Table of Contents

The discovery on Linosa of some rare mosses is reported. They are Tortella flavovirens var. papillosissima Sergio & Casas, new record for the Italian moss flora, Entosthodon hungaricus (Boros) Loeske and Bryum gemmilucens, both found for the second time in Italy.

The Dadia–Lefkimi–Soufli National Park in North-Eastern Greece is a protected area distinguished as particularly significant not only at the national but also at the European level. The long-term but mild human exploitation coupled with the heterogeneity of the habitats and the maintenance of nature have resulted in the conservation of an important biodiversity of biota, characterized by the existence of unique and rare species of flora and fauna. The present study provides an initial recording of the flora in the area based on fieldwork, and consisting of a total of 351 vascular taxa. Collective data on the chorology, life-form and the habitats of plant taxa are presented.

A cytoembryological study of Crepis bithynica - a Balkan subendemic species from Pirin Mt., Bulgaria has been carried out. The major characteristics of the male and female gametophytes and the trends of evolution of the embryological structures and processes of C. bithynica were revealed. The anther wall develops according to the Dicotyledonous-type and it is four-layered with epidermis, endothecium, one ephemeral middle layer and ameboid tapetum. A reduction of the anther locules from four to two was observed. After simultaneous microsporogenesis predominantly tetrahedral tetrads are formed. The mature pollen is in a high degree fertile. The archesporium in the ovule is unicelullate. The embryo sac develops after basic Polygonum (monosporic)-type. Somatic apospory and integumentary embryony were observed. Some of the primitive embryological features correspond with the relatively primitive morphology of C. bithynica. The study reveals a relatively high specialization and plasticity especially of the female gametophyte. This provides better trophical function, larger adaptability and successful reproduction, thus supporting the potential possibilities for survival and expansion of the populations of C. bithynica.

The position of the genus Chamaesciadium C. A. Meyer (Apiaceae) was investigated with a phylogenetic analysis based on the ribosomal internal transcribed spacers. Parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian support analyses were adopted. _Chamaesciadium resulted nested within tribe Careae. The results indicated that the genera resulting closer to Chamaesciadium were Carum s. s. (the part of the genus to which Carum carvi belongs), Fuernrohria and Grammosciadium: these genera clustered together in a clade with 100% bayesian and bootstrap support. This group was sister the other genera of tribe Careae here considered (Rhabdosciadium, Falcaria, Aegokeras, Aegopodium) with 100% Bayesian and 91% bootstrap support. Tribe Careae resulted outgroup to tribe Pyramidoptereae and other species of genus Carum resulted nested in this last tribe rather than in tribe Careae. The possible previously indicated relationship of Chamaesciadium to Pycnocycla was excluded at least with reference to Pycnocycla aucherana, since this species clustered far away from tribes Careae and Pyramidoptereae resulting more strictly related, among the considered species, to Trachyspermum aethusifolium.

This paper presents a floristic catalogue of 710 taxa of lichens and lichenicolous fungi concerning the Madrid Community (Spain). The catalogue is based on bibliographic references and herbarium specimens.

In 26 samples of plankton and periphyton taken from nine stations on the Alexander River and one station on the tributary we found 145 species of algae and cyanoprokaryotes from seven divisions. Green algae strongly prevailed. Fifteen algal species are recorded for the first time in Israel. Among them Salpingorhiza pascheriana, Salpingoeca ringens, and Chrysocrinus irregularis (Chrysophyta) as well as Lepocinclis lefeèvrei (Euglenophyta) were widespread, but rare all over their ranges. As a whole, 129 species are indicators of environmental conditions. Onkonema compactum (Cyanoprokaryota) is an indicator of warm water habitats. A green filamentous alga Enteromorpha torta is an indicator of a strongly saline habitat. The group of pH indicators is dominated by oligohalobes-indifferents and alkaliphiles. Indicators of saprobity, according to Watanabe’s and Sládeèek’s methods, show a moderate level of organic pollution. Species richness in the algal communities over the stations of the Alexander River is changing from rich communities with 6 divisions in the upper reaches to poor communities of cyanoprokaryote-diatom-green algae in the more polluted station below the crossing with the Highway 4, and to the chrysophytic epiphytes at the mouth. Thus, our study of algal communities in the Alexander River reveals the natural trend of algal diversity and the influence of pollution over the river. On the basis of bioindication methods the Alexander River i...

Limonium galilaeum, a new species belonging to L. palmare aggr., is described and illustrated from the Upper Galilee, Israel. Its ecology and relationships with L. graecum and L. sieberi are examined.

19 species of the lichen genus Cladonia are known from Iran. Several species reported in this paper are new to the country: Cladonia cariosa, C. chlorophaea, C. coniocraea, C. fimbriata, C. rei, C. subulata, and C. symphycarpa. Most of the records represent range extensions from the Caucasus region.

