Szabolcs Kis

Linear transport infrastructures are widely recognised as corridors for plant dispersal; however, their role in modifying local abiotic conditions remains less explored. In this study, we examined whether slope‐driven, unidirectional precipitation runoff from paved roads is associated with differences in roadside soil‐moisture and local abundance of Cochlearia danica , an Atlantic halophytic species currently spreading into continental Europe. Targeted roadside surveys were conducted in Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia and Romania, complemented by comparative soil‐moisture assessments on opposing sides of sloping road sections. Downslope verges receiving concentrated runoff consistently showed higher gravimetric soil‐moisture and were associated with larger C. danica populations than upslope verges. Population size showed a positive association with local variation in soil‐moisture. Supplementary species distribution modelling based on bioclimatic variables predicted low macroclimatic suitability for the study region, indicating that several recorded roadside populations occur under marginal conditions. In addition to Hungary, C. danica was documented for the first time in Serbia and Romania, with evidence suggesting local establishment of revisited sites. Our results suggest that paved road design may create small‐scale ecohydrological asymmetry along road verges, potentially contributing to the establishment of Atlantic halophytes in continental roadside habitats.

Seed longevity plays a crucial role in the persistence of plant populations, particularly in short-lived species inhabiting unpredictable environments. However, empirical data on long-term seed viability remain scarce, especially for rare and poorly known taxa. Astragalus contortuplicatus is a threatened annual species of periodically flooded habitats, characterized by sporadic occurrence and limited ecological knowledge; based on its annual life cycle and the temporal unpredictability of its habitat, its long-term population persistence is likely facilitated by persistent seed banks. In a previous study, we demonstrated that seeds of this species stored in herbarium collections can retain the ability to germinate for more than a century. Here, we reassess seed germination capacity after an additional 11.5–12 years of dry storage, using the same germination protocol, and analyse temporal changes based on repeated measurements of the same herbarium specimens. Germination data from 2014 and 2026 were evaluated using binomial models, and the relationship between seed age and germination capacity was examined using linear and non-linear approaches. Paired analyses revealed a significant overall decline in germination probability over time, although responses varied among specimens. Despite this decline, seeds from the oldest available sample (collected in 1883) still retained the ability to germinate, with 20% germination after approximately 142.5 years of storage. Across the full dataset, seed age had a significant negative effect on germination, and non-linear models provided a better fit than simple linear regression, indicating that the loss of germination capacity does not follow a strictly linear pattern. Our results confirm the exceptional longevity of seeds in this rare species while also demonstrating that germination capacity declines over time under continued dry storage. These findings are consistent with the ecological expectation that long-lived, dormant seeds may contribute to population persistence in unpredictable habitats, while underlining the potential of herbarium collections as valuable resources for the conservation and possible restoration of threatened plant species. Notably, seeds in the oldest sample retained the ability to germinate, emphasizing the exceptional longevity of seeds in this species.

Ranunculus ophioglossifolius is an amphibious plant species with a disjunct Atlantic–Mediterranean distribution, recorded for the first time in Hungary. Two populations were identified in the south-eastern part of the Pannonian Basin, extending the known range of the species northward. Field surveys, morphometric analyses and phytosociological sampling were conducted to assess its ecology, phenotypic variability and differentiation from three morphologically similar Ranunculus species. Linear discriminant analysis based on selected morphological traits provided high classification accuracy among the studied taxa. New functional trait data are presented, including seed mass and vegetative parameters, which are smaller in the Hungarian populations than the reported European values. These differences are consistent with environmentally induced phenotypic variability. Phytosociological data indicate that the species occurs in Pannonian wet saline meadow mosaics on solonetz soil, primarily within temporarily inundated microhabitats associated with Agrostio stoloniferae–Alopecuretum pratensis, Caricetum melanostachyae, and Bolboschoenetum maritimi communities. The occurrence of R. ophioglossifolius in the Pannonian Basin, together with comparable regional records, suggests that the species may represent either a previously overlooked or a recently established element of the Hungarian flora. These findings contribute to the understanding of species distributions and highlight the relevance of integrated taxonomic and ecological approaches in documenting range dynamics.

Plantago coronopus (Plantaginaceae, buck's-horn plantain) has been recognized as a rapidly spreading halophytic species along road networks in several Central European countries; however, its distribution in Slovakia has remained poorly documented. In this study, we surveyed 137 roadside sampling points across approximately 700 km of Slovakian roads in spring 2023. The species was recorded at 33 locations (24 % of sampling points), with most populations concentrated in the south-western regions and predominantly along motorways. Generalized linear mixed models revealed significant negative effects of latitude, distance from motorways, altitude and longitude on both the abundance and occurrence of P. coronopus. These results indicate a west-to-east and south-to-north dispersal trend, with motorways serving as the primary pathways. In several cases, the species has already established populations along adjacent main and secondary roads, particularly in the vicinity of motorways. The frequent presence of fruiting stems from previous years suggests that many populations are already self-sustaining. Given ongoing transport infrastructure development, increasing traffic intensity and the effects of climate change, further spread of P. coronopus within Slovakia and across the region appears likely. Our results confirm the naturalization of P. coronopus and provide the first comprehensive documentation of its current distribution in Slovakia, which was previously unknown. These findings highlight the importance of targeted monitoring of halophyte species along anthropogenic corridors to better understand and potentially mitigate their expansion dynamics. Citation: Molnár V. A., Eliáš P. Jr., Letz D. R., Kis S., Bak H. & Fekete R. 2026: Recent expansion of Plantago coronopus (Plantaginaceae) in Slovakia. – Willdenowia 56: 389–396. Version of record first published online on 1 August 2026.

