Florin Daniel Stamin

Wild fruit species are key components of natural and semi-natural ecosystems, playing an important role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. This review aims to analyze these species from the perspective of their ecological functions, contribution to biodiversity conservation, and the ecosystem services they provide. Ecologically, wild fruit species contribute to soil stabilization, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration, while also serving as essential food sources and habitats for a wide range of organisms, including mammals, birds, insects, and microorganisms. Through these interactions, they support ecosystem functioning and resilience. Beyond their ecological role, these species provide significant socio-economic benefits, particularly in rural areas. They contribute to cultural ecosystem services and represent valuable resources for traditional medicine, while also offering opportunities for income generation through harvesting, processing, commercialization, and rural tourism. In the context of climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing ecosystem degradation, wild fruit species represent multifunctional natural resources. Their conservation and sustainable use are essential for maintaining ecosystem functionality and promoting sustainable rural development.

This study provides the first comprehensive structural and diversity assessment of the Stanului Forest ecosystem since the last taxonomic survey conducted in 1987. The paper analyses the structural indices of biocoenosis and vegetation diversity in the Stanului Forest ecosystem (Gemărtălui Valley), in the hilly area of Oltenia (Romania), in Dolj County. Primary data were obtained using randomised sampling with frame squares, which ensured the random selection of sampling units and standardisation of the data collection process. The number of samples was equal (10) across all vegetation categories studied. The sampling area was 1 m² for herbaceous species and 100 m² for woody species. Structural indices (frequency, constancy, dominance index, index of relative significance, etc.), diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Gleason, Simpson), and statistical analyses were used to interpret the data. The results showed that from a taxonomic perspective, 5 families of woody species and 15 families of herbaceous species were identified. The presence of the invasive species (Robinia pseudoacacia) can negatively influence the ecological functions of the existing plant community. The species Quercus frainetto and Carpinus betulus accounted for 55.16% of the woody layer dominance. In the herbaceous layer, Carex sylvatica and Schedonorus giganteus recorded the highest dominance values. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was 0.53 in the woody layer and 0.50 in the herbaceous layer.