The Authors report on results of floristic research carried out on some of the continental carbonate formations situated in Southern Sardinia, in which 291 taxonomic units were found, included in 63 families and 204 genera. This report also highlights problems existing for the conservation of flora in a territory where grazing, brush fires and in particular quarrying activity and archaeological excavations limit and/or prevent the development of vegetation cover. Analysis of flora has furthermore shown the predominance of species with stress-tolerant (SR) and competitive-ruderal (CR) strategy

A pollen analysis of _Genista sect. Cephalospartum has been carried out on 52 samples from eight taxa. The taxa were compared in terms of quantitative and qualitative characters, examined by LM, SEM and TEM. Some taxa are better distinguishable for the quantitative, others for the qualitative characters by LM and SEM; the ultrastructural characters examined by TEM are less significant, but useful in separating some taxa. The joint use of the four groups of characters provides the most complete information. Numerical analysis subdivides taxa into three clusters. Genista umbellata and G. clavata result rather similar and are well distinguishable from the other taxa. G. microcephala, G. microcephala var. tripolitana, G. capitellata and G. quadriflora form a sort of “central grouping” of the section. G. cephalantha and G. demnatensis result more isolated from the other taxa; however, G. cephalantha distinguishes from G. demnatensis for some characters. Section Cephalospartum results rather heterogeneous on the basis of the complex of pollen characters, confirming the heterogeneity already highlighted on the basis of macromorphological and karyological characters, and molecular analysis. The results of the present pollen analysis don’t justfy, however, the separation of the taxa of sect. Cephalospartum into the two sections (Cephalospartum and Lasiospartum) as proposed by some Authors.

This present checklist is based on a screening of relevant and recent literature and on field observations and floristic collections carried out over the last fifteen years. The flora of the Salento includes 1340 specific and subspecific taxa organised into 115 families and 560 genera.

Ophrys apifera Huds. is a rare species of high conservational value in Bulgaria. Discussion on the distribution of the species and the state of 11 established populations were given. Six new localities were found in the region of Western Stara Planina and the respective habitats were identified. A hypochrome variety (Ophrys apifera f. flavescens Rosb.) is reported for the first time in Bulgaria. In the populations studied, O. apifera occurs together with other Orchidaceae species, which are also of conservational value - Himantoglossum caprinum (M. Bieb.) Spreng., Anacamptis pyramidalis (L.) L.C. Rich., Orchis purpurea Huds., and O. coriophora L.

The results of karyological analyses on 32 Mediterranean taxa of the family Boraginaceae are illustrated and discussed. We investigated members of the tribe Boragineae (Cynoglottis, Phyllocara, Hormuzakia, Anchusa, Symphytum, Paraskevia, Nonea, Elizaldia, Trachystemon), Lithospermeae (Alkanna, Buglossoides, Cerinthe, Arnebia, Onosma, Echium) Cynoglosseae (Cynoglossum, Paracaryum, Solenanthus, Pardoglossum) and Eritrichieae (Lappula, Rochelia). Boragineae showed the broadest variation in base numbers, with x = 7 (Paraskevia), 8 (Anchusa, Phyllocara, Hormuzakia), 9 (Cynoglottis), 10 (Elizaldia, Symphytum, Nonea) and 15 (Elizaldia, Nonea). Such broad series is likely to reflect a complex history of chromosomal evolution. In this tribe, new reports are given for Elizaldia heterostemon and E. calycina ssp. embergeri, both endemic to Morocco, which showed 2n = 30 and 2n = 20, respectively. Chromosomes of these taxa and Nonea vesicaria (also 2n = 30) showed heterochromatic segments and secondary constrictions, indicating a probable phylogenetic relationship. Tribe Cynoglosseae showed the lowest variation, with only x = 12 as haploid number in Cynoglossum, Omphalodes, Paracaryum, Pardoglossum and Solenanthus. Radiation and evolution of new forms in this group seem to have involved minor karyological rearrangements with respect to Boragineae and Lithospermeae, also in terms of changes of chromosome morphology and ploidy levels.

The plant morphology, anatomical characters of stem, SEM of pollen and seed coat surfaces were used to reassess the taxonomic relationships between the genera Bassia, Chenolea and Kochia. In addition, the Egyptian species of the genus Bassia were revised. The results clearly indicate considerably differences between the three studied genera and support the treatment of them as different genera. Bassia aegyptiaca is recorded as species nova. Both Chenolea and Kochia are represented in Egyptian flora by one species for each.