A gyilkos csomorika Magyarországon ritka, védett, igen erősen mérgező növény. A faj anatómiájáról és szövettani felépítéséről, csírázásáról, valamint ízeltlábúakkal való interakcióiról eddig kevés adat állt rendelkezésre a szakirodalomban. Ezért a terepi megfigyelések (Keleti-főcsatorna, Balmazújváros) során mintát gyűjtöttünk a növények szerveiből kézi és mikrotomos metszetek készítéséhez, melyeket fénymikroszkóppal elemeztünk. Vizsgáltuk az ikerkaszatok csírázóképességének fényfüggését is. Eredményeink alapján a gyökér mintegy 75,2%-a, továbbá a rizómafal körülbelül 31,7%-a aerenchimatikus szövet. A faj aerenchimában gazdag gyöktörzse és gyökerei, valamint üreges szára, felfújt levélnyele és nagy szekréciós járatú termései révén is alkalmazkodott a víz felszínén lebegő életmódhoz és a sodródás általi terjedéshez. A nemzetségre jellemző skizogén kiválasztó járatok elrendeződése is ennek megfelelő. Termései érést követően csíraképesek, nincs szükségük hideghatásra, azonban kizárólag fény jelenlétében csíráznak. A faj virágait számos, különböző rendszertani csoportba tartozó (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae, Gasteruptiidae, Sphecidae; Diptera: Syrphidae; Coleoptera: Cantharidae, Cerambycidae, Mordellidae; Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) rovar látogatja. Hajtásai a Lixus iridis (A.G. Olivier 1807) ormányosbogár táplálékául szolgálnak, amit sikerült kimutatni a faj generatív hajtásában.

Tree-covered urban green spaces, including streets, parks, and other public areas, are vital for urban sustainability and people’s well-being. However, such trees face threats from the occurrence of extreme weather. In this study, we investigated wind damage to urban trees in the city of Debrecen, Hungary, during two severe windstorms in July 2025. Field surveys were conducted across three distinct urban zones, covering approximately 515,000 m² in total. We assessed 201 damaged and 325 undamaged trees and recorded the species, size, damage type, and contextual landscape features associated with them being damaged or not. Damage type to trees consisted primarily of broken branches, whilst uprooting and trunk breakage were recorded less often. Most tree characteristics (trunk circumference, height, systematic position, nativity) and the proximity and height of buildings upwind of focal trees were significant predictors of their vulnerability to windstorms. In addition, we surveyed 150 residents in person and received comments from 54 people via online questionnaires and explored their perceptions of storm frequency, the causes of storms, and mitigation measures. Most respondents noted increased storm frequency and attributed that to climate change, and they suggested mitigation measures focused on urban tree management and environmental protection. Some people expressed scepticism about the presence of climate change and/or their ability to address such damage on an individual basis. Our study is the first to integrate assessments of storm-related impacts on urban trees with the opinions of residents living in proximity to them. Our findings highlight the need for climate-adaptive and mechanically robust urban forestry planning and offer insights that guide the management of trees in urban areas globally. Specifically, we propose to undertake the following: (1) Prioritise structurally resilient, stress-tolerant tree species adapted to extreme weather conditions when planting new trees. (2) Integrate wind dynamics, microclimatic effects and artificial stabilisation techniques into urban design processes to optimise tree placement and their long-term stability. Urban planners, builders, developers, and homeowners should be informed about these stabilising practices and incorporate the needs of trees early in the design process, rather than as decorative additions. (3) Develop regionally calibrated risk models and early-warning systems to support proactive and data-driven tree management and public safety. (4) Promote climate literacy and public participation to strengthen collective stewardship and resilience of urban trees.

The northern water hemlock is an endangered species that has been severely diminished in Hungary due to water regulation and river control in the 18th and 19th centuries. We collected data on this highly toxic plant from Hungary using archival sources, including digitized databases of daily and weekly newspapers and books. By exploring historical digital archives, we identified 88 locatable occurrence records spanning 65 flora mapping grids, 52 of which represent new additions to its known distribution. Between 1721 and 1943, a total of 103 records were found relating to its vernacular names. The most widespread names were csomorika (predominantly used in the Berettyó-Sárrét and Hortobágy regions), mételytorzsa (Rétköz, Taktaköz, Ecsedi-láp), and Kónyi gyökér (Fertő-Hanság region). Human poisonings caused by this species were primarily due to confusion with parsley, celery, and, less frequently, parsnips or carrots, occasionally resulting in the deaths of entire families. Children, in particular, were at risk when they accidentally consumed it raw as a snack. There have also been instances of intentional homicidal use and unintentional fatalities associated with its ethnomedicinal application. The plant was primarily used to treat scrofula (a form of tuberculosis-induced lymphoma) and for abortion.

During studies of European orchids in anthropogenic habitats (such as roadsides, cemeteries, and tree plantations), we unexpectedly encountered previously unrecorded occurrences of Ophrys tetraloniae in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. By utilising taxonomically verified data from both published literature and online resources, we present an updated distribution map for the species. Considering recent climatic trends and the expansion of other orchid species with similar habitat preferences, a northward range extension of Ophrys tetraloniae is likely. In Montenegro, we documented pseudocopulatory pollination by a male Eucera fulvescens. A comparison of the phenology of Ophrys tetraloniae and its pollinator revealed that, although both the orchid's flowering period and the bee's swarming period span approximately two months, the median date of the orchid's flowering is significantly earlier (4th June) than the median date of the bee's swarming (1st July). This phenological discrepancy may be attributed to deceptive pollination: earlier-flowering individuals of the orchid are more likely to encounter virgin and naïve male bees of the protandrous species, thereby enhancing reproductive success.