Orchids of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East
... Taxon identification was done according to the relevant orchidological literature [12,15,16,23,30,62]. Nomenclature generally follows the Plants of the World Online database [37]. ...
... In addition to these records, this species has been recorded within the Balkan Peninsula in Slovenia [25], Romania [79], and Bulgaria [80,81], while in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a single unconfirmed record from 1877 [27]. Gymnadenia densiflora primarily inhabits wet habitats-alkaline to neutral marshes, fens with high content of carbonates, springs on calcites, and wet meadows, but it can also be found on dune slacks and chalk downs, from sea level to 2800 m asl [12,23,48]. In Montenegro, it was found in a small wet fragment of subalpine meadow, on limestone and dolomitic limestone, which alligns with published data so far. ...
... The typical flowering period for G. densiflora in Europe is July and August [12,23,30], which also coincides with flowering in the territory of Montenegro. Namely, the plants from Durmitor Mt. were in the early blooming stage when they were found in the first half of July. ...
Montenegro, with approximately 3600 vascular plant taxa, represents one of the floristic diversity centers of the Balkan Peninsula and the Mediterranean region. According to our current knowledge, about 80 to 100 orchids, including species, subspecies, and hybrids, occur in this country. To refine the understanding of orchid diversity in Montenegro, extensive fieldwork and herbarium revisions were conducted. As a result, ten new orchid taxa were recorded in Montenegro for the first time. These include Epipactis helleborine subsp. distans, E. leptochila subsp. neglecta, Gymnadenia densiflora, Neotinea ustulata var. aestivalis, Ophrys archipelagi, O. grammica, and Pseudorchis albida subsp. tricuspis. In addition, one intergeneric hybrid, ×Serapicamptis rousii, and two intrageneric, Anacamptis ×nicodemi and A. ×olida, were found. Distribution data, ecological preferences, and population sizes for newly registered taxa in Montenegro have been given. This study underscores the great potential of the flora of Montenegro for discoveries in the orchid world.
... Plant material was collected from twenty-three (23) populations of Himantoglossum jankae and two (2) of H. samariense (Cretan populations), covering the distribution of Himantoglossum s.s. in Greece (Table 1; Figure 1). The plant material analyzed in this study comes from the material used by Tsiftsis [19] to study the morphological variability of Himantoglossum s.s. in Greece and the same population coding was used. ...
... In all cases, plant material collection did not affect the survival of the individuals and was performed according to the Greek legislation (permit number: 144703/2145). Two (2) to eleven (11) individuals were sampled from each population (depending on the population size). ...
... It is well documented-albeit with some exceptions-that species range size plays an important role in the levels of genetic variation, with the first being directly analogous to the latter [80,81]. This is confirmed in the case of Himantoglossum jankae, which is the most dominant and widespread species of the hircinum-caprinum clade in the southern Balkan Peninsula [2,20], but not for H. samariense, which was considered as a regional/local endemic [31]. Himantoglossum jankae and H. hircinum have almost the same spatial distribution [20] but the levels of genetic diversity of H. jankae were found to be higher compared to those of H. hircinum [82,83]. ...
The taxonomic identification of plant species is traditionally based on morphological traits, the use of which may create difficulties in cases of close-related species showing great morphological variability. In such cases, the use of DNA markers for species identification and delimitation can be of great help. Himantoglossum W.D.J.Koch (Orchidaceae) is a genus with notable morphological variability, comprising the clade hircinum-caprinum (Himantoglossum s.s.) with nine taxa, from which H. jankae, H. hircinum, H. montis-tauri, H. caprinum and H. samariense have being reported in Greece. However, a previous morphological study of Himantoglossum s.s. from all over Greece could not verify the presence of these reported species, but of only one highly diverse taxon throughout the country. Here, we studied the genetic variation and differentiation of Himantoglossum s.s. populations from the entire distribution of the genus in Greece employing ISSR markers, to further elucidate the taxonomic status of Himantoglossum s.s. in Greece. High genetic variation was revealed, both in the populations of the "core" distribution and in the pe-ripheral/marginal ones, pointing to their evolutionary potential. This variation is mainly attributed to differences within the populations and, to a lesser extent, among them. No differentiation of the populations proposed to belong to a different taxon was found and no species-specific markers were identified that may discriminate the above populations from the rest. In addition, two cpDNA and one nDNA fragments (accD, psbA-trnH and ITS2, respectively) were sequenced in a number of individuals representative of the whole dataset. All three fragments were conserved, showing restricted polymorphism and having no correlation to the populations or to the taxa of Himantoglossum s.s. in Greece. Overall, the high genetic variation of the populations of Himantoglossum s.s. in Greece, especially of the peripheral/marginal ones, is a valuable asset towards their conservation.
... Wild orchids can grow almost worldwide, from tropical rainforests to arctic tundra, though most species are found in tropical regions colonizing diverse habitats (terrestrial, epiphytic, and/or lithophytic). In North Africa and Europe, orchids are exclusively terrestrial, inhabiting different types of ecosystems such as forests, scrublands, meadows, moors, peat bogs, marshes, etc. [4][5][6][7]. conservation of wild plant species of 2012 [35]. Due to the gaps in knowledge regarding the diversity and threats of Orchidaceae compared to neighboring countries, Morocco and other North African countries must accelerate the inventory speed regarding the conservation of their Orchidaceae members, especially in the IBRM region, to prevent their possible disappearance in the face of the ongoing biodiversity loss crisis. ...
... In each site studied, the living (fresh) specimens of Orchidaceae species were identified in situ and photographed without harming the wild-growing individuals and populations. Flowers of each taxon were collected for taxonomic and nomenclature validation based on the available floras [30,31] and the specific work of Delforge [6], whereas the nomenclature followed the Plants of the World online database [45]. The specimens of orchids were deposited in the herbarium of the Laboratory of Ecology, Systematics and Biodiversity Conservation of the Faculty of Sciences Tetouan, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Morocco. ...
... This richness is less than that of the West Rif area of Morocco [27] or almost equal to the West Bank area of Palestine [16]. The 7-12 Ophrys taxa (unresolved taxonomic entities) found in the study area represent about 6% of all the taxa of the genus Ophrys in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East [6]. This genus is also the most diverse in the Mediterranean basin, being endemic to the West Palearctic region [6,47]. ...
