*Institute of Botany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, SK-845?23 Bratislava, Slovakia,
**Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, CZ-611?37 Brno, Czech Republic, ***Department of Vegetation Ecology, Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 25/27Lidicka, CZ-602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
****Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Department of Taxonomy and Ecology,42 Republicii Street, RO-400015, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail:buriana@sci.muni.cz

Abstract: The boreal-arctic species Carex vaginata Tausch (Sheathed Sedge) has been found in Romania in 2014 during research on fen ecology. The species grows in the Rarau Mts., in an alkaline sloping fen of the Caricion davallianae alliance, transitional to Cratoneurion commutati springs (SE margin of Mt. Popii Raraului, close to Plaiul Todirescu grasslands) and in a subalpine grassland at Mt. Popii Raraului. Rarau Mts is the fourth locality for this species in the entire Carpathians, underlining its relictual distribution pattern in temperate Europe that may represent a remnant of formerly more continuous distribution during the glacial period. We further present a vegetation-plot record with Carex vaginata and basic chemical parameters of the water.

Key words: Cyperaceae, relict and rare species, fens, Romania, East Carpathians

*Actavis, 11 Ion Mihalache Blvd., RO-011171, Bucuresti, Romania
**Biological Research Centre, 48 Republicii Street, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
***Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Biology and Geology, 44 Republicii Street, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
****Biological Research Centre, Botanical Garden "VasileFati" Jibou, 14 Parcului Street, RO-455200 Jibou, Romania
e-mail:bartok.attila@gmail.com

Abstract: This study makes a critical analysis of the distribution of the rare plant species Gentiana clusii E.M. Perrier & Songeon in the Romanian Carpathians. This species was previously considered as sporadically distributed in the Romanian Carpathians. By reviewing the herbarium collections from Romania and Hungary, we were unable to find any valid specimens of Gentiana clusii collected outside the range of Apuseni Mountains. Additionally, we analysed the available botanical literature, which brought us to the same conclusion: the presence of Gentiana clusii in all previously mentioned localities from the Romanian Carpathians outside the Apuseni Mountains cannot be supported by any solid data and is, therefore, considered doubtful. Our paper reconfirms the presence of G. clusii on Pietrele Negre limestone cliffs (Bihor Mts, Apuseni Mountains), providing also a description of the coenotic context in which the population grows. The authors propose the inclusion of Gentiana clusii in the next edition of the Romanian Red Book of Vascular Plants as Endangered (EN), due to its regional rarity and existence at the margin of the distribution area of the species.

Key words: chorology, Gentiana clusii, Apuseni Mountain, threatened species, Red Book

*University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 38 Gh. Marinescu Street, RO-540139, Targu-Mures
**Mures County Museum, Department of Natural Sciences, 24 Horea Street, RO-540036, Targu-Mures
***University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Botanical Garden, 38 Gh. Marinescu Street, RO-540139, Targu-Mures
e-mail:oroian.silvia@umftgm.ro

Abstract: The precise delimitation of High Nature Value (HNV) grasslands is particularly important, because it can lead to a more effective application of measures for the maintenance of habitats and species that depend on agricultural management [20]. The Nardus grasslands studied are located in the mountain area of Mures county (Calimani and Gurghiu Mountains). They were assigned to habitat 6230* Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on silicious substrates inmountain areas. The phytocoenoses studied belong to four plant associations: Violo declinatae-Nardetum Simon 1966, Hieracio pilosellae-Nardetum strictae Pop et al. 1988, Polygalo-Nardetum (Preising 1953) Oberd. 1957, and Festuco rubrae-Agrostietum capillaris Horvat 1951 subass. nardetosum strictae Oroian 1998. In the composition of these phytocoenoses, a number of rare species were also identified, which are assigned to various sozological categories and are included in national and international Red Lists: Campanula serrata (Kit.) Hendrych, Viola declinata Waldst. et Kit., Lycopodium clavatum L., Lycopodium alpinum L. and Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br. These grasslands are used as seasonal pastures, and transhumance is frequent. The conservation status of habitat 6230* in the studied areas is unfavourable-inadequate. Field observations showed that the habitat has the structure and specific functions required for its long-term conservation and there is a high probability for the maintenance of the grasslands in the predictable future under the conditions of adequate management measures; the natural distribution area of the habitat and the surfaces covered by it within the studied territory are stable or slightly decreasing.

