Agnieszka Nobis

Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries: new national and regional vascular plant records, 4.

Abstract The paper presents new records for 20 vascular plant species from eight Asian and two European countries. Five taxa (Artemisia campestris, Artemisia tanacetifolia, Delphinium sajanense, Diarthron vasiculosum var. undulatum, Epilobium adenocaulon) are reported from Kazakhstan, four (Deyeuxia yanyuanensis, Poa arnoldii, Stipa gracilis, Stipa macroglossa subsp. kazachstanica) from China, three (Nepeta pamirensis, Silene bucharica, Scrophularia pamiro-alaica) from Uzbekistan, two (Epilobium nervosum, Stellaria zolotukhinii) from Mongolia, two (Oenothera deflexa, Scirpus georgianus) from Poland, one (Coronopus didymus) from Tajikistan, one (Orobanche rumseiana) from Italy, one (Stipa macroglossa subsp. kazachstanica) from Kyrgyzstan, one (Poa polozhiae) from Russia, and one (Agrostis rupestris) from Azerbaijan. All of these taxa are new to the floras of listed Asian and European countries or its regions (as it is in the case of China or Russia). Four of the presented taxa (Coronopus didymus, Epilobium adenocaulon, Oenothera deflexa and Scirpus georgianus) are regarded as alien to the studied areas, whereas the other 16 are new native elements to the flora of the countries. For each species synonyms, general distribution, habitat preferences, taxonomy with remarks on recognition and differentiation of the species from the most similar occurring in a given country, as well as a list of localities recorded (often far from the previously known areas) are presented. In the case of Orobanche rumseiana, a new variety O. rumseiana var. sarda R. Piwowarczyk and A. Pujadas is described and illustrated.

Root-inhabiting fungi in alien plant species in relation to invasion status and soil chemical properties

In order to recognize interactions between alien vascular plants and soil microorganisms and thus better understand the mechanisms of plant invasions, we examined the mycorrhizal status, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization rate, arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) morphology and presence of fungal root endophytes in 37 non-native species in Central Europe. We also studied the AMF diversity and chemical properties of soils from under these species. The plant and soil materials were collected in southern Poland. We found that 35 of the species formed AM and their mycorrhizal status depended on species identity. Thirty-three taxa had AM of Arum-type alone. Lycopersicon esculentum showed intermediate AM morphology and Eragrostis albensis developed both Arum and Paris. The mycelia of dark septate endophytes (DSE) were observed in 32 of the species, while sporangia of Olpidium spp. were found in the roots of 10. Thirteen common and worldwide occurring AMF species as well as three unidentified spore morphotypes were isolated from trap cultures established with the soils from under the plant species. Claroideoglomus claroideum, Funneliformis mosseae and Septoglomus constrictum were found the most frequently. The presence of root-inhabiting fungi and the intensity of their colonization were not correlated with soil chemical properties, plant invasion status, their local abundance and habitat type. No relationships were also found between the presence of AMF, DSE and Olpidium spp. These suggest that other edaphic conditions, plant and fungal species identity or the abundance of these fungi in soils might have an impact on the occurrence and intensity of fungal root colonization in the plants under study.

Vegetation of rock clefts and ledges in the Pamir Alai Mts, Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

The paper presents the results of phytosociological research conducted on the vegetation of rock clefts and ledges in the Pamir-Alai Mountains (Tajikistan, Middle Asia). During the field studies, done in 2010–2012, 101 phytosociological relevés were taken. Plant species were recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. Communities of calcareous rock clefts and ledges with small soil amounts from several ranges (Zeravshan Mts, Hissar Mts, Hazratishokh Mts, Darvaz Mts, Rushan Mts and Vanch Mts), inhabiting mainly the alpine and subnival zone, have been described. A synopsis of the rock communities of the Pamir-Alai is proposed. In the examined vegetation plots 77 vascular plant and 6 moss species were noted. The most frequent were: Achoriphragma pinnatifidum, Artemisia rutifolia, Asperula albiflora, Campanula incanescens, C. lehmanniana, Parietaria judaica, Pentanema albertoregelia, Poa relaxa and Stipa zeravshanica among vascular plants and Brachythecium albicans and Bryum caespiticum among mosses. Most of them are narrow endemics of Tajikistan or Middle Asia. The collected material presents most of the variability among the phytocoenoses of large crevices and rock ledges in limestone massifs in the alpine and subnival zones. As a result of field research and numerical analyses, 7 associations have been distinguished: Achoriphragmetum pinnatifidi, Asperulo albiflorae-Stipetum zeravshanicae, Inuletum glaucae, Paraquilegietum anemonoidis, Pentanemetum albertoregeliae, Rhinactinidietum popovii and Saussureaetumovatae. The distinctiveness of habitat and species composition of Middle Asiatic rock communities makes it necessary to distinguish a new suballiance, Pentanemenion albertoregeliae, within the Asperulo albiflorae-Poion relaxae alliance. The main factors determining the species composition of classified associations seem to be the elevation above sea level and exposition. Alpine rock communities are one of the most unique and interesting plant formations in the moutainous areas of Pamir-Alai. Despite not being species-rich they often harbour many specialists adapted to harsh and extreme environments, especially in areas of Mediterranean-like climate.

