Foundation ADEPT, Caroline Cottage, The Dene, Hindon, Salisbury SP3 6EE, UK
e-mail:jrakeroyd@gmail.com

Abstract: Flora Europaea (1964-1980, 1993) was a concise, practical taxonomic synthesis of the European flora, based in Britain and Ireland but with a pan-European outlook and international collaboration. Itwas thus able to reconcile parochial inconsistencies in the treatment of genera and species across Europe, to allow comparisons between geographical regions, and to draw attention to topics for further research. The project encouraged and inspired other initiatives, especially regional Floras, Atlas Florae Europaeae and monographic research. Two subsequent developments have challenged the traditional systematic agenda: first, molecular techniques involving DNA sequencing; and second, the increasing use of electronic media. At the same time, taxonomy has retreated from tertiary education. Considerable changes to the Flora Europaea volumes would be needed to achieve a worthwhile revision and incorporate the sheer quantity of new taxonomic and floristic data. Having achieved some sort of pan-European taxonomic consensus, a substantial proportion of the original content is now being disregarded in favour of more recent taxonomic revisions. These frequently involve generic and specific splits and changes to once familiar plant names, posing unforeseen consequences for users in other branches of plant science, conservation, phytosociology, medicine and legislation. We need to return to the pragmatic vision inherent in Flora Europaea.

Key words: floras, taxonomy

*Romanian Ornithological Society (SOR),19 Crisan Street,400370 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**Apathy Istvan Society, 49 Baia Mare Street, 400171 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
***Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 A. Treboniu Laurean Street, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: matisattila@gmail.com

Abstract: The present floristic note reports the rediscovery of Saussurea porcii Degen in the Rodnei Mts, at a new site for the species located in the headwaters area of the Rebra river. This new site, therefore, currently represents the only known occurrence of the species in Romania as it is probably extinct at its locus classicus. The number of individuals found is extremely low, which makes the population of particular conservation concern.

Key words: Carpathian endemic, conservation, floristics, rare species, wet habitat

Actavis, 11 Ion Mihalache Blvd., RO-011171 Bucuresti, Romania
e-mail: bartok.attila@gmail.com

Abstract: Jasione orbiculata Griseb. ex Velen. is one of the rarest representatives of the Campanulaceae family from the whole of the Carpathians. Here the species was first reported in 1937 by J. Scheffer in the Retezat Mountains (Southern Carpathians) on the siliceous rocks and screes of the Custura Peak area (c. 2000 m altitude). After 1937 the species has not been collected and deposited in public herbaria by other botanists, and the exact location of Jasione orbiculata was not known. After almost 80 years since the first mention of the species in the Carpathians, this paper reports the recent rediscovery of Jasione orbiculatain the area of Custura Papusii Peak. The species is highly threatened due to intensive grazing in the area where it occurs. In consequence, the author proposes the establishment of a special protected area, and including Jasione orbiculata as Critically Endangered (CR) in the next edition of the Romanian Red Book of Vascular Plants.

Key words: chorology, Jasione orbiculata, Red Book, Retezat Mountains, Southern Carpathians, threatened species

Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment - University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
e-mail: andrea.bertacchi@unipi.it

Abstract: This paper aims to present an overview of Spartina versicolor Fabre populationsin the coastal areas of Tuscany (Italy), in relation to its ecology and phytosociology. Geobotanical surveys were carried out on the sedimentary coasts along the whole region. Data show that the species grows in embryo dunes, retrodunal sandy lowlands and surrounding wet areas that are moderately saline. In all cases observed, the species exhibited alsoa high sterility and clonal spread. Phytosociological data show different associative behaviours of S. versicolor in different environment types. In particular it is possible to identify three different phytocoenoses strictly related to the environmental typologies (dunal, interdunal/retrodunal or wet) and also to soil salinity. In addition, the observations led us to describe a new subassociation.