This research was carried out in Amasya (Turkey) province between September 2001 and September 2004 and about 1000 plant specimens were collected from the area during this period. Identification of the specimens revealed the presence of 457 taxa belonging to 301 genera in 74 families. All of the 457 taxa belong to Spermatophyta. Of these 4 taxa belong to Coniferophyta, the remaining 453 taxa belong to Magnoliophyta. Some 57 taxa of Magnoliophyta are classified within the Liliopsida and remaining 396 taxa within the Magnoliopsida. A total of 50 taxa determined in the research area (10.94%) are endemic for Turkey. Eleven taxa are new records for square A5. The scattering ratios of the taxa for the phytogeographic regions are as follows: Irano-Turanian elements 77 (16.8%), Euro-Siberian elements 39 (8.5%), Mediterranean elements 35 (7.6%), Widespread and unknown scatteries 306 (66.9%). The largest five families according to taxon numbers are as follows: Asteraceae 56, Fabaceae 42, Lamiaceae 35, Poaceae 33, Brassicaceae 33. The largest five genera and number of species included are as follows: Astragalus L. 7 species., Alyssum L. 7 species, Vicia L. 6 species, Salvia L. 6 species, Centaurea L. 5 species.

Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss. ex Schult. (Amaranthaceae) is a perennial herb, found over a broad range of sandy sediments and different altitudes. Four samples of A. javanica were collected from different habitats and altitudes. Cytogenetical characters of A. javanica according to chromosomal numbers, SEM indumentum and seed coat sculpture characters were studied. Chromosomal numbers of A. javanica have been reported for the first time: 2n = 32 and 2n = 34 for specimens of low altitudes (0-600 m) and 2n = 64 for specimens of high altitudes (1600- 2200 m). In addition, SEM showed a wooly tomentose indumentum with multi-branched unicellular hairs and a granulated seed coat sculpture characterized by raised anticlinical cell boundaries and flat or slightly concave outer periclinal cell walls or by channelled anticlinal cell boundaries as well as the convex (domate) periclinal wall. The granulation of the seed coat sculpture is proportional to its ploidy level.

Biosystematic contribution to the study of the genus Ferula L. in Morocco led to highlight certain chromosome characters of the species already reported in the Moroccan flora and to describe the caryotype of three new taxa: Ferula atlantica El Alaoui-Faris & Cauwet-Marc, F. gouliminensis El Alaoui-Faris & Cauwet-Marc and F. sauvagei El Alaoui-Faris & Cauwet-Marc.

Botanical-geographic diversity of the northeastern part of the Caucasian high mountains was studied. High mountain flora of Pirikiti Khevsureti and Tusheti comprises 595 species, 246 genera and 67 families. 212 species are endemic. They compose 35.3% of the flora on the studied area. Different numbers of endemic species are present in different floristic complexes. Caucasian and Eucaucasian (occurring on the Greater Caucasus) species predominate in the chorological spectrum, which is an indication of the autochthonous nature of the high mountain flora. Besides the endemic species, the presence of elements of the Palearctic (11.4%), Holarctic (10,4%), European (6.4%), Mediterranean (4.0%), Pancontinental (2.4%), Minor Asian (1.2 %), West Asian (0.3%) floras is important.

A new species of Pyrus L., known only from Sicily, is here described and named Pyrus sicanorum. This new taxon differt from the close P. pyraster by length/width ratio of the leaves, and by the shape and the size of the fruit.

This is the sixteenth of a series of reports of chromosomes numbers from Mediterranean area, peri-Alpine communities and the Atlantic Islands, in English or French language. It comprises contributions on 160 taxa: Ornithogalum, Prospero from France, Italy and Greece, by G. Aquaro & L. Peruzzi (Nos 1457-1461); Verbascum from European Turkey, by F. Dane & G. Yýlmaz (Nos 1462-1465); Bassia, Chenopodium, Corispermum from Bulgaria, by N. Grozeva & M. Stoeva (1466-1472); Mesembryanthemum, Rubus, Anagyris, Anthyllis, Astragalus, Bituminaria, Calicotome, Coronilla, Dorycnium, Hedysarum, Hippocrepis, Hymenocarpus, Lathyrus, Lotus, Lupinus, Medicago, Melilotus, Onobrychis, Ononis, Ornithopus, Scorpiurus, Securigera, Trifolium, Trigonella, Tripodium, Vicia from Greece, by H. Runemark (Nos 1473- 1571); Acer, Corylus, Euonymus, Ostrya, Quercus, Rubus, Sorbus from Bulgaria, by V. Goranova, P. Stanimirova & M. Anèev (Nos 1572-1583); Abies, Acer, Carpinus, Celtis, Cornus, Corylus, Juniperus, Picea, Pinus, Quercus, Salix, Sorbus, Tamarix, Ulmus from Bulgaria by A. Petrova, J. Zieliñski & R. Natcheva (Nos 1584-1603); Adenocarpus, Cytisus, Colutea, Genista, Retama, Ulex, Stauracanthus, Hesperolaburnum from Morocco, by H. Tahiri, P. Cubas, C. Pardo & A. Crespo (Nos 1604-1612); Genista from Bulgaria and Portugal, by T. Cusma Velari, L. Feoli Chiapella & V. Kosovel (1613-1614); Genista from Portugal, by T. Cusma Velari, L. Feoli Chiapella & A. Cristina Tavares (16...