Search
Search Results
-
Taxiphyllum densifolium (Taxiphyllaceae) and other rare bryophytes of the Mecsek valleys (SW Hungary)
3-16Views:108In this paper, we deal with threatened and/or legally protected bryophytes found in the shady, forested valleys of the Mecsek Mountains, which are rare in national and/or local terms. Taxiphyllum densifolium, a rare moss in Europe has stable colonies with sporophytes in two valleys. This study is the first to describe the spore characteristics of this species. The previously considered unique and legally protected Rhynchostegiella teneriffae is nowadays so widespread in the Mecsek that it can no longer be considered a vulnerable species (VU) in Hungary. We present the first population of the legally protected Neckera pennata in Tolna county, and we also report on the recent, unusual occurrence of the data-deficient (DD) Fossombronia wondraczekii. We also list new populations of three other endangered (EN) species, Blindiadelphus recurvatus, Palustriella commutata and Porella arboris-vitae. Several vulnerable (VU) taxa such as Blepharostoma trichophyllum, Porella cordaeana, Sciuro-hypnum flotowianum, Seligeria pusilla, as well as new occurrences of near threatened (NT) mosses such as Microeurhynchium pumilum (with sporophytes), Phaeoceros carolinianus are documented. In addition, the data on Rhynchostegium rotundifolium in Jakab Mountain, which has not been recorded for more than 50 years, is confirmed. The difficulties of differentiating Hygroamblystegium species are briefly discussed.
-
A new record of the threatened Anacamptodon splachnoides (Froel. ex Brid.) Brid. from the Bükk Mts. (NE Hungary)
202-205Views:146A new locality of the moss species Anacamptodon splachnoides (Froel. ex Brid.) Brid. was discovered in a Turkey oak-dominated forest stand in the Bükk Mts. (near Varbó village, North Hungarian Montains). A small population of this threatened bryophyte was found in a wet root-hole of a living Quercus cerris L. tree.
-
Reseda inodora Rchb. in the Tiszántúl region (East Hungary)
48-54Views:152On 14 August 2012 a small population of Reseda inodora was found in Hegyes-halom kurgan within the administrative boundaries of the town of Mindszent (Csongrád County, CEU: 9487.3). The approximately 50–100-stem-large population of the species lived on the edge of the kurgan, on the sparsely vegetated, weedy fieldmargin. On 19 July 2014 this species has turned up again in this area. In this case it was the biggest amount with some hundred stems and was located on the edge of the mound, which is in the verge of the neighbouring corn field. The Reseda inodora is a new recent protected vascular plant species within the operation area of the Körös–Maros National Park. We propose this species to be included in the regional red list in the category of „CR” (Critically endangered). Other rare weed or pioneer species (Caucalis platycarpos subsp. muricata and subsp. platycarpos, Erodium ciconium, Lappula squarrosa, Melica transsilvanica, Papaver hybridum) have already been found in Hegyes-halom kurgan in the last few years. The results show the importance of kurgans not only in the conservation of natural steppe, loess wall vegetation and steppe shrub species, but in the survival of some endangered weed species as well (e.g. some rare archaeophytes).
-
New occurrence of Myricaria germanica in a Hungarian gravel pit
60–63Views:212This paper reports the second Hungarian synanthropic occurrence of the rare Myricaria germanica. One flowering individual was found in a gravel pit near Hejőpapi (NE Hungary). The closest known population of the species is 60 km far from newly found locality. This occurrence indicates effectivness of anemochory. It seems, that abandoned gravel pits may be potential habitats of this threataned shub species.
-
Conservational status of Grimmia plagiopodia Hedw. in Hungary
133-140Views:99Three new localities of the protected and endangered moss species, Grimmia plagiopodia Hedw., were discovered in 2017 in the southern part of Börzsöny Mts (North Hungarian Mountains) at Nagymaros and Kismaros villages. The authors have re-evaluated the threat-status of the species applying the most recent IUCN Red List categories and criteria. According to this, G. plagiopodia can still get the endangered (EN) status in Hungary.