Key words: dune, vegetation, plant chorology, salt marshes

University of Craiova, Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, A.I. Cuza Street, 13, RO-Craiova, Romania
e-mail: radutoiudaniel@yahoo.com

Abstract: After numerous displacements in different floristic points in Romania it was found a vegetal material which belongs to Apiaceae family. After all data analized from foreign literature the conclusion about plant species identity falls to Oenanthe pimpinelloides L. (synonyms: O. thracica Griseb., O. gallaecica Pau & Merino, O. incrassans Bory & Chaub, O. angulosa Griseb), in Apiaceace family, plant species with no set area in Romania so far. The material was collected in Valea Stanciului (Dolj County) (leg. D. Radutoiu & I. Costache, 15.05.2010 and det. 25.01.2011), in mesophilic meadows, near by Jiu River (N 43 degrees 59'29"581; E 23 degrees 53'10"159), at an altitude of 90.53 m.s.m. It is inserted in the Herbarium of the University of Craiova (CRA: 62387, 62388, 62389, 62390). The places where the identified plant species is growing are grazed, especially by horses. In the Romanian spontaneous vascular flora, Oenanthe genus is represented by 5 species: Oenanthe aquatica (L.) Poir., O. fistulosa L., O. silaifolia M. Bieb., O. banatica Heuff. and O. peucedanifolia Pollich. All these 5 species are found in wet meadows, on riverbanks or in stagnant water, flowing smoothly (O. aquatica). Oenanthe pimpinelloides has a larger ecological spectrum, being met both in mesohigrophylic and mezoxerophylic places. It has a higher resistance to water stress than other species of this kind in our country's flora. Our plant species is an atlantic-mediterranean element, like O. fistulosa L. - a sporadic taxa in Romanian flora. It differs from O. aquatica by tuberous roots (at least partially) and terminal umbels. If in case of O. fistulosa partial umbels are globose in fruit and fruit is sessile, at O. pimpinelloides partial umbels are not globose in fruit and some fruits are pedicellate. It differes from the rest of the plant species in Romanian flora (O. silaifolia, O. banatica, O. peucedanifolia) by root-tubers ovoid, clustered at base of stem. At these three species the root-tubers are not ovoid and not clustered at base of stem. Oenanthe pimpinelloides has a European distribution from United Kingdom to Turkey, then into western Asia including Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. It also extends through France, Portugal and from Spain to Morocco. On this occasion the Romanian floristic inventory enriches with a new species: Oenanthe pimpinelloides.

Key words: new species, Oenanthe pimpinelloides, Romania

Botanical Garden (Institute) of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova,18 Padurii str., MD-2002 Chisinau, Moldova
e-mail: director@gb.asm.md

Abstract: In order to alleviate the acute shortage of protein, it is necessary to extend the areas of crops rich in protein, such as those of the family Fabaceae. Astragalus ponticus Pall. plants, from the collection of non-traditional fodder plants of the Botanical Garden (Institute) of ASM, maintained in pure culture, served as the object of study. As a result of the research conducted, it was established that in order to germinate abundantly, seeds of Astragalus ponticus needed to be scarified and that in the first year of vegetation they had a slow growth and development. In the following years, Astragalus ponticus plants started to grow 5 days later than the traditional fodder crop Medicago sativa L. (lucerne or alfalfa), their flowering period started simultaneously, and the seeds ripened 26 days earlier. The seed production of Astragalus ponticus under the conditions in Moldova constituted 40.90g/m2 (27.14 g/m2 of the Medicago sativa). The maximum accumulation of green mass in Astragalus ponticus occurred during the budding stage and the harvest constituted 1.48 kg/m2, with a high content of dry matter. 1 kg of natural fodder contained 63.84 g raw protein, 47.27 g digestible protein and 7.90 g fats, compared with 46.10 g, 34.50 g and 20.0 g of Medicago sativa. The natural fodder of Astragalus ponticus had a high content of essential amino acids such as threonine, valine, isoleucine, lysine and a low content of methionine, phenylalanine and arginine. It was also rich in carotene and vitamin C, in minerals, especially phosphorus 1.23 g/kg, and had a high content of digestible protein, 225.09 g/nutritive unit (0.54 g/kg and 164.29 g respectively in Medicago sativa).

