Magdalena Szczepaniak

Results of macro- and micromorphological studies of flowers and fruits of two subspecies of Valeriana stolonifera, subsp. stolonifera and subsp. angustifolia, are presented. Samples from Ukraine and Poland were studied. The structure of flowers and fruits is described, and their detailed characteristics are identified. Morphological structures were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). New micromorphological features of the fruit surface of the studied taxa have been revealed, including the characters of outer periclinal and anticlinal walls of exocarp cells, trichomes, and stomata. In flowers of both subspecies of V. stolonifera, an ovoid protrusion of the connective over the anthers of stamens is present. No significant differences between the studied taxa in their macro- and micromorphological features of fruits and flowers have been found. The obtained results, combined with the known characters of vegetative organs, can be used for more accurate identification of the subspecies of V. stolonifera and for resolving taxonomic issues within the group of V. officinalis aggr.

Despite the wealth of data available for mountain phylogeography, local-scale studies focused on narrow endemic species remain rare. Yet, knowledge of the genetic structure of such species biogeographically linked to a restricted area is of particular importance to understand the history of the local flora and its diversity patterns. Here, we aim to contribute to the phylogeographical overview of the Western Carpathians with a genetic study of Saxifraga wahlenbergii, one of the most characteristic endemic species of this region. We sampled populations from all discrete parts of the species’ distribution range to apply sequencing of selected non-coding cpDNA and nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS) regions, as well as Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting. First, while ITS sequences showed weak diversification, the genetic structure based on cpDNA sequences revealed two well-differentiated groups of haplotypes. One of them is restricted to the main center of the distribution range in the Tatra Mountains (Mts), while the second group included a series of closely related haplotypes, which in most cases were unique for particular isolated groups of populations in peripheral mountain ranges and in the south-eastern part of the Tatra Mts. AFLP fingerprinting also revealed a pattern of divergence among populations, while only partly corroborating the division observed in cpDNA. Taking into account all the data, the pattern of genetic structure, supported by the high levels of unique genetic markers in populations, may reflect the historical isolation of populations in several local refugia during the last glacial period. Not only the center of the range in the Tatra Mts, but also other, neighboring massifs (Malá Fatra, Nízke Tatry, Chočské vrchy, Muránska planina), where populations are characterized by separate plastid DNA haplotypes, could have acted as separate refugia.

Melica (Poaceae) consist of about 92 species distributed across temperate regions of the world. Within section Dalycum, Melica ciliata sensu lato forms a taxonomic complex of several species and subspecies with clinal morphological variation causing conflicting identifications. To resolve taxonomic confusion, we used three complementary approaches, through molecular, morphological, and phytoecological analyses. The double‐digest restriction‐associated DNA markers significantly support the monophyly of three taxa: (i) the Mediterranean Melica magnolii, (ii) the Eurasian Melica transsilvanica subsp. transsilvanica, and (iii) the west‐European M. ciliata subsp. glauca. This differentiation is corroborated by the analysis of 22 morphometric variables. Furthermore, phytoecological analysis of 221 floristic inventories revealed habitat distinctions among these taxa. Our approach of integrative taxonomy argues for a specific distinction for these three taxa, and we include a key to separate these forms. These new molecular data on the section Dalycum, subsection Ciliatae, call for further phylogenetic analyses including samples of M. ciliata subsp. ciliata and other East‐Mediterranean and South African taxa.

A new nivicolous myxomycete is described as a result of a comprehensive study of Didymium nivicola collections from the entire range of its occurrence. Statistical analysis of 12 morphological characters, phylogenetic analyses of nuc 18S rDNA and elongation factor 1-alpha gene (EF1A), and a delimitation method (automatic barcode gap diversity) have been applied to corroborate the identity of the new species. A preliminary morphological analysis of D. nivicola revealed high variability of South American populations where four types of spore ornamentation were noted. However, results of molecular study and statistical analysis of morphological characters did not support recognition of these four forms but the distinction of two morphotypes. Consequently, two species have been recognized: D. nivicola and the newly proposed D. pseudonivicola. The new species can be distinguished from D. nivicola by distinctly larger and mostly plasmodiocarpic sporophores, which are scattered to gregarious, paler spores, and by the paler, more delicate and more elastic capillitium. Spore ornamentation of D. pseudonivicola is uniform and can be described as distinctly spiny (pilate under scanning electron microscope [SEM]), whereas those of D. nivicola is more variable, where spines (pilae under SEM) are delicate, distinct, or conspicuous. Additionally, whereas D. nivicola is a species distributed worldwide, D. pseudonivicola occurs only in the austral Andes of Argentina and Chile.

The paper lists 135 taxa and 12 main plant communities found in the Dolina Potoku Olszanickiego – Łąki Olszanickie ecological use area during field research done in 2018–2019. For each taxon, information about the occupied habitat, synanthropic status, number of localities and frequency of occurrence are given. Phytosociological groups of species were distinguished and analysed. In the ecological use area, Conium maculatum, an endangered species (VU) of the Małopolska Upland, was recorded. The occurrence of rush meadow Scirpetum sylvatici (typical and degradated patches), meadow thistle Cirsietum rivularis (various degradative forms) and rush vegetation Caricetum rostratae was found. The main threats to ecological use is degradation of communities and natural succession as a result of cessation of extensive use of meadows (mowing, grazing) and the expansion of the invasive species Solidago gigantea and S. canadensis, which occupy a significant part of the non-forest habitats. Information about needed protection measures is also given. The paper highlights the need for biodiversity protection in urban areas, for their sustainable development and the quality of life of their inhabitants.

Gagea minima (L.) Ker Gawl. is a rare species characteristic of meso- and eutrophic deciduous forest communities of the Fagetalia sylvaticae order. It is an inconspicuous spring geophyte easily overlooked in the field, occurring in oak-hornbeam and oak-beech forests, thickets, mountain glades and meadows. The paper gives information about the historical and present occurrence of G. minima within the administrative boundaries of the city of Kraków. Eight historical (6 published and 2 found in KRA herbarium material) and 4 new localities are described. The study demonstrates that rare plant species associated with natural forest communities may still occur in remaining fragments of these biotopes even within such a heavily urbanized area as the city of Kraków.