-
Floristic data from the central part of the floristic region ‘Crisicum’ (E Hungary)
317–357Views:272This paper reports new floristic data of 207 taxa. Data collected between 2005 and 2015; originated from the central part of the floristic region ‘Crisicum’ (i.e. the E part of the Great Hungarian Plain), which is a currently poorly studied area of Hungary from a floristic point of view. The paper reports occurrence localities for some rarities such as Asplenium trichomanes, Marsilea quadrifolia, Sisymbrium polymorphum, Viola stagnina, Gentiana pneumonanthe, Elymus elongatus, Montia fontana subsp. chondrosperma, Ranunculus rionii, Ranunculus illyricus, Myagrum perfoliatum, Sedum caespitosum, Vicia biennis, Dorycnium herbaceum, Oenanthe banatica, Peucedanum cervaria, Echium italicum, Digitalis lanata, Valerianella rimosa, Craex buekii, Cephalaria transsylvanica, Cyperus pannonicus.
-
Seed dispersal and habitat preference of the endangered Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus L.) and larger goose species in the Hortobágy National Park
136-147Views:158Several studies found that waterfowl are important endozoochorous dispersal vectors for plant species. Germination of the seed content of their droppings provides valuable information on their diet and also on their role in seed dispersal. Our aim was to analyse the seed dispersal potential of the critically endangered habitat-specialist Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) in their autumn and spring staging areas in Hortobágy National Park. The study was supported by the LIFE10-NAT/GR/000638 project. We also studied the seed dispersal potential of larger generalist goose species foraging in the same areas, such as Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons Scopoli) and Greylag Goose (Anser anser L.). We asked the following questions: (i) Which habitat types are the most frequently used by Lesser White-fronted Goose and larger goose species? (ii) Is the different habitat preference of Lesser White-fronted Goose and larger goose species reflected in the seed content of their droppings? (iii) Are there seasonal differences between the seed content of spring and autumn droppings? We identified the most frequently used feeding habitats. We collected 40 droppings of Lesser White-fronted Goose and larger goose species per site in April and October 2012, in total we collected 720 droppings per species. Droppings were concentrated and spread on trays filled with sterilised potting soil. Samples were germinated in a greenhouse from April to November 2013. In total we germinated 21 plant species from the goose droppings, which suggests that goose species play an important role in seed dispersal. We found that Lesser White-fronted Goose dispersed more species typical to alkali habitats, and fewer weeds compared to larger goose species. Lesser White-fronted Goose and larger goose species used a wide range of feeding habitats, thus, they play an important role in dispersing seeds between habitats along a moisture gradient. Total species number and species number of plant functional groups were higher in autumn droppings. Seed content of the droppings suggests that Lesser White-fronted Goose is confined to natural habitats, thus for the effective protection of this critically endangered species it is crucial to preserve its natural feeding habitats.
-
Rediscovery of Orchis mascula subsp. signifera (Vest) Soó in the Keszthely Mts (Transdanubia, Hungary)
51–54Views:148Orchis mascula subsp. signifera is a rare, legally protected and endangered species of the Hungarian flora. Currently it is recorded from 25 flora mapping grid cell in Hungary. The westernmost Hungarian occurrence of the species was documented by a voucher collected by Dénes Gotthárd in 1976. After four decades the occurrence of O. mascula in the Keszthely Mts was confirmed in 2015. The local habitat preference and major threats to the taxon are briefly discussed.
-
Data to the flora and vegetation of Hungary I.
89-104Views:86The present study reports the occurrence data of 54 vascular plant taxa, collected at various localities in Hungary during floristic, vegetation and ecological field surveys between 2000 and 2013. In some cases, phytosociological relevés were prepared to characterize the local coenological properties of the species. Many of these species are included in the „Red list of the vascular flora of Hungary” (e.g. Carthamus lanatus, Sedum caespitosum, Spiranthes spiralis and Trifolium micranthum). Some of them (e.g. Apium repens, Dianthus diutinus, Epipactis bugacensis and Ranunculus psilostachys) are rarities in the whole country. Our findings suggest that conservationists should focus not only on the maintenance of semi-natural habitats but also on the investigation of secondary habitats (e.g. river embankments, temporary pools on arable fields) in order to maintain the total species diversity of the landscape.