Key words: Astragalus ponticus, aminoacids, biochemical composition, biological peculiarities, nutritional value, yield

*Mures County Museum, Natural Science Department, 24 Horea Str., RO-540036 Targu-Mures, Romania
**University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Targu-Mures, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Botany and Cell Biology Department, 38 Gh. Marinescu Str., RO-540139 Targu-Mures, Romania
e-mail: msamarghitan@yahoo.com

Abstract: The objective of this study is to identify the main sozological categories of plants of Tarnavelor Plateau, their dissemination and integration into habitat types. Field observations and research in Tarnavelor Plateau, included in the Natura 2000 Sighisoara-Tarnava Mare-ROSCI0227, were conducted during 2003-2012. The floristic inventory of the study area comprises 897 vascular taxa (843 species, 46 subspecies, 4 varieties and 4 forms), distributed in 100 families. Of the 897 taxa identified, 51 taxa, grouped in 22 families, belong to different sozological categories. Regarding the syntaxonomy, the 51 taxa belonging to different sozological categories are found in 19 plant associations belonging to 5 classes of vegetation. Vulnerable plant species are listed within the following classes of vegetation: Festuco-Brometea, Rhamno-Prunetea, Querco-Fagetea. By knowing which species are endangered and their phytocoenotic classification, different means of prevention, protection and conservation of biodiversity, of species with different degrees of vulnerability, can be proposed.

Key words: flora, sozological categories, IUCN Red List, Tarnavelor Plateau, plant associations

*Natural History Museum and Zoo, Kolombatovicevo setaliste 2, HR-21 000 Split, Croatia
**Botanic Institute of PMF University of Zagreb, Marulicev trg 20/ II, HR-10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
e-mail: dalibor@prirodoslovni.hr

Abstract: We analysed the family Lamiaceae (order: Labiateen) with a total of 334 herbarium sheets. According to the labels, the majority of herbarium material was collected in the territory of Montenegro (46 sheets). Most herbarium sheets belong to the Flora Dalmatiens collection (23). With reference to the part of Studniczka's herbarium which has already been analysed, there are five collections which are mentioned for the first time. The following botanists or collectors of herbal material are mentioned for the first time, and these are: Bartholomatus, Csato, Francois, Haertel, Herbich, Menyharth and Schrenk. Most herbarium sheets were collected by Studniczka himself (203).

Key words: Studniczka's herbarium, Natural History Museum Split, Croatia

*Department of City and Environment, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
**Yokohama City University, Graduate School in Nanobioscience, Seto 22-2, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0027, Japan
e-mail: haimeiyou@jsnu.edu.cn

Abstract: China is one of the richest countries in the world in endemic plants, and endemic species account for about 50% of Chinese native plant taxa. Due to natural and anthropogenic impacts, however, many Chinese endemic plants are on the verge of extinction and were listed as "critically endangered species" by the IUCN. To understand the distribution pattern of Chinese endemic-plant diversity and to maintain and conserve plant diversity, we collected data on Chinese endemic plants and their geographic history, topography and climate from the literature. We then calculated the genus richness of Chinese endemic seed plants, compared the genus diversity of 31 provinces or cities using a taxonomic similarity index, and analyzed the relationship between the diversity and environmental factors. In total, 216 Chinese endemic seed-plant genera were found, belonging to 67 families and including 454 species, of which monotypic genera account for 65.7%. The endemic tree species are mostly deciduous, with a ratio of families to genera of more than 50% for endemic deciduous trees. The number of endemic species varies widely between provinces, with highest richness and diversity in Sichuan and Yunnan (southwestern China), and decreasing diversity toward the north. However, endemism is higher on islands than inland. There are different degrees of similarity in endemic plant genera between each province and its adjacent provinces, and the differencesare closely related to the different geographic history, topography and climate. The warm, humid areas generally have high endemic-plant diversity. The similarity indices of endemic-genus diversity are usually smaller between provinces on the opposite sides of mountains (e.g. Kunlun, Qinling, Taihang, Yinshan and Nanling mountains).