The focus of this study was the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean (IBRM, part of the biodiversity hotspot of the Mediterranean Basin) and the Orchidaceae family, which is under-studied in the Moroccan part of the IBRM. For this reason, an inventory of Orchidaceae diversity and factors that could influence their in situ conservation was undertaken, employing a series of field surveys conducted in the Northern Moroccan IBRM ecosystems. In total, 42 sites were surveyed in four protected areas of the Moroccan part of the IBRM. In total, 21 Orchidaceae species and subspecies (taxa) belonging to seven genera were identified, including Orchis spitzelii subsp. cazorlensis, as newly recorded in Morocco, as well as several new reports for different sites and/or areas surveyed, thus updating the previous knowledge of Moroccan Orchidaceae. Most of the Orchidaceae taxa were found in limited numbers of individuals (<30) and were restricted in a few sites (1–3) or a single area; thus, they were assessed as poorly conserved due to the scarcity of rainfall coupled with human pressures, such as the abstraction of surface water, forest fires, and the conversion of protected forests to Cannabis farms. The enforcement of existing laws, the adoption of strategies to combat desertification and forest fires, the prohibition of Cannabis farming, and raising awareness among the local population could reduce the pressures on the protected Orchidaceae members and their habitats, thereby contributing to their conservation.
... Pyrenees and the Alps (Claessens & Kleynen, 2016;Delforge, 1994Delforge, , 2006Moen & Øien, 2002;143 Olofsson, 2021). The two species are only sympatric in the European Alps. ...
... The two species are only sympatric in the European Alps. For this reason we 144 chose the following two field sites where both species grow in sympatry and G. x suaveolens has 145 been reliably observed and documented (Claessens & Kleynen, 2016;Delforge, 1994Delforge, , 2006. The 146 ...
... of sympatry between all three species (Delforge, 2006). However, G. odoratissima was not found 764 at either Chandolin or Puflatsch in any of the surveyed years (2014-2016, 2021-2023), 765 ...
Speciation through the emergence of reproductive isolation barriers is a fundamental concept of evolutionary biology. Here we use two closely related but phenotypically distinct Gymnadenia orchid species and their proposed hybrids to study the barriers associated with this phenomenon. We analysed the potential pre- and post-zygotic barriers to hybridisation and conducted the first comprehensive analysis of pollinator-influenced phenotypic traits in both parents and their hybrids. We also uncover the previously uncharacterised, but much hypothesised, genetic origins of the hybrids and use both existing literature and novel field observations to predict how the hybrids may have emerged in their respective populations. We demonstrate that all hybrids are F1s, despite their capacity to produce viable seed. We find the hybrids to be intermediate in most phenotypic traits except for their anthocyanin profile, which corresponds to one of the parent species. We use known anthocyanin biosynthesis genes in this system to study the origin of the hybrids distinct pigment phenotype and model how the resulting floral colours may be perceived by different pollinator guilds. Interestingly, we find significant variation in the directionality of hybrid formation, in which the hybrid populations of two widely separated sample sites have inverse patterns of maternal parent species. This study progresses our understanding of the evolution and establishment of distinct pollinator-mediated floral phenotypes in groups of closely related species. Moreover, this study provides an insight into the influence of spatially distinct pollinator interactions in populations of species increasingly at risk as global climates continue to change and influence ecological processes.
... The orchid taxa were identified according to Baumann et al. [54] and Delforge [55], whereas the nomenclature follows POWO [56] and Djordjević et al. [57]. Hand-held GPS devices, the Garmin eTrex 30 and 32 in WGS 84, were used to determine the geographic coordinates (longitude and latitude) and altitude during fieldwork. ...
... The lower number of orchid taxa in the Central Balkans (the western part of Serbia) can primarily be explained by the climatic characteristics of the region, i.e., the prevailing humid temperate-continental climate and the humid mountain climate of the alpine type. The lack of a Mediterranean climate and typical ecosystems of the Mediterranean areas, where most orchids of the genera Ophrys, Orchis and Serapias grow, also contributes to this pattern [55,69,70]. ...
... The distribution of the richness of rhizomatous orchids in the Central Balkans (Figure 2b) is very similar to the distribution of total orchid richness (Figure 2a), and it is mainly in mountainous regions with rich forest vegetation, which corresponds to the fact that rhizomatous orchids grow mainly in forest ecosystems [55]. The greatest richness of palmate tuberous orchids (Figure 2c) is found in the high mountain regions, especially in the 10 × 10 km grid cells located on the highest peaks, which confirms the hypothesis that they are best adapted to cold and humid conditions [41]. ...
The Balkan Peninsula is considered one of the most important centres of orchid diversity in Europe. However, the patterns of orchid species richness in the Central Balkans have not been sufficiently studied so far. The aim of this study was, therefore, to identify the centres of orchid diversity and the factors that influence the spatial variation in orchid species richness in the Central Balkans. For the analyses, the area of the Central Balkans was divided into 10 × 10 km grid cells. The environmental variables determined for each grid cell and used in the analyses were altitude, bioclimatic variables, geological substrates and habitat types. A random forest (RF) analysis was used to identify the environmental predictors most strongly associated with species richness. In addition to the total number of taxa, orchids with three belowground organ types were analysed separately: (a) rhizomatous orchids, (b) orchids with palmately lobed and fusiform tubers (“palmate tuberous orchids”) and (c) orchids with spherical or ovoid tubers (“ovoid tuberous orchids”). In the Central Balkans, 54 orchid species and subspecies have been recorded, and the most important centres of diversity are the Tara, Zvijezda, Jadovnik and Zlatar Mountains and the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge. In general, two groups of grid cells with the largest number of orchid taxa, i.e., hotspots, stood out: (1) grid cells with a large altitudinal range and (2) grid cells occupied by gorges and ravines. The most important gradients influencing orchid species richness are specific habitat types and altitudinal ranges, while climatic factors and geological substrates are less important. The most important factors affecting the richness of total and rhizomatous orchids are altitudinal range and habitat types (Abieti-Fagenion, Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis and Pinion nigrae forests), highlighting the important role of habitat heterogeneity. The maximum altitude, percentage of Abieti-Fagenion and Vaccinio-Picetea forests and the minimum value of the mean temperature of the driest quarter are the most important factors for determining the richness of palmate tuberous orchids, whereas the percentage of xero-thermophilous habitat types (Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis, Asplenietea trichomanis and Pinion nigrae) has the greatest influence on the richness of ovoid tuberous orchids. These results confirm the hypothesis concerning the origin and development of underground organs in orchids, emphasising that palmate tuberous orchids are best adapted to cold and humid habitat conditions, whereas ovoid tuberous orchids have the ability to grow in habitats with very warm and dry conditions. This study provides a good basis for better orchid conservation planning and underlines the importance of belowground strategies as a feature of orchid life history that should be considered when studying patterns of orchid diversity.
