Search

Published After
Published Before

Search Results

  • In memoriam Palkó Sándor (1959–2002)
    179-186
    Views:
    186

    Sándor Palkó (1959–2002) was the first nature conservation surveyor in Zala county at the Balaton-uplands National Park. While he was nation-wide recognized ornithologist, he extended our knowledge with many floristic data too, but we remember him mostly for his imaginative activity in nature conservation. He sent on his experience dozens of young conservationists and stood them on their own ways. His dedication carried with him all those who had predisposition. The Research and Ringing Camp of Fenékpuszta established by him has become one of the most important camps of the country for avian migration research and nature conservation practices.

  • Data on the distribution of some protected plant species and on their presence in secondary habitats
    183-199
    Views:
    1828

    In this paper, I publish my floristic data on some protected and strictly protected plant species collected in Hungary between 2016 and 2021. The data published in this paper cover 31 micro regions of Hungary, but most of them come from the Great Hungarian Plain, especially from Pest and Bács-Kiskun counties. I describe the occurrences of 41 protected and three strictly protected vascular plant species (two ferns and 42 flowering plants), some of which represent new data for the particular micro region or even larger geographical areas (e.g. Botrychium matricariifolium, Thlaspi alliaceum and Nasturtium officinale). For some species, the published data either come from floristically understudied areas (e.g. Ranunculus illyricus, Vinca herbacea and Cardamine amara) or are considered rare in the certain region and/or in the whole country (e.g. Apium repens, Cnidium dubium and Vicia narbonensis). For other species, the newly reported occurrences are presented as complement to the already known distribution data (e.g. Cephalanthera damasonium, C. rubra, Linaria biebersteinii, Sonchus palustris and Agrostemma githago). In support of the nature conservation actions, I provide data from the flora of some floristically understudied micro regions (e.g. Dorozsma-Majsai Sand Ridge, Bácskai Loess Plain) and try to highlight the role of canals in Hungary in species and biodiversity conservation, by the example of the Danube-Tisza canal. In this manuscript, I publish data on twelve protected plant species from the Danube-Tisza canal and its canal bank (eg. Peucedanum palustre, Carex paniculata, Clematis integrifolia).

  • Astragalus vesicarius and other new taxa to the flora of the Vértes Mountains (Hungary, Transdanubian Mts)
    195–199
    Views:
    270

    A conservation survey on the condition of steppe and forest-steppe habitats in the Vértes Mts revealed several plant species from the flora of the area that have not been reported before. From a phytogeographical point of view, the most important is Astragalus vesicarius, whose small population in the Vértes fits very well into the native distribution pattern of the species in Hungary. Another important steppe plant is Stipa dasyphylla, which is found in two locations in the Vértes Mts. Besides other taxa of conservation interest (Orobanche teucrii, Phelipanche purpurea, Rosa hungarica), some under-recorded species (Cerastium tenoreanum, Stellaria pallida), and some spreading weeds (Elymus elongatus, Euphorbia lathyris) enrich our knowledge of the flora of the area.

  • Dactylorhiza traunsteineri (Saut. ex Rchb.) Soó: an unexpected record in the Romanian flora
    15-24
    Views:
    103

    Dactylorhiza 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.

  • Rediscovery of Gymnadenia frivaldii Hampe ex Griseb. at its northern distribution limit (Eastern Carpathians, Romania)
    213-220
    Views:
    200

    Frivald’s Gymnadenia is a very rare Balkan species in the South-Eastern Carpathians. The specific epithet “frivaldii” honours Imre Frivaldszky (1799–1870), a Hungarian naturalist. The species occurs in the drawdown zone of mountain fens of the Balkan Peninsula (Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania), at elevations between 1000 and 2300 m. In the Carpathians the species was first reported from the Ţarcu Mts (Southern Carpathians) by János Heuffel. In 1874 Simonkai collected a specimen (BP 33967) in the Retezat Mts, but he was uncertain about its identity, thus this record eventually appeared as G. albida (Pseudorchis albida) in his monograph. Since then the species has been found at several localities in both the Retezat Mts (Mt Peleaga, Zănoaga, Zănoguţa, Ana and Bucura glacial lakes, Judele Valley) and the Ţarcu Mts. This paper reports on the discovery of Frivald’s Gymnadenia in the area of “Szökő-láp” (Harghita Mts, Eastern Carpathians), which can be considered a confirmation of the old literature record. This is the northernmost locality of this Balkan species known so far. The chorology and conservation status of G. frivaldii in the South-Eastern Carpathians are discussed.