Key words: diversity, biogeography, Chinese endemic seed plants, environmental gradients, taxonomic beta-diversity, genus richness, taxonomic similarity

*Interdisciplinary Ecological Centre, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Leipziger str. 29, D-09599 Freiberg, Germany
**Julius-von-Sachs-Institut fur Biowissenschaften, Lehrstuhl Botanik I, Universitat Wurzburg, Julius-von-Sachs-Platz 2, D-97082 Wurzburg, Germany
***3 Helmholtz-Zentrum fur Umweltforschung UFZ, Department Biozonoseforschung, Theodor-Lieser-str. 4, D-06120 Halle, Germany
e-mail: Hermann.Heilmeier@ioez.tu-freiberg.de

Abstract: Chamaegigas intrepidus is a tiny poikilohydrous member of the Linderniaceae which grows endemically in ephemeral rock pools on granite outcrops in Central Namibia. Habitat conditions are characterised by (1) frequent and fast desiccation and rehydration during the rainy summer season, (2) complete dehydration during the dry winter season of up to 11 months, (3) high solar irradiation (especially in the ultraviolet range) and high temperatures during the dry season, (4) extreme nutrient deficiencies, especially nitrogen, and (5) diurnal oscillations of pH in the pool water up to 6 units. The plants are adapted to this complex of multiple interacting stress factors via a range of anatomical, biochemical and physiological mechanisms. Furthermore, Chamaegigas populations on single inselbergs are genetically isolated, whereas gene flow between sub-populations from different pools on one inselberg is rather high. This pattern of gene flow is in accordance with the predominantly outcrossing breeding behaviour and seed dispersal mode of Ch. intrepidus. Within the pools, there is a clear niche partitioning between Ch. intrepidus and the less desiccation-tolerant species Limosella grandiflora (Scrophulariaceae) with respect to depth (i.e. maximum water level) of the pools. In conclusion, the patchy spatial distribution of suitable habitats within a rather impermeable landscape matrix causes a highly structured genetic diversity. Chamaegigas intrepidus survives at its most stressful habitats with dramatic fluctuations of environmental conditions only by immediate responses to de- and rehydration and availability of resources via constitutive mechanisms, which, however, comes at the cost of very slow growth rates. This restricts the habitat of Ch. intrepidus to the most extreme of all resurrection plants.

Key words: poikilohydric cormophytes, limnology, desiccation, habitat isolation, gene flow, breeding system, niche partitioning, Chamaegigas, Namibia

School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Pontoni 5, 62032 Camerino (MC), Italy
e-mail: kevin.cianfaglione@unicam.it

Abstract: The Sulmona basin (province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, central Italy), also known as Valle Peligna, is characterized by calcareous and argillaceous fluvial-lacustrine deposits. The bottom of the basin is almost completely cultivated and built-up, but a few strips of azonal natural vegetation still remain. Among these, of special interest is the marshy vegetation with Alnus glutinosa (Carici ripariae-Alnetum glutinosae belonging to the class Alnetea glutinosae). In this work we present the water level variation in the Carici ripariae-Alnetum glutinosae over four years of observations (2010-2013). This association is developed in some valley bottom depressions. Measuring for monitoring water level was carried out in 6 depressions. For each measurement site, observations were always made at the same fixed points. Supply random measurements have revealed the discontinuous profiles of the territory, with deepest and highest points. The water level has a maximum level in winter and a minimum in summer. Water level is related to rainfall, which in the Valle Peligna is typically Mediterranean, with a strong reduction in summer. In all measured places the deepest points are almost always flooded during the year. The analyzed marshy forest of Alnus glutinosa have proved to be a relatively constant system during the years, but artificial activities have easily changed or destroyed this habitat.

Key words: Waterlevel, Peligna, flooding, Alnus glutinosa, marshy, forest, dynamics, destruction

Institute of Biological Research, 48 Republicii Street, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: icb@cluj.astral.ro

Abstract: The paper presents the syntaxonomical classification of 1297 relevees from the South-Eastern Carpathians. These relevees, gathered from extensive literature sources, provide an ecological summary of forest associations and sub-associations from the class Vaccinio-Piceetea Br.-Bl. 1939 in the Romanian Carpathians. In the floristic structure of these syntaxa, there are numerous regional, carpathic and carpathic-balcanic species, supporting the validity of the syntaxa, which are considered to be regional vicariants of syntaxa described in the Western Carpathians and in the Alps.