... Soó in Sardinia (Rasetti 1982). In fact, some authors recognize the subspecies while others do not (Grünanger 2000(Grünanger , 2009Lambinon 2001;Rossi 2002;Delforge 2006;Sánchez Pedraja 2005;Conti et al. 2005;Devos et al. 2006;Jeanmonod and Gamisans 2007;Brandrud et al. 2020). More recently, Pignatti et al. (2017Pignatti et al. ( -2019 and Bartolucci et al. (2024) refer to the Sardinian population as D. elata subsp. ...
... Literature review showed that the global distribution of D. elata subsp. sesquipedalis consisted of four disjunct populations: one located in France, one in North-East Spain, one in North Morocco and one in Italy (Sardinia), which represents the easternmost population and the only one for which there is available ecological knowledge (Delforge 2006;. No information on pollination strategy or general population dynamics has been detected in populations different from the Italian one. ...
... We updated the global distribution (Fig. 1) of D. elata subsp. sesquipedalis taking into account all regional, national and foreign monographs (Scrugli 1990;Giros 2009Giros , 2016Delforge 2006). ...
... Distribution and habitat. This species has been recorded to date from Western (except Great Britain), Southern, and Eastern Europe, Cyprus, Syria, Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and a neigh boring area of Northern Iran (Renz 1978, Delforge 2006, Fateryga & Fateryga 2018, GBIF … 2023, POWO 2024; in Russia, E. microphylla has been documented from the Cri mea and the Krasnodar Territory (Fateryga & Fateryga 2018). It New records for the flora of Russia and adjacent states, 5 is a rare species, mainly presented by solitary plants or small groups confined to diverse forest communities (beech and horn beam, oak, hornbeam and oak, as well as pine fo rests) (Popovich et al. 2020). ...
... This plant has a rather wide but fragmented geographical range, which includes the Balkans (Bulgaria, Greece), Crimea, the Caucasus, Asia Minor, Western, Southern, Central Asia (Af gha nistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Turkmenistan) and West Himalaya. It grows in humid shady wet habitats in de ciduous, conifer, and mixed forests at 200-2700 m.s.l., rarely in meadow steppes (Renz 1978, Delforge 2006, Fateryga & Fa teryga 2018, Fateryga et al. 2019, GBIF … 2023, POWO 2024. The distribution of this species in Central Asia may be largely underrated. ...
... (Czerniakowska 1941, Sennikov & Tojibaev 2021, POWO 2024. The most similar with E. persica is E. helleborine, which is allogamous and differs by rather robust habit, 4-9 leaves arranged throughout the stem, rather dense and many-flowered inflorescence with a pubescent rachis and ovaries, rather large flowers, and usually functional viscidium, while E. persica is autogamous plant with a slender stem, 3-4 leaves arranged mainly in the middle part of the stem, rather lax inflorescence with glabrous or subglabrous rachis, subglabrous ovaries, rather small flowers, and a distinctly present but inefficient viscidium (Delforge 2006, Fateryga & Fa te ryga 2018. Other two species of Epipactis distributed in Uzbekistan are members of the section Arthrochilium Irmisch with a different structure of the hypochile (not cup-shaped); they cannot be confused with either E. persica or E. helleborine. ...
With this paper we continue an annual series, the main purpose of which is to make significant floristic findings from Russia and neighboring countries more visible in Russia and abroad. In total, this paper presents new records for 60 vascular plant spe cies from 5 Eurasian countries, obtained during field explorations, as well as during taxonomic revisions of herbarium materials. For the first time, Clematis tangutica, Cyno glossum asperrimum, and Potentilla hubsugulica are recorded for Russia, Azolla filiculoides for Uzbekistan and Central Asia, Hackelia popovii for China and Kyrgyzstan, Chamaer hodos erecta for Kyrgyzstan, Astragalus tatjanae, Centaurea tadshicorum, Cynosurus echinatus, Epipactis persica, Eremurus × decoloratus, Euphrasia drosophylla, Fritillaria rugillosa, Paspalum distichum, Plagiobasis centauroides for Uzbekistan, Poa turfosa for the Yamal-Nenets Au tonomous Area, as well as for the Siberian arctic-hyparctic floristic province and the entire Arctic and Hyparctic Asia, Carduus × semiperegrinus, Reynoutria × bohemica for Siberia, Artemisia obtusiloba subsp. martjanovii for Baikal Siberia, Callitriche cophocarpa for the Republic of Altai, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Kemerovo and Tomsk regions, Prunella vulgaris for the Magadan Region and Chukotka Autonomous Area, Cynoglossum of ficinale for the Republic of Buryatia, Carex buxbaumii, Epipactis microphylla for the Re public of Dagestan, Tripleurospermum elongatum for the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic, Anthyllis vulneraria, Malva moschata, Menispermum dauricum, Persicaria orientalis, Petrosedum rupestre, Rubus occidentalis, R. procerus, Vitis amurensis for the Republic of Mordovia, Oxytropis caespitosa for the Tyva Republic, Myosotis sparsiflora, Pedicularis spicata for the Magadan Region and northern part of the Russian Far East, Astragalus arkalycensis, Bolboschoenus laticarpus, Limonium suffruticosum for the Omsk Region, Arabidopsis arenosa for the Tomsk Region, Asparagus pallasii, Astragalus cicer, Sisymbrium altissimum for the Tyumen Region, Thymus dimorphus for the Volgograd Region, Botrychium boreale for the Vologda Region, Thymus kondratjukii for the Voronezh Region, Rudbeckia triloba, Stachys byzantina for the Rostov Region, Geranium turczaninovii for the Almaty Region of Kazakhstan, Potentilla thuringiaca for the Karaganda Region of Kazakhstan and the Kazakh uplands (Kazakhskiy Melkosopochnik), Egeria densa for the Hunan Province and Elodea nuttallii for the Jiang su Province of China.
... Distribution of the new taxa for the country was presented in a UTM grid map for each specices. The taxonomy follows Delforge (2006), and only the taxonomic status for E. leptochila subsp. naousaensis was given according to Hertel & al. (2014). ...