Key words: grasslands, habitats, conservation status, Mures county, Transylvania

*State Natural History Museum NAS of Ukraine, Lviv, Ukraine
**Institute of Biological Research, 44 Republicii Street, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: novikoffav@gmail.com

Abstract: We present here the list of the 189 taxa of vascular plants from the Ukrainian Carpathians that are most often mentioned in the literature as endemics. This list includes aspects of taxonomic and chorological validity, synonyms, current known distribution in the Ukrainian Carpathians, some notes and most important literature references for all the analyzed taxa. From this list, 70 taxa have been validated by the criteria used and considered as Carpathian endemics or sub-endemics that occur in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Additionally, 68 taxa were treated as critical and could not be confirmed through currently known data, while 51 taxa have been designated as (most probably) absent in the flora of this region and/or non-endemic.

Key words: endemics, plant endemism, Ukrainian Carpathians, distribution

*Actavis, 11 Ion Mihalache Blvd., RO-011171 Bucuresti, Romania
**Babes-Bolyai University, A. Borza Botanical Garden, 42 Republicii Str., RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
email:bartok.attila@gmail.com

Abstract: One of the most attractive peaks of the Rodna Mountains from a botanical point of view and one visited by many botanists in the 19th century was Gemenea Peak. Unfortunately, in the early 20th century, the Gemenea toponym disappeared (apparently without trace) from Rodna Mountains maps and botanical publications. The paper reports the recent finding in the Rodna Mountains of the Gemenea toponym, which is actually the old name for Puzdrele peak. The subalpine and alpine flora of this peak are presented, based on analysis of available botanical literature, herbarium materials and recent research of the authors. Additionally, a list of the threatened plant species of Puzdrele (Gemenea) peak is proposed. Puzdrele (Gemenea) peak is included within the Rodna Mountains National Park, but more effort towards efficient protection of its flora and vegetation is required, since this area is very exposed to intensive grazing.

Key words: flora, Puzdrele (Gemenea) Peak, Rodna Mountains, Eastern Carpathians, threatened species

University of Pitesti, 1 Targu din Vale Street, RO-110040 Pitesti, Romania
e-mail: mateiandreeanatalia@gmail.com

Abstract: Harman Marsh is known for its biodiversity and conservation of many relict species on its territory. The Cladietum marisci Allorge 1922 ex Zobrist 1935 association was identified at Harman Marsh while carrying out phytosociological research on a relict species of community importance, Ligularia sibirica (L.) Cass, during June and August 2014. The association studied belongs within Natura 2000 Habitat 7210? Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of Caricion davallianae,respectively Eunis Habitat D5.24 Fen Cladium mariscus beds characteristic for sedges and tall fens. The present paper aims to describe the Cladietum marisci Allorge 1922 ex. Zobrist 1935 association and the habitat in which it is included, as well as a short presentation of the glacial relicts Ligularia sibirica (L.) Cass. and Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl from Harman Marsh. Qualitative analysis was performed for the accompanying flora of Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl, represented by the analysis of the bioforms, geo-elements, the main ecological factors (humidity, temperature and soil reaction) and also the genetic structure analysis and the parameter diploids calculation. The results of the qualitative analysis reveal the high percentage of hemicryptophytes, Eurasian species, mesohygrophilic species, micro-mesotherms, low-acid neutrophilous and polyploidy species. The significant difference between the 1958-1959 floristic inventory of Morariu and the inventory conducted by us at Harman in 2014, is an increase in the number of species listed in the association featured by Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl, from 32 to 60 species. Also in 2014, we observed in the studied association the presence of the relict Ligularia sibirica (L.) Cass., a species absent from the floristic inventory conducted by Morariu.

Key words: Cladietum marisci, Ligularia sibirica, Harman, phytosociological study, plant association

*University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 38 Gh. Marinescu Street, RO-540139 Targu-Mures
**Mures County Museum, Department of Natural Sciences, 24 Horea Street, RO-540036 Targu-Mures, Romania
***"Nicolae Testemitanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
****University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Botanical Garden, 38 Gh. Marinescu Street, RO-540139 Targu-Mures
*****ADEPT Foundation, 166 Principala Street, RO-547510, Saschiz, Romania
e-mail: oroian.silvia@umftgm.ro

Abstract: The study comprises the results of research on the identification and analysis of the conservation status of six plant species included in the Habitats Directive, Annexes II b and IV b, Bern Convention - App I and the National Red List. The study area is the "HARTIBACIU-TARNAVA MARE-OLT" Natura 2000 site, which is a site of Community interest within the Natura 2000 network. The study was performed based on the assessment of the conservation status of species of Community interest, from the point of view of the species population, habitat and perspectives. It was found that the general conservation status of the six species of Community interest in the site is unfavourable, requiring the application of management measures in order to ensure the restoration of the species populations and to preserve the integrity of the habitats where it occurs.