Key words: spruce, fir, larch, pine forest associations

University of Camerino, Via Pontoni 5, I-62032 Camerino, Italy
e-mail: franco.pedrotti@unicam.it

Abstract: Most proposals concerning the phytogeographic regionalisation of Italy have been founded on the distribution of vascular flora. A new phytogeographic subdivision of Italy is herein proposed, based on occurrence of zonal vegetation series at administrative region level. For this purpose, the presence data were drawn from the Map of Vegetation Series of Italy. Following some modifications (sigmetum additions and merging) and exclusion (azonal sigmeta and small islands), a presence-absence matrix composed of 20 administrative regions by 224 vegetation series was resulted and, subsequently involved in cluster analysis, indirect ordination and indicator analysis. The administrative regions were partitioned into 12 phytogeographic units (districts), of which six were composed of only one region. Sardinia is the only region not to share any sigmetum with others. The main inferred gradients underlying the sigmetum composition of region were latitude and oceanicity. The subdivision of Italy based on vegetation series is similar to that which would result on the basis of the distribution of vascular planta taxa, if a classification at higher levels of within-cluster floristic similarity were considered. The numerous phytogeographic units distinguished (12) is certainly due to the strong climatic gradients and geomorphologic variation traceable throughout Italy, but their number is probably overestimated as a consequence of some redundancy in syntaxonomic nomenclature. Along with vascular flora, zonal vegetation series demonstrate a reliable predictive power to distinguish terrestrial phytogeographic units.

Key words: administrative regions, endemic sigmeta, latitudinal gradient, large islands, oceanicity, partitioning around medoids, vegetation series map

*Yokohama City University, Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Seto 22-2, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0027 Japan
**Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, University of Nairobi, Kenya
***University of Nairobi, Kenya
****Global Environmental Strategies, Japanese Center for International Studies in Ecology (IGES-JISE)
e-mail: kazue@ynu.ac.jp

Abstract: The forests along the Great Rift Valley in Kenya are unique as green islands in dry land and extend from southern Ethiopia to Tanzania. These forests include Afromontane and dry-tropical forests, studied in Kenya by Bussmann and Beck, and in southern Ethiopia by Bussmann. Two taxonomical classes (Ocotetea usambarensis in moist climate and Juniperetea procerae at a dry site) were described prior to our phytosociological studies, which were carried out on the east and west sides of the Great Rift Valley in 2006-2014, and results were compared with Bussmann's outcome from the 1990's. New results are presented in this paper: 1) Forests remain on the west side above 2000 m and are characterized by Ocotea kenyensis (Lauraceae); these are different from the moist Afromontane forest at an eastern site (Ocotetea usambarensis) next to the Rift Valley. Four months with > 100 mm rainfall occur from March or April to August or September. 2) At 1300-2200 m at the eastern site, there are unique dry forests characterized by Brachylaena huilliensis (Compositae), Warburgia ugandensis (Canellaceae), Elaeodendron buchananii (Celastraceae), Vepris trichocarpa (Rutaceae), Calodendrum capense, etc. Some of these are unique species and extend to the rainforest in South Africa. 3) Higher-altitude forests at the eastern site are characterized by Podocarpus latifolius and Juniperus procera, which belong to the Juniperetea procerae. Podocarpus latifolius forests occur at the western site, but these are different from those at the eastern site. 4) The forests of the isolated northern mountains Marsabit and Kulal are different; there is no Podocarpus or Juniperus, and higher moisture permits hanging Usnea usneoides to occur at Marsabit. 5) The forest area of Kenya was potentially 12%, and remnant natural forests only cover 1.9%. This small area permits various forest types along a moisture gradient. 6) Several woody and fern genera of the Afromontane forests are common to tropical montane and subtropical forests in Asia, including Podocarpus, Juniperus, Myrsine, Rapanea, Psychotria, Rumohra, Asplenium, Pteris, and Dryopteris. 7) Our and Bussmann's classifications are not the same at the association or community level. There is thus the question whether the 1990s data were from a quite different area or whether some vegetation disappeared due to human or wildlife affects.

