Rise and fall of Juncus maritimus in the Balaton region
https://doi.org/10.17542/kit.31.076
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Abstract
The searush (Juncus maritimus Lam.) is a coastal halophyte of Eurasia, with a few isolated interior occurrences in Europe. In the Pannonian Basin, the species was found in the 1920s on the shores of Balaton and Fertő Lakes. In one of its distribution hotspots, the Balaton region, the rapid wetland deterioration calls for an up-to-date assessment of its existing populations. In this study, we document the coenological relations of J. maritimus stands based on recent relevés, assess the state of its populations, and evaluate their vegetation changes between 2015 and 2024. We confirmed the occurrence of J. maritimus in eight localities. The majority of relevés with J. maritimus correspond with the Scorzonero parviflorae-Juncetum gerardii association, sporadically with the Astereto pannonici-Schoenetum nigricanti. Our phytosociological survey repeated after a decade revealed a lower number of wetland and halophytic specialists, together with J. maritimus, and an expansion of Cladium mariscus and Solidago gigantea. The fragmented salt marshes and fen meadows where searush occurs are more threatened than the species itself, thanks to its ability to establish on new sites. Nevertheless, the potential habitats are constantly diminishing by construction, massive tourism development and secondary succession. Moreover, increasing droughts in recent years have even more accelerated the desiccation of wet habitats.