... Inflorescence lax, with 3-7 flowers; bracts leaf-like; flowers rather small; sepals yellowish-green, uniform; petals yellowish-green, olive-green to ochre, velvety, occasionally spotted with purple; lip entire, orbicular or occasionally irregular, heart-shaped and obscurely 3-lobed, relatively small 7-10 mm × 8-11 mm, no bulging or small, rounded basal swellings, dark ruby-red-brown, with sides ± narrowly colored yellow with very short micro-hairs, attenuated on distal half; speculum narrow, blue, more often in the shape of two longitudinal lines extending from a stigmatic cavity near the lip tip; stigmatic cavity with a floor colored as lip, seldom reddish; pseudo-eyes bluish, sometimes broadly encircled by pale bluish. this study, the status of O. epirotica is accepted as a species, following Delforge (2006). So far, the species has been known from Albania and Greece (Delforge 2006: 569). ...
... However, the taxon has not been accepted by all researchers as a separate species and is included in the synonymy of the nominal subspecies of O. sphegodes (Pedersen & Faurholdt 2007: 178;Kühn & al. 2019: 238). In the present article, this taxon is considered a separate species, following the taxonomy proposed by Delforge (2006). Further studies are needed on the presence and distribution of O. sphegodes in Bulgaria. ...
... The terrestrial orchid genus Dactylorhiza Neck. ex Nevski, distributed from the temperate to the boreal belt of the Northern Hemisphere with a centre of genetic diversity in the Mediterranean Basin and the Caucasus Mts, is one of the most taxonomically challenging groups of the orchid family (Pedersen 1998;Delforge 2006;Pillon et al. 2006;Eccarius 2016 Within this complex, three groups can be recognized: the D. incarnata agg. (diploid only), the D. maculata agg. ...
... The polyploid system of the D. maculata agg., too, is more complex than previously believed (e.g. Heslop-Harrison 1968;Vöth and Greilhuber 1980;Delforge 2006;Kubát 2010), as indicated by several studies (Jagiełło and Lankosz-Mróz 1988;Ståhlberg andHedrén 2008, 2010). Four DNA-ploidy levels were detected in our FCM analysis, corresponding to diploids, DNA-triploids, tetraploids and DNAhexaploids. ...
... Previously, this was manifested by the unstable taxonomic treatment of taxa represented by these groups. For example, populations of the psychrophila group have been alternately incorporated into D. maculata (Jagiełło 1988;Eccarius 2016) or D. fuchsii (Baumann et al. 2004;Kreutz 2004;Kubát 2010), or set aside as a separate species (Redl 2003;Delforge 2006;Mirek et al. 2020; see also Table 1). Serious difficulties have also been reported with regard to distinguishing between D. *fuchsii and D. *transsilvanica, traditionally subordinated to D. *maculata (cf. ...
Effective protection of endangered species is often limited by taxonomic discrepancies across state borders. This is also the case of the Dactylorhiza maculata agg. in Central Europe, where one to three species and several infraspecific taxa are recognized in various countries. Based on an extensive analysis of morphological variation, ploidy levels, environmental traits and habitats of 64 populations in Central Europe and adjacent regions, we aimed to propose a unified taxonomic concept applicable throughout the study area. Multivariate analysis of morphological traits revealed continuous variation at the individual level and only minor differences between particular clusters of populations. Four DNA-ploidy levels were detected using flow cytometry. Diploids (2 n = 40) and tetraploids (2 n = 80) were the most abundant and usually formed single-cytotype populations whereas DNA-triploids and DNA-hexaploids occurred only sporadically as minority cytotypes. The inferred patterns of morphological and ploidy variation were not congruent with traditional taxonomic treatment regarding diploid D. fuchsii and tetraploid D. maculata as two species with several infraspecific taxa. Instead, all taxa analysed in the current study are best treated at the subspecies level within D. maculata s. lat. due to somewhat continuous morphological variation between morphotypes. A total of eight D. maculata subspecies may be recognized in Central Europe, of which one is newly described here as D. maculata subsp. arcana , subsp. nov. Some nomenclatural riddles have been resolved, and the threat status of the recognized taxa is discussed.
... The Mediterranean region is generally considered a biodiversity hotspot for orchids, providing home to the highest diversity of orchid species across all Europe (e.g. Vereecken et al., 2010;Delforge, 2006). However, a large proportion of formerly natural orchid habitats has been cultivated, often being transformed into secondary and/or semi-natural habitats. ...
... Besides habitat loss and/or disturbance, global climate change exerts additional unfavorable pressure on orchid habitats (Barredo et al., 2016). Despite these unfavorable changes, many orchid species thrive in the Mediterranean, often occupying secondary habitats (Schönfelder and Schönfelder, 1984;Kretzschmar et al., 2004;Delforge, 2006). Such secondary habitats include Mediterranean olive groves, especially those situated within Europe, which can provide habitats for significant orchid populations (Kreutz, 1998;Delforge, 2006;Petanidou et al., 2013). ...
... Despite these unfavorable changes, many orchid species thrive in the Mediterranean, often occupying secondary habitats (Schönfelder and Schönfelder, 1984;Kretzschmar et al., 2004;Delforge, 2006). Such secondary habitats include Mediterranean olive groves, especially those situated within Europe, which can provide habitats for significant orchid populations (Kreutz, 1998;Delforge, 2006;Petanidou et al., 2013). While this has been a widely known phenomenon among orchid experts of Europe, only a few floristic reports and observations mention occasional occurrences of orchids in olive groves (e.g. ...
Olive and olive oil production is one of the main agricultural activities in the Mediterranean region. Besides their economic importance, traditional and organic olive groves were also hypothesized to contribute to biodiversity conservation. For instance, the presence of terrestrial orchids in olive groves has long been known. It is, however, not well understood what ecological or biological traits of olive groves influence the species richness and abundance of these protected flora elements in these secondary habitats. We surveyed 273 olive groves across the mainland of three countries (France, Greece, Italy) and three islands under their administration (Corsica, Lesbos, Sardinia). The surveyed olive groves provided habitat to more than 60,000 orchid individuals belonging to 45 species. Our results indicate that olive groves located on islands had a significantly greater potential for orchid conservation, as they harbored more species and individuals than olive groves on the mainland. Furthermore, orchid presence and species richness was highest in olive groves located on islands with high diversity of pasture weeds or native woody species, while these results also highlight the more traditional use of island groves and a difference in the intensity of maintenance between island and mainland groves. Overall, our study suggests that Mediterranean olive groves contribute significantly to the conservation of diverse terrestrial orchid communities and highlights the importance of traditional management practices in olive groves that allow local biodiversity to flourish.