Key words: Afromontane forests, dry montane forests, new syntaxa, phytosociological study, tropical dry forests

*University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu-Mures, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Botany and Cell Biology Department, 38 Gh. Marinescu Str., RO-540139 Targu-Mures, Romania
**Mures County Museum, Natural Science Department, 24 Horea Str.,RO-540036 Targu-Mures, Romania
***ADEPT Foundation, 166 Principala Str., RO-547510 Saschiz, Romania
****Public Institution of State Medicine and Pharmacy University "Nicolae Testemitanu" in Chisinau, Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany Department, Chisinau, Moldova
e-mail: oroianslv@yahoo.com

Abstract: The study includes the results of research embodied in the identification and analysis of the conservation status of seven Natura 2000 habitat types: 62C0* Ponto-Sarmatic steppes, 6210* Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometea) (*important orchid sites), 6240 Sub-Pannonic steppic grasslands, 6430 Hydrophilous tall-herb fringe communities of plains and of montane to alpine levels, 6440 Alluvial meadows of river valleys of the Cnidion dubii, 6510 Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis), 6520 Mountain hay meadows. The investigation of the conservation status of these habitats was carried out by assessing their conservation status at EU level, namely by assigning them to one of the four categories - "favourable", "unfavourable-inadequate", "unfavourable-bad", and "unknown" - according to the stated attributes for each habitat, to the threats of destruction and to the dangers that may lead to their destruction or disappearance. From our investigations and using the assessment matrix of conservation status of habitats in terms of the occupied area, it has been found that: three of the seven habitat types identified in the grasslands in the study area have a favourable conservation status, with the current tendency of a stable surface of the habitat type; three habitats are in an unfavourable-inadequate conservation status-the current tendency of the area occupied by the type of habitat is shrinking; and one habitat type is characterized by the current tendency of a shrinking area, being in an unfavourable-bad conservation status. Considering the assessment matrix of the conservation status of the habitat in terms of structure and specific functions of the habitat, six types of habitats have an unfavourable-inadequate conservation status-structure and functions of the habitat type, including its typical species, are not in good conservation conditions, much of the area occupied by the habitat is damaged regarding its structure and functions; and one type of habitat has an unfavourable-bad conservation status-the structure and functions of the habitat type, including its typical species, are not in good conservation condition,and much of the area occupied by the habitat is damaged regarding its structure and functions.

Key words: Natura 2000, grasslands habitats, conservation status

Babes-Bolyai University, Department of Taxonomy and Ecology, "Al. Borza" Botanical Garden, 42, Republicii str., RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: vasile.cristea@ubbcluj.ro

Abstract: Our paper synthesizes the work of our teams between 1998-2000, 2003-2006 and 2009-2010 in the urban and peri-urban area of Cluj-Napoca. The main objectives were: i) setting up a database with the current cormophyte flora of the city; ii) highlighting the changes that have occurred in the last 70 years; iii) establishing the areas with a high level of conservation, all of them being subordinated to the preliminary study for the setting of the new General Urban Plan. Cluj-Napoca ranks among EU cities with a medium to high phytodiversity by its 1058 plant species, 52 plant associations and 16 types of habitats. Ten areas were considered as hotspots for the phytodiversity of the city by correlating the specific richness of different plant communities to the habitat types and the presence of sozologically important species; these areas were proposed to undergo special protection for scientific and social purposes. The scientific and conservative importance of these areas is increased by the presence of 20 endemic (End), vulnerable (VU), rare (R) or endangered (EN) taxa, as well as by the 7 types of habitats with priority status in the EU conservation strategy.The practical value of our studies consists of the contribution to the substantiation of a more environmentally friendly urban plan, which should be more useful for the community of this city with an acknowledged intellectual spirit.

Key words: phytodiversity, hotspots, habitats, sozological categories, Cluj-Napoca

*Ekoforum NGO, 2 Gagarin Street, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
**University of Forestry, 10, Kliment Ohridski blvd, 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria
e-mail: sashageorgieva@gmail.com