Key words: priority species, conservation status, Natura 2000 site

Institute of Biological Research Cluj, 48 Republicii Street, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: adrian.stoica@icbcluj.ro

Abstract: The paper describes several forest associations found in the Poiana Ruscai Mts.: Symphyto cordati - Fagetum, Festuco drymejae - Fagetum, Festuco drymejae - Abietum, Carpino - Fagetum, Lathyro hallersteinii - Carpinetum and Carici remotae - Fraxinetum. The first three associations represent the zonal mountain vegetation, and occupy more than 80% of the massif. The associations Carpino - Fagetum and Lathyro hallersteinii - Carpinetum are spread in the foothills of the Poiana Ruscai Mts. Carici remotae - Fraxinetum has a patchy distribution, on the bottom of certain valleys from the northern slope of the massif. The data have been gathered in the years 2006 and 2013 in vegetation surveys of the area (using phytocoenotic releves).

Key words: beech forests, plant associations, Poiana Ruscai Mts., South-Western Romania

University of Camerino, Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Via Pontoni 5, I-62032 Camerino (MC), Italy
e-mail:franco.pedrotti@unicam.it

Abstract: This note describes a new plant association of marshy meadows, named Ranunculo-Caricetum buxbaumii ass. nova hoc loco, occurring in the karstic basin of Pian Grande at 1270 m above sea level in central Apennines (Umbria). The new plant association belongs to Caricion gracilis alliance, is distributed towards the southern limit of the area of distribution of Carex buxbaumii in the Italian peninsula and represents a synvicariant of Caricetum buxbaumii of central Europe.

Key words: anmoor, Carex buxbaumii, dolines, holotype, karstic basin, microtopography, synvicariance, vegetation profile

*Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Department of Taxonomy and Ecology, 42 RepubliciiStreet, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**Universite de Liege, 620 Becco, B-4910 Theux, Belgium
***Charles University, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, 2 Benatska Street, CZ 128 43 Praha 2, Czech Republic
e-mail: irina.goia@ubbcluj.ro

Abstract: The research has been performed in the upper basin of the Aries River (Apuseni Mountains), an area of c.580 km2. 11 associations and two subassociations have been identified on tree bark. They belong to 3 classes, 4 orders and 4 alliances. Most of these communities are recorded from Fagus bark, three associations have been identified from Salix trunks. Less suitable for the development of bryophyte communities are Picea, Abies, Fraxinus and Malus, probably because their bark contains more tannins and resins. The bryophyte communities were established using the characteristic species according to Marstaller (1993). For a better identification of the bryophyte communities, different dendrograms have been performed, using quantitative and qualitative index. The Spearman correlation facilitated the species diagram, which marks out the coenotic core. The ordination denotes the fine ecological differences among communities.

Key words: epiphytic bryophyte communities, hierarchical clustering, correlations, ordination

*Sapientia University, Faculty of Science and Arts, Environmental Science Department, 4 Calea Turzii, RO-400193 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Geology and Biology, Department of Biology and Geology, 5-7 Clinicilor Street, RO-400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail:lidia_szigyarto@yahoo.com

Abstract: The paper deals with a recent short term investigation of the diatom species inhabiting the Zetea Lake, an artificial dam lake in the Harghita County (Romania) and some major river courses in the immediate surroundings of the lake. In the light of the increasing pollution of waters everywhere, diatomological results were also used in this study to evaluate the present quality of water bodies herein dealt with. The results are based on benthic samplings performed in the spring of 2015. The species number and the diversity of the diatom communities were somewhat higher than expected, with several species and varieties mentioned for the first time or only rarely earlier in the Romanian algological literature. The water quality seems satisfying for now, but already with signs of degradations in certain sites where human presence is evident. Considering that the investigated area still harbors diatom species and varieties which have not yet been recorded in Romania, further investigations are required not only for its algal flora, but as well for long term monitoring of the water quality in the area.

