn concentration are directly correlated with those in roots. No correlation between metal content in soil and root and/or soil-and leaf were found except for Pb, for which there was a positive correlation between soil and root concentration; when the contamination level is high this species is able to reflect the environmental quality

The construction of the Alqueva dam in Portugal will result in a large-scale habitat fragmentation and ecosystem alterations that adversely affect both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. As an impact-minimization action and help for future restoration programs 1200 plant specimens (over 300 species) are now preserved in the “Antonio Luis Belo Correia Gene Bank” of Lisbon University Botanical Garden. After the flooding, several actions of restoration and impact compensation of the area will be implemented, some of which are illustrated in this paper.

In this research are analysed the European and Mediterranean floristic representatives established in the most humanized regions of Uruguay as a consequence of the continuous exchange of plant entities occurred since the last five centuries between Europe and South America. As far as Uruguay is concerned, the taxa adventitious and the ones that became spontaneous, have been listed and analyzed according to their occurrence and territorial significance (k). There have been selected the regions from the middle West to South, Centre and East according to the most humanized areas in terms of labored soils and population density. Herbarium samples for all the species found have been collected. In total 174 taxa have been taken into account, 7 of the most represented families includes the 73% of the total species found. According to the chorological scheme, the Mediterranean types and the South European amount 52% of the European contingent surveyed for this work in Uruguay. In relation to the introduction process, the majority of taxa is adventitious (72% naturalized and casuals) in contrast to the ones escaped from cultivation that amount to 28%. The gradient in the species occurrence with the correspondence analysis taxa/sites, shows that there is no defined trend of correlation between territories and colonizing species variability. The gradient on the axis 1 is more related to higher human land use and to the proximity to the more important points connecting with...

Monitoring of 22 populations of Leucojum aestivum L. (Amaryllidaceae) was performed in the period 2001-2004. Analysis of management practices and resource assessment of 16 economically significant localities were made in 2003 and 2004. Population density varied from 7.38±4.10 to 46.37±2.67 ind/m2. Exploitation reserves (from 483 to 52 903 kg) and possible annual harvest were estimated by means of model individuals. Comparison between populations of fresh-mass productivity of individual (7.47±0.40 – 25.43±2.08 g) and galanthamine content (0.9 – 2.6 mg/g average) showed great variability.

The Euro-Mediterranean region is an important centre for the diversity of crop wild relatives – species closely related to crops that can provide useful traits for crop improvement. The European Community funded project, PGR Forum (www.pgrforum.org) created a web-based Crop Wild Relative Information System (CWRIS) to provide access to crop wild relative data to a broad user community, including plant breeders, protected area managers, policy-makers, conservationists, taxonomists and the wider public. The system includes data on uses, geographical distribution, biology, population and habitat information, threats (including IUCN Red List assessments) and conservation actions. This information is vital for the continued sustainable utilization and conservation of crop wild relatives. Accessible via the CWRIS is a catalogue of CWR derived from two major databases: Euro+Med PlantBase and Mansfeld’s World Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops; with the addition of data sources for forestry, ornamental, medicinal and aromatic groups. Results show that approximately 80% of the EuroMediterranean flora consists of crop wild relatives and other utilized species, as well as the crops themselves; in other words, at least three-quarters of the plant species in the region have a current or potential direct use to humankind. This paper presents a summary of the methodology used to create a Euro-Mediterranean catalogue of CWR, and some preliminary results from analysis...