River corridor plants revisited: What drives their unique distribution patterns?

The phenomenon whereby some plant species display a river corridor distribution pattern has long been recognized but is still poorly understood. The goals of this study were to supplement the list of river corridor plants for Central Europe, analyse their habitats and compare their ecological features with those of their widely distributed counterparts. The ATPOL (Atlas of Poland) database was used to compile a list of river corridor plants of Poland and calculate their river corridor-specificity indices (RCSIs). The Ellenberg indicator values, dispersal modes and life forms of river corridor and widely distributed species were compared using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). Eighty-five species were classified as river corridor species. The most numerous habitat groups were meadow species (19%), wet-habitat therophytes (15%), riverside tall herbs (13%) and species of dry, sandy soils (12%). These species had mostly requirements for a higher temperature and alkalinity than widespread species. Among river corridor plants, there were a few eurytopic species. Corridor species had usually only one life form and less dispersal modes than widespread species. Hence, specific demands of corridor plants and lower phenotypic plasticity may explain their restricted geographical distribution. The definition of the river corridor plant species needs modification.

Caucalido platycarpi-Vicietum michauxii — a new weed association from crop fields of Kyrgyzstan (Middle Asia)

The study presents the results of geobotanical investigations conducted in crop fields in the western Tian Shan Mts in Kyrgyzstan (Middle Asia). The main research focused on classification of weed communities developing within this poorly investigated area, were conducted in the vicinity of Bishkek and Kara-Balta in 2010. Altogether, 299 phytosociological relevés were sampled using the Braun-Blanquet method. Based on all segetal vegetation patches, the analyses distinguished a new association: Caucalido platycarpi-Vicietum michauxii. The results of these phytosociological studies fill a gap in the knowledge about the syntaxonomical diversity of the Middle Asia region, which is one of the most crucial for segetal weed species. The study shows that anthropogenic agrocoenoses could harbour relatively rich flora. Extensively cultivated fields could especially serve as a suitable habitat for many xerothermophilous and heliophilous plants. More than 75 species in vegetation plots, mainly permament weeds, have been found. There is also a considerable share of species coming over from swards, screes and meadows.

Vegetation of rock crevices of the montane and colline zones in the Pamir-Alai and Tian Shan Mts in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

The paper presents the results of phytosociological research conducted on the vegetation of rock habitats in the montane and colline zones of the Pamir-Alai Mountains (Tajikistan). During field surveys done in 2010–2013, 122 phytosociological relevés were sampled. Plant species were recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. The vegetation studies were carried out generally in the western Pamir-Alai and south-western Tian Shan Mts, especially in the Zeravshan, Hissar, Hazratishoh, Darvaz, Rushan, Turkestan, Kuramin and Vanch ranges. A synopsis of the rock communities of the montane and colline zones in Tajikistan is proposed. The collected material presents most of the variability among the plant communities of rock crevices and fissures on calcareous as well as acidic substrates in the montane and colline zones in Tajikistan. As a result of field research and numerical analyses, eight associations have been distinguished: Scutellarietum hissaricae, Scutellarietumschugnanicae, Scutellarietum zaprjagaevii, Scutellarietum baldshuanicae, Tylospermetumlignosae, Dionysietum involucratae A. Nowak, M. Nobis, S. Nowak & A. Nobis, 2014, Nanorrhinetum ramosissimi, Campanuletum albertii and the community of Scutellaria adenostegia within new alliance – Caricion koshevnikovii. The main factors determining the species composition of classified associations seem to be the geography of the distribution range, elevation above sea level, rock type and exposition.