Abstract: The study presents results of an analysis of the successional development of self-established vegetation for a period of more than 15 years on a landfill site near Dolni Bogrov (Sofia) and recommends tolerant species for rehabilitation of landfills and similar sites. The results allow the following inferences and conclusions: The plant communities are transitional between the classes Stellarietea mediae and Artemisietea vulgaris. Syngenesis is completed, and clear processes of endo-ecogenesis are observed on the whole territory, which will lead to the development of meadow and pasture communities. Participation of turf-grass species in the plant cover results in successful control of erosion processes and has the positive effect of minimizing infiltration of pollutants after rainfall. In the future, phyto-remediation could be applied using both species that have proved their tolerance to landfill conditions and species that occur naturally in herbaceous communities in adjacent areas.The ratio of cool-season to warm-season species is still not effective enough and is far from the recommended 1:1 relationship. Thus, further measures are necessary to reach a better balance. The results proved that the vegetation cover plays an important role in the reclamation of the site. The species composition indicates that the process of vegetation development is directed toward more sustainable plant communities, which will provide secure protection against erosion and will minimize or prevent infiltration of pollutants into the soil after heavy rainfall. It could be recommended to continue the study of successional development processes of the plant communities for better understanding of the potential and ecological effect of appropriate use of vegetation in reclamation of landfill waste.

Key words: landfill site, waste deposition, vegetation, succession

University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, Aleea Portocalelor 1-3, RO-060101 Bucuresti, Romania
e-mail: anchusa24@yahoo.com

Abstract: The main aim of this contribution is to provide information about the potential sensitivity of existing flora of two botanical reserves in Transylvania (Suatu I & II and Cheile Turzii), located in the Continental and Alpine bio-geographical regions of Romania, in thermophilic and xerophylous zones. More specifically, the work was focused on the sensitivity assessment to predicted changes in air temperature and edaphic humidity, for a representative number of vascular plants (607 taxa - CheileTurzii; 173 taxa - Suatu), collected from the literature, for each area. Special attention was addressed to existing protected taxa. The assessment was based on the requirements of the plants in terms of humidity and heat. Our results underline that: i) the plants from the two protected areas are less sensitive to the predicted effects of the selected parameters, ii) the protected taxa from Suatu are potentially not sensitive to the predicted changes in temperature and precipitations, iii) the protected taxa from Cheile Turzii are 10% sensitive, and iv) many of the existing trees can be considered sensitive, especially to the decrease in precipitation. Information about the vascular plants from Suatu and CheileTurzii that can be considered resistant to climatic changes in the medium term, are also included. The data from this analysis are not sufficient to predict the future of the two protected areas, but they offer information on the effects of climate change and potential threats.

Key words: climate challenges, Natura 2000 sites, flora sensitivity, Transylvania area

University of Georgia, Geography Department, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
e-mail: boxeo@uga.edu

Abstract: Attempts to regionalize world climates began in the early 1800s, based mainly on empirical relationships with natural landscapes. Eventually, though, increasing awareness of global atmospheric circulation yielded "genetic" classifications and zonation concepts, based on atmospheric mechanisms. It was generally accepted that zonation follows temperature patterns, with wet and dry seasons as complicating factors. All concepts, however, were based on patterns in lowland areas - but what are lowlands? And how might bioclimatic zonation be extended systematically to upland areas? Uplands are usually recognized as areas where natural landscapes are significantly different from those in lowlands. But uplands can also be delimited by measurable criteria, such as topographic "break" points; the onset of limiting temperatures or steeper temperature gradients; or by thresholds or steep gradients of improving water balance, which may involve air humidity as well as precipitation or decreasing severity of a dry season. On islands and along coastlines, atmospheric inversion layers and persistent clouds may also delimit uplands. The effect of elevation on dry seasons, in particular, is projected herein for 1 km and 2 km upshifts in those climate types that have dry periods. Suggestions are also made for temperature and water-balance criteria to identify upland onset and higher altitudinal belts, which are affected by temperature lapse rates and vertical precipitation patterns that are not consistent geographically, seasonally or on different slope aspects. Finally, the magnitude of temperature inversions is also demonstrated, but how to estimate and include them in broad-scale geographic models remains illusive.

Key words: altitudinal belt, bioclimatic zonation, climatic water balance, dry-climate amelioration, expanded Walter climates, humidity, seasonal lapse rate, temperature inversion, upshift effect, vertical precipitation pattern

Babes-Bolyai University, "Al. Borza" Botanical Garden, 42 Republicii St., RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Abstract:

Key words: