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• Data to the flora of Heves–Borsod Plain I. Distribution of forest, forest steppe and steppe elements

  16-65

  András Schmotzer

  Views:

  210

  This paper reports new floristic data of 159 taxa (158 species and one hybrid) from the Heves–Borsod Plain (5 micro-regions between the Mátra and Bükk Mountains and the Tisza River valley). The data were collected between 1999 and 2018 and supplemented with collected specimen (altogether 93 herbarium sheets). This study is the first part of a thematic series that analyzes the distribution patterns of forest, forest steppe and dry grassland ‘steppe’ species, beyond reporting floristic data. The data were derived from 51 flora-mapping quadrats (CEU), based on 5.395 field collected data records. Some indicator species of the three species groups have been assessed in detail (with the addition of distribution maps of 25 species). I have also tested two East-West direction ‘lines’ (the 100-meter isoline and the Csörsz Ditch) for the possible existence of North-South chorological gradients in the area. True forest species (mostly Querco-Fagetea elements) show a dispersed pattern, their representatives can be linked to forest blocks appearing in the landscape. Streams from the adjacented hilly areas (even if they are strongly modified) are very important in the dispersal of the forest species. Their significance and role are decreasing towards the South. For some steppe and forest steppe species (e.g. Brachypodium pinnatum, Campanula bononiensis, Clematis recta, Elymus hispidus, Lychnis viscaria, Ranunculus illyricus, Sanguisorba minor, Stipa spp., Teucrium chamaedrys, Trifolium alpestre, Vinca herbacea) the examined lines indicate a regional area boundary, while for other species (e.g. Phlomis tuberosa, Thalictrum minus) gradient-like distribution differences were not observed. In the distribution of many species an additional southern gradient running along the northern boundary of the former Heves Floodplain was detected. Southwards to this line, the representatives of the selected species are already very sporadic, occurring only in synantropic habitats (e.g. Vincetoxicum hirundinaria).

• Natural values of Mt Somsich near Villány, threatening factors and necessary conservation actions

  55–62

  Dolly Tolnay

  Views:

  80

  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.

• Mondró-halom kurgan (Hencida, East Hungary), a refugium of loess grassland vegetation

  143-149

  Balázs Deák

  Péter Török

  Béla Tóthmérész

  Orsolya Valkó

  Views:

  485

  Fragments of the natural grassland vegetation are often preserved only in those areas which are inadequate for arable farming. In many cases kurgans hold the last remnants of dry grasslands in lowland areas, like the Great Hungarian Plain. They also have an essential role in preserving cultural and landscape values. Moreover, they harbour several rare plant and animal species. Our aim was to explore the vegetation of the Mondró-halom kurgan (Hencida, East Hungary). Altogether we found 74 vascular plant species in the loess grassland of the kurgan. Several rare species of the Bihari-sík region, such as Inula germanica, Ranunculus illyricus and Rosa gallica were also detected. The steep slopes of the kurgan with various micro-sites and exposures supported a species-rich vegetation. Instead of its small area it harboured several forest steppic species and several steppic flora elements (Continental, Pontic-Mediterranean, Pontic, Pontic-Pannonic and Turanian).