... The genus Cypripedium includes about 45 species [5], from which the lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus L.) is the most widely distributed species. It ranges from Great Britain and Scandinavia across northern and central Europe to north-east Spain and northern Italy, and from western Europe through southern Siberia to Rebun Island [6,7]. In Europe, this orchid with large ornamental flowers is exceedingly rare [8]. ...
... In Europe, this orchid with large ornamental flowers is exceedingly rare [8]. It is a long-lived, rhizomatous, terrestrial, cross-fertilized species [7,8], usually growing in slightly shaded deciduous and mixed woodlands (rarely in full sunlight, often in coppiced forests) and in meadows, predominantly on calcareous soils [7,8], as well as in deciduous and coniferous forests with an understory of grasses and other herbs, in forest clearings and lean pastures, often near stream banks, and in bushy hillsides. ...
... In Europe, this orchid with large ornamental flowers is exceedingly rare [8]. It is a long-lived, rhizomatous, terrestrial, cross-fertilized species [7,8], usually growing in slightly shaded deciduous and mixed woodlands (rarely in full sunlight, often in coppiced forests) and in meadows, predominantly on calcareous soils [7,8], as well as in deciduous and coniferous forests with an understory of grasses and other herbs, in forest clearings and lean pastures, often near stream banks, and in bushy hillsides. ...
Inappropriate forest management activities, above all clear-cutting, are recognized as the major threats to an iconic orchid species—the lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), the flagship species of nature protection in Europe. Although clear-cutting in protected species’ localities is strongly regulated in many European countries, salvage logging is allowed in some circumstances (e.g., following windstorms, and insect outbreaks) and can threaten C. calceolus populations. In this paper, we review a database of recently registered populations of this species in the Czech Republic and study historical maps, to better understand the history of local habitat conditions and assess threats to C. calceolus populations by bark beetle outbreaks. We found that about one-third of the C. calceolus populations have suffered in coniferous or mixed tree plantations with a high proportion of spruce trees, which are forests with a high risk of bark beetle infestation. We review bark beetle management measures and distinguish management efforts in areas with known C. calceolus populations that result in no damage to the population and, at times, improve habitat conditions for the species. Thus, the bark beetle—usually understood as the enemy—can be transformed into a savior if smart management measures will replace the panic salvage logging.
... However, this feature is much less marked than in some E. helleborine (Fig. 3). There are two implications from this finding: if Delforge (2006) is correct in stating that west coast E. dunensis have pink to purple-stained pedicels (but see below) and are thus according to him part of the E. helleborine (L.) Crantz complex rather than the E. leptochila complex as he claims E. 'sancta' is, then at least some plants on Lindisfarne might be classified as E. dunensis on his criteria. ...
... There remain the other characters listed by Delforge (2002) which he said differentiate E. 'sancta' from E. dunensis. He does not describe how character states differ between the populations in that publication, but I am assuming that the fuller descriptions in Delforge (2006) can be substituted. Delforge (2002) contends that E. dunensis, as part of his E. helleborine group possesses a clinandrium, that is a depression on the top of the gynandrium onto which the pollinia fall. ...
... Delforge (2002) contends that E. dunensis, as part of his E. helleborine group possesses a clinandrium, that is a depression on the top of the gynandrium onto which the pollinia fall. However, Delforge (2006) states 'clinandrium +/-developed, sometimes almost absent' for E. dunensis, and for E. 'sancta' (under E. muelleri Godfrey) 'clinandrium near absent'. With regard to the denticulation of the leaf margin, Delforge (2006) states for E. dunensis "fine regular serrations 0.03-0.06 ...
The characters which supposedly differentiate the narrow endemic Epipactis sancta (Delforge) Delforge on Lindisfarne (north-east England) from ‘Tyne’ and west coast (type) populations of Epipactis dunensis (T. & T.A. Stephenson) Godfery are examined. Lindisfarne plants vary for purple staining of the pedicel, while ‘Tyne’ populations and at least some west coast plants lack this character. There is no significant difference between ‘Tyne’ and Lindisfarne populations for the relative length of the inflorescence (position of uppermost leaf). It is shown that other supposed differences are apparently trivial. It is considered that minor differences in sequence in chloroplast DNA between the populations do not in themselves suggest that E. sancta deserves specific rank. It is concluded that the Lindisfarne population is best regarded as E. dunensis.
... Although E. helleborine is a habitat generalist in comparison to other orchids, its occurrence is still limited to some extent by bedrock, deciduous tree cover, soil and climate (Hemrová et al., 2019;Evans and Jacquemyn, 2020). Reproduction in E. helleborine can be either sexual (primarily allogamous, with pollination occurring via insects) or asexual (vegetative via rhizomes) (Delforge, 2006). The seeds produced are very small, wind-dispersed 'dust seeds' that depend on the presence of mycorrhizal fungi in the soil for successful germination and establishment (Bidartondo and Read, 2008;Jacquemyn et al., 2018). ...
... The seeds produced are very small, wind-dispersed 'dust seeds' that depend on the presence of mycorrhizal fungi in the soil for successful germination and establishment (Bidartondo and Read, 2008;Jacquemyn et al., 2018). The high seed-dispersal capability of E. helleborine, combined with its ability to colonize a relatively broad array of habitats, is thought to have given rise to a large number of subspecies or variants through temporal, ecological or geographical isolation (Delforge, 2006), but the validity of their taxonomic status warrants more detailed research (Sramkó et al., 2019;Bateman, 2020). ...
... The importance of Mediterranean refugia has been widely recognized in the literature (Médail and Diadema, 2009), and the presence of central European microrefugia is becoming more apparent (see Schmitt & Varga, 2012). Although the spatial resolution we used did not allow us to detect microrefugia, some evidence of suitable habitat during the LGM can be seen in the vicinity of Slovakia and Hungary (Fig. 1), and glacial refugia have been identified here for species with which E. helleborine commonly co-occurs, such as beech (Delforge, 2006;Giesecke, 2013). Additionally, these areas contain populations that are genetically distinct (Fig. 2). ...