-
Dactylorhiza traunsteineri (Saut. ex Rchb.) Soó: an unexpected record in the Romanian flora
15-24Views:94Dactylorhiza Necker ex Nevski is a complex genus. The taxonomy of these dactylorchids is widely considered to be complicated due to relatively high morphological variability within species and high frequency of hybridization between species. During a floristic survey of the Valea Morii (Morii Valley, Malomvölgy) Nature Reserve in June 2017, a population of Dactylorhiza traunsteineri (Saut. ex. Rchb.) Soó, a species with uncertain presence in the Romanian flora was found. In the Morii Valley, this narrow-leaved marsh-orchid was encountered in fen-patches, in phytocoenoses of the plant association Orchido-Schoenetum nigricantis Oberd. 1957. Due to the cool and wet microclimate of the Morii Valley, many glacial relicts and other plant rarities (e.g. Tofieldia calyculata (L.) Wahlenb., Swertia perennis (L.), Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich., Ophioglossum vulgatum L. Schoenus nigricans L.) had been able to survive on strongly humid places on calcareous soils. This study reports the first occurrence of D. traunsteineri in Romania confirming the presence of a highly debated taxon. We also discuss the morphological features, habitat preference and conservation status of this new species in the Romanian Flora.
-
Habitats and protected plants of Cuha-valley (Bakony Mts, W-Hungary)
80-88Views:69Floristic data were collected and habitat mapping was performed between 2009 and 2011 in the valley of Cuha-creek. During the field work occurrences of 423 vascular plant species (including 31 protected taxa) were recorded. Potentilla indica represents a previously unknown alien taxa of the study area. The dominant vegetation type of the Cuha-valley is beech forest. Further characteristic, important habitats are scree, ravine and hilltop forests. On the southern part of the valley – in close proximity of the Cuha-creek – expansion of several alien plants (Impatiens glandulifera, Fallopia spp., Heracleum mantegazzianum) were observed.
-
Data to the flora and vegetation of Hungary II.
104–113Views:170We report the occurrence data of 45 vascular plant taxa collected at various localities in Hungary (Duna–Tisza Interfluve, Tiszántúl and South Transdanubia) during floristic, vegetation and ecological field surveys mostly between 2013 and 2016. Many of these plants are included in the ’Red list of the vascular flora of Hungary’ (e.g. Astragalus dasyanthus, Erodium ciconium and Lotus angustissimus). We primarily focused on the occurrence of rare plants (e.g. Apium repens, Epipactis bugacensis and Trifolium strictum), plants that appeared in unexpected places (e.g. Medicago arabica, Polypodium vulgare and Polystichum setiferum) or have a phyto-geographic importance (e.g. Piptatherum virescens, Ranunculus psilostachys and Tamus communis).
-
New occurrence of Myricaria germanica in a secondary habitat (NE Hungary)
118–122Views:22557In this paper, we report a new occurrence of Myricaria germanica (L.) Desf in a secondary habitat from the north-eastern part of Hungary, from the edge of the Bükk Mountains, in a slag dump in Miskolc. The plant is established on a steep wall formed during the extraction of slag. Due to the erosion of the wall, occasionally a few plants fall off. The age of the dead specimens is between 5 and 13 years, based on their growth rings. The population of about 50 individuals is the largest (but perhaps the only) living population of the species in Hungary. Other rare and protected species (Epilobium dodonaei Vill., Dysphania botrys (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants, Dryopteris carthusiana (Vill.) H.P. Fuchs, Polystichum aculeatum (L.) Roth ex Mert.) have also been found in the slag heap area.
-
The Wildflower of the Year 2014 in Hungary: Siberian flag (Iris sibirica L.)