Key words: diatoms, biological diatom index (BDI), biomonitoring, pollution, water quality, Zetea Lake, Tarnava Mare, Sancel and Sicasau streams

*Babes-Bolyai University, Hungarian Department of Biology and Ecology, 42 Republicii str., RO-400015Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**Babes-Bolyai University, Electron Microscopy Center, 5-7 Clinicilor str., RO-400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
***Babes-Bolyai University, Hungarian Department of Biology and Ecology, 1 M. Kogalniceanu str., RO-400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: eszter.ruprecht@ubbcluj.ro

Abstract: In this study we describe and compare the anatomy of the seed coverings of six herbaceous species from three families native to Central-Eastern Europe: Dichanthium ischaemum and Bromus arvensis (Poaceae), Inula ensifolia and Cirsium arvense (Asteraceae),Trollius europaeus and Pulsatilla montana (Ranunculaceae). Based on the anatomical examination of diaspores, we observed that the seed coat of one-seeded fruits as diaspores was underdeveloped and thin compared to the more complex pericarp. Furthermore, within the same family, smaller diaspores had a simpler seed covering structure than larger ones. We consider that there are just a few publications examining the anatomy of the seed coverings of wild-growing species of non-agricultural interest, and with our study we would like to complete this gap.

Key words: Asteraceae, diaspore, pericarp, Poaceae, Ranunculaceae, seed anatomy, seed coat, tissue

*University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Street, RO-400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**Babes-Bolyai University, "Alexandru Borza" Botanical Garden,42 Republicii Street, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
***Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Physics, 1 Mihail Kogalniceanu Street,RO-400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: marcantor@yahoo.com

Abstract: Dahlia (family Asteraceae) is particularly popular in interior decoration as a cut flower or in various floral arrangements.The aim of this study was to highlight the effect of different preservative solutions on keeping dahlia flowers in vases. The experiment was conducted in 2015 in the Horticultural Products Technology Laboratory of the Horticultural Faculty of USAMV Cluj-Napoca. Research was carried out on the vase life of Dahlia cultivars with cactus-type flowers - 'Kennemerland', 'Tsuki Yori No Sisha', 'Hayley Jane', 'Purple Gem', 'Veritable', 'Star Favourites', 'Park Princess' and 'Friquolet' - in three preservative solutions: Fleur'Eau, Flower Time and Compo, compared with tap water as a control. The results highlight the cultivar 'Kennemerland' as having the best response in storage in preservative solutions.Varieties kept in 'Flower Time' solution gave the best results. Regarding the appearance of leaves on the flower stems, cultivar 'Friqoulet' gave the best results, followed by cultivars 'Kennemerland', 'Hayley Jane' and 'Veritable', in the conservation solution 'Flower Time'.

Key words: cultivar, flower characteristics, leaves, preservative solutions, storage

*Babes-Bolyai University, "Al. Borza" Botanical Garden, 42 Republicii Street, RO-40015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Horticulture, Plant Breeding Dpt., 3-5 Manastur Street, RO-400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: mcordea@usamvcluj.ro

Abstract: This paper presents a brief analysis of the tulip collection in the "Al. Borza" Botanical Garden, which in 2015 achieved a record number of 142 cultivars. This diversity is available and should be exploited scientifically in various approaches used in studies of crop technology, phenology, stability of characters, etc.

Key words: tulip, collection, Botanical Garden Cluj-Napoca, cultivars

*University of Art and Design, Faculty of Visual Arts, Painting Department, 31 Piata Unirii, RO-400098 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
**Babes-Bolyai University, Department of Taxonomy and Ecology, "Al. Borza" Botanical Garden, 42 Republicii Street, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
***Institute of Biological Research, Branch of the National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, 48 Republicii Street, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
e-mail: sorina.farcas@icbcluj.ro

Abstract: Plant symbols are a part of the cultural treasure of humanity, whether we consider the archaic secular traditions or religion, heraldry etc., throughout history until the present day. To flowers, in particular, there have been attributed particular meanings over thousands of years. Every art form has involved flower symbols at some point, but in painting they have an outstanding presence. Early paintings are rich in philosophical and Christian plant symbolism, while 18th-20th century art movements have added new meanings to vegetal-floral symbolism, through the personal perspective of various artists in depicting plant symbols. This paper focuses on the analysis of the ancient plant significance of the heathen traditions and superstitions but also on their religious sense, throughout the ages and cultures. Emphasis has been placed on plants that were illustrated preferentially by painters in their works on gardens and orchards.

Key words: plant symbolism, paintings, gardens, orchards

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

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Babes-Bolyai University, Department of Taxonomy and Ecology, "Al. Borza" Botanical Garden, 42 Republicii Street, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

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

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