Background and Aims
Historical changes in environmental conditions and colonization-extinction dynamics have a direct impact on the genetic structure of plant populations. However, understanding how past environmental conditions influenced the evolution of species with high gene flow is challenging when signals for genetic isolation and adaptation are swamped by gene flow. We investigated the spatial distribution and genetic structure of the widespread terrestrial orchid Epipactis helleborine to identify glacial refugia, characterise postglacial population dynamics and assess its adaptive potential.
Methods
Ecological niche modelling was used to locate possible glacial refugia and postglacial recolonization opportunities of E. helleborine. A large single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing was used to define population genetic diversity and structure and to identify sources of postglacial gene flow. Outlier analyses were used to elucidate how adaptation to local environment contributed to population divergence.
Key Results
The distribution of climatically suitable areas was restricted during the Last Glacial Maximum to the Mediterranean, south-western Europe and small areas in the Alps and Carpathians. Within-population genetic diversity was high in E. helleborine (mean expected heterozygosity: 0.373 ± 0.006, observed heterozygosity: 0.571 ± 0.012, allelic richness: 1.387 ± 0.007). Italy and central Europe likely acted as important genetic sources during postglacial recolonization. Adaptive SNPs were associated with temperature, elevation and precipitation.
Conclusions
Forests in the Mediterranean and Carpathians likely acted as glacial refugia for Epipactis helleborine. Postglacial migration northwards and to higher elevations resulted in the dispersal and diversification of E. helleborine in central Europe and Italy, as well as geographic isolation and divergent adaptation in Greek and Italian populations. Distinguishing adaptive from neutral genetic diversity allowed us to conclude that E. helleborine has a high adaptive potential to climate change and demonstrates that signals of adaptation and historic isolation can be identified even in species with high gene flow.
... The identification of the species was investigated according to DeLforge (2006DeLforge ( ), baumann & al. (2006 and tSiftSiS & antonoPouLoS (2017), whereas the nomenclature followed the euro+meD (2006). One specimen of E. exilis (without rhizome) was collected and deposited in the Herbarium of the Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden 'Jevremovac', University of Belgrade (BEOU). ...
... One specimen of E. exilis (without rhizome) was collected and deposited in the Herbarium of the Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden 'Jevremovac', University of Belgrade (BEOU). The morphological description of the species is based on a single herbarium specimen, with some qualitative and quantitative characters added according to DeLforge (2006), baumann & al. (2006) and tSiftSiS & antonoPouLoS (2017. The values of the measured characters of the specimen from Serbia are shown in bold. ...
... Učka), Hungary, Slovakia, northern and central Romania, and in France (incl. Corsica), while the findings reported from Spain remain to be clarified ( Fig. 2; DeLforge 2006, giroS 2009, tSift-SiS & al. 2009, AHO 2011, moLnár 2011, tSiftSiS & antonoPouLoS 2017, arDeLean & al. 2018 schists,exp. N,incl. ...
Epipactis exilis P. Delforge (Orchidaceae) was found at Mt. Kopaonik (Central Serbia) as a new species in the flora of Serbia. This is the first known locality of this species in the Central Balkans. Morphological characteristics, distribution data, habitat preferences and population size are provided. Based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, E. exilis is estimated as Critically Endangered (CR D) in Serbia.
... Orchids are known to occur in almost all terrestrial ecosystems, while they are absent or less abundant in extremely dry deserts, salt marshes and agricultural lands [5,6]. Terrestrial orchids in Europe occur in forests and scrubs, grasslands, meadows, heaths, tall-herb vegetation as well as in mires, bogs, fens, marshlands and even in anthropogenic determine the richness of orchid taxa in relation to wetland vegetation; (iv) to demonstrate the importance of geological substrates as factors affecting the distribution, abundance and composition of orchids; and (v) to identify the main threats to orchids of wetland vegetation and to draw basic conclusions for orchid conservation. ...
... The species Epipactis palustris (Figure 3b), which occurs exclusively in wetland vegetation, is widespread throughout the Central Balkans [43]. Neottia ovata, on the other hand, is an ecologically very plastic species that grows in wetland vegetation as well as in other vegetation types, including forests [6,41,45]. The genus Orchis is also represented by only a few representatives, which is not surprising knowing that the species of this genus tend to grow in xerophilous and mesophilous habitats and often in forest ecosystems. ...
... Many orchids of this chorological group are characterized by great ecological plasticity, which allows them to grow and survive in different habitats. Gymnadenia conopsea, Neottia ovata and Platanthera bifolia are among the least specialized and most widespread species [6,15,18]. ...
Wetland ecosystems are important habitats for the growth and survival of numerous terrestrial orchids in Europe. This study reviews the current knowledge on the orchids of wetland vegetation in the Central Balkans. The orchid flora was analyzed from taxonomic, phytogeographical, ecological and conservation aspects. The most important taxa include the two Balkan endemics (Dactylorhiza cordigera subsp. bosniaca and D. kalopissi subsp. macedonica) and the three subendemics of the Balkans and the Carpathians (Dactylorhiza cordigera subsp. cordigera, D. maculata subsp. transsilvanica and Gymnadenia frivaldii), as well as a considerable number of Central European, Eurasian and boreal orchid representatives. Several orchid taxa occurring in the wet meadows and fens of the Central Balkans have a southern limit of their distribution in this part of Europe, suggesting that wetlands are important refuges for them. In total, 33 orchid taxa were recorded in plant communities from five classes, 10 orders and 17 alliances. Most orchid taxa grow in the following wetland vegetation types: wet meadows (class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, order Molinietalia caeruleae, alliances Molinion caeruleae, Deschampsion cespitosae and Calthion palustris); fens (class Scheuchzerio palustris-Caricetea fuscae, order Caricetalia fuscae, alliance Caricion fuscae); tall-herb vegetation along mountain streams and springs (class Mulgedio-Aconitetea); marshes and herb-land vegetation of freshwater or brackish water bodies (class Phragmito-Magnocaricetea). This study highlights the importance of serpentine and silicate wetland vegetation types as important habitats for the survival of terrestrial orchids. In addition, detailed taxonomic, ecological and chorological studies of the wetland orchids of the Central Balkans need to be carried out in order to establish a successful plan for their conservation.
... In terms of morphology, the reported Bulgarian collection compares well to the representative descriptions of G. berkeleyi in Pegler et al. (1995), Jeppson (2013), and Jeppson et al. (2013), It also partially corresponds to that in Sunhede (1989), though due to the taxonomic concept of the species in this latter work, readers are advised to also consult the relevant comments in Jeppson et al. (2013: 447-448). Epipactis microphylla is distributed throughout most of Europe, from Belgium to the Caspian Sea, in the Caucasus and Asia Minor (Delforge 2006). The species has previously been recorded in numerous localities within a total of 39 10 × 10 m UTM grid cells in three regions of Serbia (Northwestern, Western and Southwestern Serbia) (Djordjević 2021 and the references therein). ...
... Slovenian occurrences have been documented in numerous phytogeographical regions, however, the most recent data from the sub-Pannonian unit dates back more than 50 years (Martinčič 2024b). Ophrys apifera is distributed across western, central, southern and eastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, in the Levant and North Africa, northward as far as Great Britain, Holland and Denmark, and in the east as far as the Caucasus (Delforge 2006;Pedersen & Faurholdt 2007). The species was previously recorded in 21 10 × 10 UTM grid cells in Serbia in the following regions: Banat, Northwestern Serbia, Western Serbia, Šumadija, Central Serbia, Eastern Serbia, as well as Kosovo and Metohija (Djordjević et al. 2017;Sabovljević et al. 2021). ...
This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in SE Europe and adjacent regions: lichenised fungus Solorina bispora var. subspongiosa, saprotrophic fungi Geastrum berkeleyi and Marasmius epiphylloides, liverworts Bazzania trilo
... c. Sampling design during the main phase According to Delforge (2006), the five taxa of conservation interest prefer open habitats of thin, short vegetation, including open woodland, except for Orchis provincialis that exhibits a preference for damper environments, a fact that was confirmed by our preliminary scouting. In Figure 3 we mark the preliminary findings of Orchis provincialis on a precipitation map (Hellenic National Meteorological Service, 2024). ...
... Spiranthes spiralis flowers from August to October throughout its broad distribution range, from the Atlantic coasts of Europe to Iran and from S Sweden to N Africa (Delforge, 2006). In the Mediterranean, we would expect the onset of flowering to coincide with the onset of the wet season, which varies from year to year. ...
A floristic survey was implemented during 2021-2022 largely within Natura sites GR1430008 and GR1420004 in the Region of Thessaly, altogether comprising 796 km2. While both Natura sites were explored, the sampling effort was intensified within a narrow study area of 550 km2 encompassing the N part of Mt Pelion and the whole of Mt Mavrovouni. Sampling within the narrow study area was one-third guided by previous findings and two-thirds random. In total, 129 square cells 1 km2 wide were explored, of which 100 yielded orchid findings; 39 orchid taxa (species and subspecies) plus two nothotaxa were recorded. In the narrow study area, 33 orchid taxa and nothotaxa were recorded, of which 13 for the first time: Anacamptis papilionacea, A. pyramidalis, Himantoglossum robertianum, Ophrys × delphinensis, O. sicula, O. speculum, O. sphegodes subsp. sphegodes, O. tenthredinifera, O. tenthredinifera × O. sphegodes subsp. taurica (syn. O. mammosa), O. umbilicata, Orchis italica, O. simia, and Platanthera bifolia. The main threats facing orchids are rooting by feral pigs, overgrazing by ruminants, clearing of road verges, intensive arboriculture, and the encroachment of photovoltaic farms. • Izvleček V letih 2021 in 2022 smo v Tesaliji, na 796 km2 velikem območju, izvedli floristično raziskavo predvsem na Natura območjih GR1430008 in GR1420004. Obe območji smo pregledali, bolj intenzivno pa smo vzorčili na ožjem območju na površini 550 km2 , ki obsega severni del gore Pelion in celotno goro Mavrovouni. Eno tretjino ožjega območja smo vzorčili na osnovi predhodnih raziskav, dve tretjini pa naključno. Raziskali smo 129 kvadrantov v velikosti 1 km2 , od tega je bila v 100 kvadrantih prisotna vsaj ena orhideja. Skupaj smo našli 39 taksonov (vrste in podvrste) in dva nototaksona orhidej, od teh jih je bilo 13 najdenih prvič: Anacamptis papilionacea, A. pyramidalis, Himantoglossum robertianum, Ophrys × delphinensis, O. sicula, O. speculum, O. sphegodes subsp. sphegodes, O. tenthredinifera, O. tenthredinifera × O. sphegodes subsp. taurica (syn. O. mammosa), O. umbilicata, Orchis italica, O. simia, in Platanthera bifolia. Glavne grožnje, s katerimi se soočajo orhideje, so kopanje divjih prašičev, intenzivna paša prežvekovalcev, čiščenje cestnih brežin, intenzivno gozdarstvo in posegi zaradi fotovoltaičnih elektrarn.
... This high dispersal potential could be a key reason explaining the high likelihood of orchid presence in disturbed anthropogenic habitats. Several anthropogenic areas were shown to provide habitat for orchids, including cemeteries (Löki et al., 2015(Löki et al., , 2019a(Löki et al., , 2019bMolnár et al., 2017aMolnár et al., , 2017b, poplar plantations Molnár V. et al., 2022), orchards (Delforge, 2006), abandoned mines (Esfeld et al., 2008;Shefferson et al., 2008), urban habitats (Rewicz et al., 2017), as well as roadsides (Fekete et al., 2017;Bódis et al., 2018;Fekete et al., 2019;Fekete et al., 2020). Roadside verges could serve as a new niche to be colonized by the wind-dispersed seeds of orchids. ...
... We recorded the presence/absence of orchids and where orchids were present, the number of specimens belonging to each detected species. Orchid species identification was done following Delforge (2006), and the nomenclature used in this study follows the same source. In some cases, identification of orchids to the species level was not possible due to their vegetative phenological state. ...
Facing global climate change is a great challenge for species. Numerous species respond to a changing climate by shifting their geographical ranges, adapting to the local climate or finding microrefugia to persist under unfavorable macroclimatic conditions. Orchids are frequently found in roadside verges, and it was demonstrated that roadsides could serve as refugia for orchids in a changing landscape. We investigated whether roadside slopes, facing different compass directions could serve as microrefugia for orchids, using our database spanning across 18 European countries. Our results showed that the probability of orchid occurrence in north-facing roadside slopes are greater than on south-facing slopes. Further, we found a significant difference in the probability of orchid occurrence in different exposures under unfavorable macroclimatic conditions. In south-facing slopes, the probability of orchid occurrence decreased with increasing annual mean temperature and increasing precipitation seasonality. This suggests that harsh microclimatic environments intensify the negative effects of the macroclimate in south-facing slopes. Moreover, roadside slopes with cooler microclimatic conditions might facilitate the persistence of orchids under a warming and increasingly stochastic climate.