268-285Views:173In this paper a review of the nomenclature, etymology, taxonomy, morphology, histology, life cycle, phenology, reproduction, habitat preference, biotic interactions, biologically active compounds, micropropagation, application possibilities and conservation status of Siberian flag (Iris sibirica L.) can be found. Leaf traits, phenological data, seed-set, thousand-seed weight, germination, growth rate and soil characteristic data are published based on original observations:
- Leaf area is between 25,3 and 52,9 cm2, its dry mass is 232 and 272 mg/g, specific leaf area is 14,5 and 15,0 m2/kg; based on measurement of 5–5 leaves of sibirica, collected from Tapolca and Létavértes (Hungary) in May of 2014.
- Based on herbarium dataset, blooming of sibirica begins at the end of April and lasts to early-July, contrary to the literature data (May–June).
- Capsules contain (0–)58–76(–121) fertile seeds. (20–)60–80(–90)% of ovules develops to (seemingly) viable seeds, meanwhile the other ovules remain as aborted ones or develop to infertile seeds (probably because of absence of resources); based on fruits collected from Regéc (Hungary) in 2014 and 2015.
- Thousand-seed weight of sibirica is 8,8298–11,2914 g (based on 3×100–100 seeds collected from Regéc and Tapolca in 2014 and 2015), which is lower value than the literature data.
- In our germination test (50–50 seeds sowed to wet soil, after different treatments) 14% of scarified seeds, 6% of scalded seeds, 4–4% of imbibed and control seeds, 0–0% of cooled and refrigerated seeds are germinated. Scarified seeds germinated in the 8–26th days, imbibed seeds 15–19th days, control seeds 16–20th days, scalded seeds 20–23th days after sowing. It seems that scarification stimulates, meanwhile temperature-treatments inhibit the germination. Until 18 weeks the seedlings grow to 30 cm (in mean) and develop 5–7 leaves (in mean). After the 14th week, the first and littlemost lateral leaves are necrosed.
- Analyses of soil samples collected from 17 locations of sibirica in Hungary, suggest that the species prefers highly acidic to slightly alcalic, lime-free to highly calcareous soils with generally high amount of humus and clay, different amount of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen and low concentration of salt.
-
The biases of floristic surveys I. Naive planters: “cuckoo” of the Medves (N Hungary)
207-217Views:135The aim of the planned thematic studies is to point out the main biases and/or errors of floristic surveys in Hungary. In this first article of the series we focus on those examples when native species were planted out of their original habitats and/or range by a non-professional naturalist. The sources of information are those letters that were posted by Ferenc Varga to the first author of this article in 2005. The circumstances of the transplantation of 10 phytogeographycally significant species of the investigated area and/or the Pannonicum (Adonis vernalis, Arum orientale, Asarum europaeum, Genista germanica, Phragmites australis, Pulsatilla grandis, P. nigricans, Salvia aethiopis, Viola alba, Xeranthemum annuum) are detailed in the text and summarised in a table. The correspondence between the first author and Ferenc Varga provides insight how the ambition of a non-professional naturalist can influence the flora of an area. Most of the species were removed from South and transplanted to North, almost 10 km away from their original stands. With the exception of Adonis vernalis and Genista germanica at least one transplantation of the species was successful. In the case of Salvia aethiopis, the naturalized populations came 1.25 km close to Slovakia, where this species is a very rare and endangered (EN) taxon.
-
The Wildflower of the Year 2013 in Hungary: Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum L.)
354-364Views:123In this paper a short review of the taxonomy, nomenclature, morphology, distribution, habitat characteristics, phenology, reproduction, biotic interactions, biologically active compounds, conservation status and threatening factors of Leucojum aestivum can be found.
-
Recent Hungarian distribution of Potamogeton coloratus
77–83Views:187The distribution of fen pondweed (Potamogeton coloratus) restricted to Europe where it is one of the rarest and most threatened pondweed species. In Hungary, former data of fen pondweed originated mostly from thermal and karstic springs. Due to intensive bauxite mining activity in the edge of the Transdanubian Mountain Range (NW Hungary) these springs dried up by the end of the 20th century, and it caused the temporal extinction of the species. After the ceasing of mining activity many of the former karstic springs have regenerated and several fen pondweed populations have re-established. In this paper we summarized 18 population data of fen pondweed collected between 1999 and 2016. Many of them were formerly registered in the 19th century too. Most of the new and re-discovered populations were found in karstic springs or in artificial and natural lakes in the vicinity of these springs.