  • The Kámon and Herény source water protection area in the city of Szombathely as a refuge for protected plant species
    123–125
    Views:
    236

    The hay meadows and protective forest strips of the Kámon and Herény source water protection areas in the northwestern part of Szombathely have been in good natural condition for decades. By harbouring populations of protected plant species (Orchis morio, Pyrola rotundifolia, Cephalanthera longifolia, Epipactis helleborine and Ophioglossum vulgatum), these areas resemble natural habitats found nearby in the Kőszeg Mountains and the Őrség National Park.  The good semi-natural condition can be attributed to the lack of regular mowing in the case of meadows and the lack of disturbance in the case of forest strips. In recent years, however, the area have been exposed to increasing human disturbance (car and motorcycle off-roading), so it may be timely to initiate legal protection. This short case study indicates that properly managed source water protection areas can play an important role in the conservation of semi-natural habitats, rare and protected plant species and the associated fauna.

  • Natural values of Mt Somsich near Villány, threatening factors and necessary conservation actions
    55–62
    Views:
    94

    Although Mt Somsich is very rich in natural values, it is still a poorly-known part of the Villány Mts. Apart from a few scattered floristic data and a short habitat description, its vegetation is virtually unexplored. The aim of this paper is to characterize the natural and semi-natural habitats of Mt Somsich, give the current population sizes of the protected plant species, survey their threats, and offer suggestions for further conservation activities. Disregarding the totally artificial habitats, five habitat types were distinguished on Mt Somsich, of which the pubescent oak scrub is the most valuable. A total of 15 protected plant species have been reported so far, of which 11 are currently recorded on Mt Somsich. The local wildlife is affected by loss and fragmentation of habitats as well as illegal activities. The negative influences cannot be fully eliminated, but could be minimized.

  • Rubus armeniacus Focke, an unnoticed invader in the Hungarian flora
    220-228
    Views:
    115

    The authors report on the occurrence, distribution and invasion potential of Rubus armeniacus, a bramble species of Caucasian origin, in Hungary. The first verified records of the species are from the 1990s. It has established strong populations in ruderal habitats mainly around Budapest and some other cities, whereas its competiveness is rather weak in closed non-lowland forests rich in native bramble species. In terms of conservation, it constitutes a real threat to the vegetation of Pannonian sandy habitats. The results of this study also emphasize the importance of recognising "nonnative cryptic species" for ecology and conservation biology.

  • Salutation of Professor László Almádi on his 80th birthday
    3–15
    Views:
    159

    László Almádi, the 80 years old professor at the Georgikon Faculty of Keszthely University, has a several decades long history in teaching. During this period, he taught a large number of students in agriculture with an up-to-date agrobotanical knowledge, and launched the career of or had a great impact on many field botanists working in nature conservation. His ability to identify plants is excellent, and he did pass this knowledge on. Besides his huge fascination for plants, his precision, broad and well-founded knowledge serve exemplary for us. Professor Almádi’s rich life is presented in this tribute paper based on his personal stories and written publications, and is supplemented with our own memories, experiences. We cordially greet our Professor on the occasion of his birthday!

  • The Wildflower of the Year 2016 in Hungary: snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris)
    79–100
    Views:
    1055

    In this paper a short review of the nomenclature and etymology, taxonomy, morphology, histology, life cycle, phenology, reproduction, habitat preference, biotic interactions, biologically active compounds, micropropagation, applications possibilities and conservation status of snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris L.) can be found. Refining of the European distribution area and contributions to the distribution in Hungary are also presented. Primer seed-set, thousand-seed weight, soil charac¬teristic and demographic data are published.

  • Discovery of a new large population of Prunus tenella on a young old-field suggests remarkable regeneration ability of the species
    32-38
    Views:
    329

    Kurgans are ancient burial mounds built by nomadic steppic cultures across Eurasia.
    These monuments are important cultural landmarks, and often also preserve the remnants of dry grasslands even in intensively used agricultural landscapes. In the past centuries, many kurgans have been ploughed and their vegetation has been destroyed. Due to their recent inclusion in the agrienvironmental schemes in Hungary, crop production has been ceased on many kurgans in the past years. Here we present an interesting botanical discovery which we made during our country-scale survey of spontaneously recovering grasslands on kurgans. We discovered a large population of approximately 15,000 shoots of the protected loess grassland plant Prunus tenella Batsch (syn.: Amygdalus nana L.) on the Fekete-halom kurgan near Tiszainoka, in the centre of the Great Hungarian Plain. The mound had been used as an intensive cropland until 2014. Most probably, the plants could re-establish from some hidden shoots that could persist in the refuge provided by the concrete elements of a geodesic mark, and after the cessation of ploughing it could expand onto the north and west-facing slopes of the mound by sprouting and by germination from the persistent soil seed bank. Besides the conservation importance of this floristic discovery, it also suggests that spontaneous regeneration can be an effective restoration measure and that kurgans abandoned from agricultural cultivation can serve as suitable habitats for rare and endangered species.

  • Reseda inodora Rchb. in the Tiszántúl region (East Hungary)
    48-54
    Views:
    160

    On 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. platycarposErodium ciconiumLappula squarrosaMelica transsilvanicaPapaver 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).

  • The Sea milkwort (Glaux maritima) in the Carpathian Basin
    10-20
    Views:
    336

    Sea milkwort (Glaux maritima L.) is a broadly distributed species in the northern hemi­sphere, inhabiting primarily maritime habitats from the arctic to the temperate zones. It is also found inland in semi-arid and arid regions with saline soils. Its status in the Carpathian Basin has become very uncertain owing to the lack of known extant populations. To evaluate its current status, I review all known occurrences within the Carpathian Basin where this species has been recorded or collected, and report five new localities of the species in Hungary, all in the western part of the Great Hungarian Plain. I also analyze habitat relationships of the species using traditional phytosociological relevés. Review of species distribution data in the Carpathian Basin revealed that sea milkwort has undergone severe reduction in population number and disappeared from many localities. Currently, only a few populations can be found in this region: the Northern Carpathians in Slovakia and the western part of the Great Plain in Hungary. In Transylvania (Romania), only a single population has been reported recently suggesting the critical status of the species there. Features of the habitats confirm the halophytic nature of the species and its fidelity to wet saline meadows. Its common accompanying species are mostly broadly distributed, salt-tolerant plants. Heterogeneity of the samples in species composition suggests that sea milkwort is not a habitat-specialist species. Several of its common associates in Hungary are also found in sea milkwort habitats in Mongolia, Asia and Utah, North America. Based on the available evidence, sea milkwort shall be considered a severely threatened plant in the Carpathian Basin. Characteristics of the vegetation in its habitats do not explain its occurrence in mountainous environments.

  • Data to the distribution and nature conservation of Sorbus bakonyensis
    229-233
    Views:
    1330

    Sorbus bakonyensis (Jáv.) Jáv. (syn. S. majeri Barabits) is an apomictic species with a very narrow distribution range in the Bakony Mts (Hungary). Its previous occurrence data were published only from Kopasz Mt. (~Kápolna Hill, Csordás valley) above the village Márkó. It was possible to slightly expand the known area of the species to the East and to the West (Kis-Bükk Mt) of Kopasz Mt. with a detailed mapping. Due to the number of known individuals (six mature trees and a variable number of seedlings) and its small distribution range (~2 km2) the species is critically endangered. Regarding its small population, the high number of big game (wild boar, red deer) and the more and more frequent drought periods are significant risk factors. In situ preservation of the species is still a realistic goal, but ex situ propagation in tree nurseries and reintroduction to the suitable habitats of the mapped area (clearings, forest edges) are also justified.

  • The Wildflower of the Year 2014 in Hungary: Siberian flag (Iris sibirica L.)
    268-285
    Views:
    190

    In 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.
  • Taxiphyllum densifolium (Taxiphyllaceae) and other rare bryophytes of the Mecsek valleys (SW Hungary)
    3-16
    Views:
    159

    In 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.

  • Data to the flora and vegetation of Hungary III.
    197-206
    Views:
    177

    We report the occurrence data of 44 vascular plant taxa collected at various localities in Hungary (mainly the Danube–Tisza Interfluve and South Transdanubia) during floristic, vegetation and ecological field surveys between 2016 and 2018. Of the species in the present article, 27 are protected or strictly protected. In the paper we focused on plants that are rare regionally (e.g. Botrychium lunaria, Polystichum aculeatum) or in the whole country (e.g. Ophrys oestrifera, Ranunculus psilostachys), as well as on plants that occurred in unusual habitats (e.g. Corydalis solida). We also included new localities of weedy species, some of which (e.g. Opuntia humifusaSporobolus cryptandrus) may present nature conservation threats.

  • New occurrence of Caldesia parnassifolia (L.) Parl. in Hungary
    50-55
    Views:
    100

    Caldesia parnassifolia is a critically endangered and strictly protected species in Hungary. It was known only from one locality of occurrence so far, where it was last reported in 2003. Its new occurrence was discovered in Somogy county, in 2010. It appeared in an artificial pond created in the place of an originally swampy depression. Based on this newly discovered occurrence we can assume that other potential populations might still exist in South-Transdanubium, which could be rediscovered if similar conservation measures occur.

  • Bryofloristical study in the Brunszvik manor park in Martonvásár, Hungary
    198–206
    Views:
    171

    This is the first bryofloristic study in the Martonvásár manor park. In our survey in 2015, 56 species (6 liverworts and 50 mosses) were found in the park. Most of them are considered to be common in Hungary, but an endangered (Eurhynchium speciosum), a vulnerable (Orthotrichum patens) and five near-threatened species (Aphanorrhegma patens, Orthotrichum obtusifolium, Orthotrichum pumilum, Pseudocrossidium revolutum, Riccia cavernosa) were also found. These results point out the nature conservation value of the manor park.

  • Water contraction drives stronger the formation of diatom assemblages in stream than human induced microhabitat-variability
    211-228
    Views:
    235

    Today, climate change, together with other anthropogenic influences is considered as a major threat affecting aquatic ecosystems in several ways. Here, altering water contraction (standing and flowing phases) and human-induced habitat variability (natural and artificial stream sections) were studied as modifying factors driving community changes in benthic diatom assemblages of a Hungarian small lowland stream (Létai-ér). We assumed notable compositional differences between phases and habitats, but we expected these differences to decrease with drying. Moreover, lower diversity was hypothesized in assemblages of both artificial section and flowing phase. While taxonomic composition did not reveal significant differences between the sections, well pronounced compositional changes were found between phases. Surprisingly, no significant diversity changes were observed during water contraction. Compared to the natural microhabitat, however, artificial stream section was found to maintain more diverse diatom community. These results emphasize that modification effects of climate change induced hydrological extremes can lead to remarkable compositional changes in benthic algal assemblages even on a short time scale, that must be taken into account in both water management and nature conservation strategies.

  • Data to the flora and geobotany of Kisalföld (Lesser Plain) region, NW Hungary
    235-253
    Views:
    145

    Lesser 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 ramosusHypericum dubiumLathyrus 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 rivulareDryopteris dilatataEquisetum telmateia), loess-connected species mainly on the Moson Plateau (Agropyron cristatumAllium atroviolaceumEuphorbia salicifoliaViola ambigua); and occurrences of species on sandy soils near the Lake Fertő (Draba nemorosaStipa pennata).
    • We explained the known localities of several salt tolerant species (e.g. Carex divisaCrypsis alopecuroidesJuncus maritimusLimonium gmeliniiSuaeda 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 tataricumBetula pubescensFraxinus ornusQuercus petraea, Salix pentandra).
    • We discussed the regional nature conservational status of several protected and/or threatened species (e.g. Allium carinatumAllium suaveolensCarex strigosaHottonia 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).

  • Multiclavula mucida (Basidiomycota) and other cryptogamic taxa in the Hungarian flora
    173–184
    Views:
    324

    The 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.

  • Lactuca tatarica (Asteraceae), a new species for the Hungarian alien flora
    170-178
    Views:
    150

    The first occurrence of blue lettuce (Lactuca tatarica (L.) C.A. Mey.) is reported from Hun­ga­ry. Information on its taxonomy, morphology, distribution, habitat preference and nature conservation aspects is presented. The European local spread of this Eurasian and North American species started at the end of the 1800s. The first localities were reported from the shores of the Baltic and North Sea. Its alien occurrences in inland European regions have been noticed since the 1920s. As L. tatarica have pre­viously been known from the neighbouring territories of Slovakia and Austria, its appearance in Hun­gary is not at all unexpected. However, the species was found (August 2018) in the southern part of Csongrád county, i.e. far away from the above-mentioned countries. Due to the species’ habitat preference (ruderal ground), ecological requirements and successful vegetative propagation, which correspond to foreign observations, its future spread is highly probable.

  • The Wildflower of the Year 2013 in Hungary: Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum L.)
    354-364
    Views:
    135

    In 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.

  • Lajos Felföldy: a prominent Hungarian botanist and hydrobiologist
    3–25
    Views:
    213

    Lajos Felföldy (1920–2016) was one of the most versatile and open-minded Hungarian biologists. He began his scientific career as a student of Prof. Rezső Soó. Between 1938 and 1946 he participated in geobotanical studies in University of Debrecen and Kolozsvár (Cluj-Napoca, Romania). He contributed with important achievements to the development of several biological disciplines. His pioneering study on the effects of air pollution on epiphytic lichens (1942) was among the firsts in the world. He described Hemitherophyte life-form as a discrete unit within Raunkiaer's plant life-form system (1942). He was a pioneer in the cytological (caryological) study of wild vascular plant species in Hungary (1947–1949). His results regarding to primary production of freshwater algae and algal culture (1958–1960) were in leading edge. In 1972 he founded and until 1990 edited the Hungarian series entitled ‘Vízűgyi Hidrobiológia’. Books of this series aimed to publish identification keys of freshwater taxa. These books were proved to be decisive and useful tools for Hungarian hydrobiologists in biological classification of brooks, streams, rivers and different types of stagnant waters. Between 1934 and 2009 he collected more than ten thousand herbarium sheets. After his retirement, he dealt with the revision of the herbarium material of Department of Botany in Hungarian Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden of Eötvös University (Budapest). He participated in the preparation of the New Hungarian Herbal. His scientific work was characterised by deep humility for nature, which was founded on strong theoretical and practical background.