A new variety of Diarthron (Thymelaeaceae) from Tajikistan

The central Asian mountains have been recognized by Conservation International to be among 34 socalled hotspots of biodiversity – the most important areas of species diversity in the world (Mittermeier et al. 2005). The Pamir Alai and south-western part of the Tian-Shan Mts located in Tajikistan borders are also one of the regions richest in plant species in the former Soviet Union. According to the 10volume study of the flora of Tajikistan, ca. 4550 vascular plant species are known from the country (Rasulova 1991). This number is not final as recently some new species have been described from Tajikistan (e.g. Khassanov et al. 2007; Fritsch & Friesen 2009; Ranjbar et al. 2010; Nobis 2011a, 2013a; Nobis et al. 2013) and new records to its flora have been published (e.g. Lazkov 2008; Nobis et al. 2010, 2011; Nobis 2011b, 2013b; Nobis & Nowak 2011; Nowak et al. 2013). According to literature data, ca. 30% of the entire flora of vascular plants known from Tajikistan are generally accepted endemics of the country (endemics þ subendemics) (Rasulova 1991; Nowak & Nobis 2010; Nowak et al. 2011). During field investigations of steppe ecosystems in the MogolTau Mts (south-western Tian-Shan, Tajikistan) in 2010, an interesting specimen of Diarthron Turczaninow was collected. Careful examination of this individuals shows that the specimens represent a new taxon, having characters absent in Diarthron vesiculosum (Fisch. & Mey. ex Kar. & Kir.) C.A. Mey. the most similar species of the genus, commonly occurring in Tajikistan (Chukavina 1981). In addition, a revision of materials representing the genus Diarthron and deposited in TAD, LE, KRA herbaria, gave few additional localities of the new taxon in Tajikistan. The aim of this paper was to provide a binominal for the new taxon and to provide morphological comparative analysis with the most similar taxon of the genus Diarthron.

Do invasive alien plants really threaten river bank vegetation? A case study based on plant communities typical for Chenopodium ficifolium—An indicator of large river valleys

Riparian zones are very rich in species but subjected to strong anthropogenic changes and extremely prone to alien plant invasions, which are considered to be a serious threat to biodiversity. Our aim was to determine the spatial distribution of Chenopodium ficifolium, a species demonstrating strong confinement to large river valleys in Central Europe and an indicator of annual pioneer nitrophilous vegetation developing on river banks, which are considered to be of importance to the European Community. Additionally, the habitat preferences of the species were analysed. Differences in the richness and abundance of species diagnostic for riverside habitats, as well as the contribution of resident and invasive alien species in vegetation plots along three rivers differing in terms of size and anthropogenic impact were also examined. Finally, the effect of invaders on the phytocoenoses typical for C. ficifolium was assessed. The frequency of C. ficifolium clearly decreased with an increasing distance from the river. Among natural habitats, the species mostly preferred the banks of large rivers. The vegetation plots developing on the banks of the three studied rivers differed in total species richness, the number and cover of resident, diagnostic and invasive alien species, as well as in species composition. Our research indicates that abiotic and anthropogenic factors are the most significant drivers of species richness and plant cover of riverbank vegetation, and invasive alien plants affect this type of vegetation to a small extent.

Phytosociology and ecology of deciduous forests in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

Aims: To present the first syntaxonomical classification for the mesophilous deciduous forests of the PamirAlai Mountains in Tajikistan with some remarks on its environmental gradients. Location: Tajikistan. Methods: Altogether 201 relevés were sampled between 2008‒2013 using the seven-degree cover-abundance scale of Braun-Blanquet. They were classified by the modified TWINSPAN method using the four-step interval scale with cutoff levels of 0%, 2%, 5% and 10% and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were identified using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. Detrendended Correspondence Analysis was used to determine the relation between samples, vegetation units and the major gradients in species composition. Results: Plant communities of typical broad-leaved, riparian and gallery woods inhabiting mainly the lowland, colline, montane and subalpine zone in several mountains and river valleys in the Pamir Alai Mts. are herein described. Numerical analyses of vegetation data resulted in the distinction of ten associations: Juglandetum regiae, Aceretum turkestanici, Violo suavis-Populetum albae, Swido darvasicae-Platanetum orientalis, Populetum pamiricae, Populetum talassicae, Salicetum turanico-pycnostachyae, Populetum pruinosae, Betuletum turkestanico-tianschanicae and Fraxinetum sogdianae, which have been assigned to four alliances: Acero turkestanici-Juglandion regiae for mesophilous broad-leaved forests, Populion afghanicae for montane riparian forests, Populion talassicae for subalpine riparian forests and Elaeagno-Populion pruinosae for gallery forests of the Middle Asian lowlands. The main factors determining the species composition of the studied associations are salinity, soil humidity, elevation, slope and aspect. Conclusions: Our first attempt initiates research on the diversity of forest vegetation in Tajikistan and Middle Asia. It provides the first classification scheme that could be used in further studies on forest vegetation in the surrounding regions, particularily in Middle and Central Asia.

Leontodon saxatilis Lam.: a range-expanding plant or a poorly recognized species in Poland?

Leontodon saxatilis Lam.: a range-expanding plant or a poorly recognized species in Poland? Until 2001, Leontodon saxatilis was known in Poland almost exclusively from the north-west part. However, numerous localities of the species in southern Poland were reported in recent publications and recorded in our field studies. Data on the distribution and habitat preferences of L. saxatilis at the new localities are presented and its origin in southern Poland is discussed.