-
The flora of the Sárvíz plain (Mezőföld, Hungary)
207–226Views:318In this paper, I present chorological data on the plants growing on the alluvial plain of the Sárvíz river in eastern Transdanubia, Hungary. Species characteristic of reed and sedge marshes, salt lakes and alkali flats, as well as remnants of hardwood forests and mesoxeric grasslands are listed in the enumeration. Since 2004, I have confirmed the occurrence of 50 species previously not recorded in the study area. Here, I report the species names, followed by data on the locality: the name of the township, the geographical name of the locality, and the code(s) of both grid systems, the Central European Flora Mapping System (CEU) and the UTM. Sites where I observed or collected the species after 2004 are in bold. Names of species new to the study area are underlined.
-
Data to the flora and geobotany of Kisalföld (Lesser Plain) region, NW Hungary
235-253Views:132Lesser Plain (Kisalföld) – divided among three countries (Austria, Hungary and Slovakia) – is the westernmost part of the lowland areas of the Pannonian Basin. Present paper provides a résumé of the authors’ floristic work from the Hungarian part of the area, describing localities, habitats and regional phytogeography of 57 taxa altogether. The localities were listed according to the classification of small geographic regions. The most important results of the study are as follows:
- We recorded 5 species new to the region (Brachypodium rupestre, Bromus ramosus, Hypericum dubium, Lathyrus sphaericus, Tordylium maximum); all of them can be considered as submontane-montane elements.
- We reported several species new to a microregion within the Lesser Plain: montane species in the W-SW part of the Plain (Cirsium rivulare, Dryopteris dilatata, Equisetum telmateia), loess-connected species mainly on the Moson Plateau (Agropyron cristatum, Allium atroviolaceum, Euphorbia salicifolia, Viola ambigua); and occurrences of species on sandy soils near the Lake Fertő (Draba nemorosa, Stipa pennata).
- We explained the known localities of several salt tolerant species (e.g. Carex divisa, Crypsis alopecuroides, Juncus maritimus, Limonium gmelinii, Suaeda pannonica) from the Lake Fertő and its surroundings.
- We assessed the role of the forest management and nature conservational actions in the distribution of some important tree species (Acer tataricum, Betula pubescens, Fraxinus ornus, Quercus petraea, Salix pentandra).
- We discussed the regional nature conservational status of several protected and/or threatened species (e.g. Allium carinatum, Allium suaveolens, Carex strigosa, Hottonia palustris, Potamogeton coloratus, Stellaria palustris) in the Lesser Plain.
The activities of the authors in the surroundings of Győr were supported by monitoring results gained during the Hungarian Little Plain project (LIFE08 NAT/H/000289).
-
Distribution of Calamagrostis stricta (Timm) Koeler in the Southern Nyírség (E Hungary)
188-196Views:151This study presents the current distribution of narrow small-reed (Calamagrostis stricta (Timm) Koeler) in the southern part of Nyírség (E Hungary). Beyond the efforts to confirm previously known occurrences, a high number of potential habitats were surveyed. Field work was carried out from late autumn to early spring taking advantage of the better perceptibility of dry foliage. The species was detected in 43 localities inside the boundary of 15 settlements, which considerably exceeded our expectations. Although most of the populations were quite small, in some cases their extent reached over 1000 m². Populations around the settlements of Penészlek, Fülöp and Nyírábrány were the most frequent and the largest in size. The endangered status of the species is caused by the insufficient water supply of suitable habitats in the region. Besides habitat change, desiccation can also amplify the effect of anthropogenic disturbances (e.g. ploughing, fishpond development), which poses a further threat to populations.
-
The Wildflower of the Year campaign in Hungary
349-353Views:116The paper summarizes the previous history and recent purposes of the ‘Wildflower of the Year’ initiation, established in 2011. The main aim of this initiation is the promotion and familiarization of Hungarian flora, applying a public awareness campaign about the beauty, importance and ecological value of our spectacular wild plants. The ’Wildflower of the Year’ is selected by voting on internet (www.evvadviraga.hu). Starting from this volume the journal Kitaibelia publishes a monograph about the wildflower of the previous year.
-
Asplenium ceterach s.str. and Polystichum aculeatum on the ruins of the copy of Eger Castle, in the Pilis Mts
93-94Views:229In the company of a single individual of Asplenium trichomanes L., several individuals of Asplenium ruta-muraria (L.) Hoffm. and a single individual of Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott, 15 individuals of Asplenium ceterach L. (s.str.), and a single individual of Polystichum aculeatum (L.) Roth were found on a NW facing mortared sandstone wall of the copy of Eger Castle in the Pilis Mts. Asplenium ceterach s.str. is new to the flora of the Pilis Mts. The source population of this stand is probably located in the Buda Mts (Remete gorge) and this fern may have appeared on this wall 5–10 years ago at the latest.
-
Multiclavula mucida (Basidiomycota) and other cryptogamic taxa in the Hungarian flora
173–184Views:250The paper deals with the species found during cryptogamic flora mapping in 2023 that are remarkable from a floristic, taxonomic or conservational point of view. We present data from the Bükk Mts of two Trapeliopsis species which appear to be rare in Hungary. Multiclavula mucida, which is apparently a rare basidiomycete lichen species in Europe that prefers humid, montane habitats was discovered in the Mecsek Mts as a new species for the Hungarian flora. Of the knothole moss, Anacamptodon splachnoides, which is now thought to be entomophilic, we communicate the only extant population from Southern Transdanubia. We report the first occurrence of the atlantic-mediterranean Leptodon smithii from the Hungarian side of the Great Hungarian Plain. Numerous data of the corticole Neckera pennata indicate that in Hungary the distributional centre of this species is situated in the county of Baranya in the lowlands. New data from the Bükk Mts underline that in the Pannonian region Buxbaumia viridis is primarily a terricole species of acidophilous beech forests. We communicate the first occurrence from the lowlands of the alien lignicolous Sematophyllum adnatum which is dangerously spreading in Europe, at the same time one of the most vigorous populations in the Pannonian region. The third Hungarian occurrence of Callicladium haldanianum, a species that seems to spread in bogs, as well as the second occurrence of Racomitrium lanuginosum, growing abundantly on an andesite boulder scree in Mátra Mts, are also reported here. Of Phegopteris connectilis we present in photographic documentation the first extant population from Southern Transdanubia, and we discuss whether the first publication from Mecsek Mts is correct or exact. In addition to listing the floristic data, we also briefly discuss the (mis)use of distribution data in the context of climate change, the difficulties of distinguishing the microtaxa of some pteridophytes, e.g. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum agg. and Dryopteris affinis agg., and we correct one of our previously published, erroneous Hedwigia stellata data. Some interesting data of other taxa (such as Leucobryum glaucum, Palustriella commutata, Tetraphis pellucida, Gymnocarpium robertianum, Ophioglossum vulgatum) are also mentioned in the paper.
-
Data to the flora of Hungary I.
254-259Views:72The paper gives new floristic data from several regions of Hungary. Some of them are recent evidences of old data (e.g. Herniaria incana in Pomáz), others are new occurrences of recently expanding alien species (e.g. Eleusine indica, Geranium purpureum, Typha laxmannii), casual species (e.g. Lobularia maritima, Nepeta racemosa) or legally protected taxa (e.g. Agrostemma githago, Ornithogalum brevistylum, Ranunculus illyricus, Sonchus palustris).
-
Botrychium lunaria in the Mecsek Mts
91-92Views:235A single individual of Botrychium lunaria (L.) Sw. was found in a shady dolomite rocky grassland above the city of Pécs in the Mecsek Mts., on 1 June 2020. The habitat of this fern, which is new to the flora of the Mecsek Mts., is presented by a phytosociological relevé.