... Nevertheless, the taxonomy of the orchid family is in a constant flux, as numerous studies continue to identify newly acquired specimens, thus leading to the reclassifying and reanalyzing of some of the preexisting taxa (Wraith et al., 2020;Griebl and Presser, 2021). Temperate zones of Europe and the Middle East harbor approximately 520À550 species of terrestrial/geophyte orchids, with over 200 subspecies and varieties (Delforge, 2006;Griebl and Presser, 2021). ...
... Dactylorhiza genus is a monophyletic group consisting 114 species and nothospecies that are widely distributed across the temperate northern European-Asian hemisphere ranging from the Scandinavian basin to the Anatolian plateau and the northern extensions of the Himalayas (Averyanov, 1990;Delforge, 2006;Hedr en et al., 2021). The underground tubers of the Dactylorhiza species are palmateshape with two to five lobes, resembling the fingers of a human hand (De Angelli and Anghelescu, 2020). ...
We aimed to explore in vitro seed germination optimizing and somatic embryogenesis induction as well as to identify phytochemical constituents of endangered terrestrial orchid, Dactylorhiza umbrosa (Kar. & Kir.) Nev-ski. Taking into account the endangered status of D. umbrosa populations in the Euro-Mediterra-nean and the Middle East basins caused by climate change and human activities, our method may be exploited for large-scale propagation of in vitro raised plants and reintroduce them into their natural habitats.
... The taxa list is based on our own field studies Boršić et al. (2017) and 9 Pandža et al. (2017). The identification of taxa was done using the standard reference works (Tutin et al. 1968-1980, 1993, Pignatti 1982, Domac 1994, Delforge 2006and Nikolić 2019, 2020a, 2020b, while the nomenclature follows the Flora Presser & S. Hertel (Delforge 2006(Delforge , 2016 and several cultivated taxa (Cullen et al. 1995(Cullen et al. -2000Walters et al. 1984Walters et al. -1989. Asteraceae and Cichoriaceae were merged into a single family of Compositae. ...
... The taxa list is based on our own field studies Boršić et al. (2017) and 9 Pandža et al. (2017). The identification of taxa was done using the standard reference works (Tutin et al. 1968-1980, 1993, Pignatti 1982, Domac 1994, Delforge 2006and Nikolić 2019, 2020a, 2020b, while the nomenclature follows the Flora Presser & S. Hertel (Delforge 2006(Delforge , 2016 and several cultivated taxa (Cullen et al. 1995(Cullen et al. -2000Walters et al. 1984Walters et al. -1989. Asteraceae and Cichoriaceae were merged into a single family of Compositae. ...
The vascular flora of Krka National Park recorded after its proclamation in 1985 is presented and analysed. In total, 1509 plant taxa within 582 genera and 132 families were recorded. The most represented families are Compositae, Poaceae and Fabaceae, while the dominant chorotypes are south-European and Eurasian. Life-form analysis demonstrated that vascular flora of NP Krka lies between the typical Mediterraneanand the central European spectrum, confirming the sub-Mediterranean phytogeographical position of this area. The analyses of medians of ecological indicator values for light, air temperature and soil moisture showed the domination of species typical for open, warm and dry habitats.
... whose species do not contain chlorophyll at all, while species from the genus Limodorum Boehm. and Corallorhiza Gagnebin contains very little chlorophyll (Delforge, 2006;Šegota & Alegro, 2011). ...
... Considering the ecology of the species, it can be expected the ghost orchid to be found in many other mountains and habitats throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially within primeval complexes such as Lom, Janj, Perućica, etc. However, since it is a species with a short stature and pale color, which blooms at irregular intervals and can only be seen on the surface during flowering, with the possibility of underground flowering (Delforge, 2006;Šegota & Alegro, 2011), the discovery of new sites might be considered to be primarily the result of luck and chance. ...
In 2020, a new site of the ghost orchid (Epipogium aphyllum Swartz) was found in the area of Mt. Jadovnik, near Drvar in the western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This mycoheterotrophic orchid belongs to one of the rarest and least known species of orchids in the world. The paper gives a brief description of the ecology of the species, a description of the habitat conditions in the site area, and an overview of the previous records for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was found in beech and fir dominated primeval forest, in Visućka draga on Mt. Jadovnik. So far, it has been confirmed in only a few locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
... Barlia robertiana) (Figure 1), a food-deceptive orchid widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin, from Portugal to Anatolia [12]. The typical habitat of this species is sunny to mid-shady on alkaline, dry to moist substrates, up to 1700 m asl [13]. The species, commonly called the "giant orchid" because of its large size (25 to 80 cm tall), is featured by thick stems and by a basal rosette of 5 to 10 leaves. ...
... Inflorescences are dense, 6-23 cm tall, hosting up to 60 flowers. The blooming stage starts in January and ends in April [13]. H. robertianum is one of the 64 wild-occurring orchids in Sardinia (Italy) [14], where it could be easily found in degraded urban lots (even in airport runaways' edges), coastline dunes, mountain roadsides, etc. ...
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are produced by plants to address a variety of physiological and ecological tasks (among others, stress resistance, and pollinator attraction). Genetics is a key factor in determining plants’ VOCs content and emission, nevertheless, environment strongly influences VOCs profiles in plants. Orchids are a widespread group of plants that colonize diverse environments and rely on complex and refined pollination mechanisms to reproduce. Orchids VOCs are rarely studied and discussed in relation to growing conditions. In the present study, we compare the volatile profiles of inflorescences of Himantoglossum robertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge sampled in six ecologically diverse populations on Sardinia Island (Italy). The essential oils obtained by steam distillation were characterized by GC-FID and GC-MS analysis. A total of 79 compounds were detected, belonging to the chemical classes of saturated hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols, ketones, unsaturated hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenes, oxygenated terpenes, terpenes, acids, and aldehydes. Multivariate statistics separated H. robertianum populations based on their chemical profiles. Differences were positively linked to the distance separating populations and reflected climatological features of the sampling sites. Interestingly, our results differed from those available in the literature, pointing out the high variability of VOCs profiles in this food-deceptive orchid.
... Geocoordinates were also recorded of the visited cemeteries using a Garmin eTrex Legend GPS handheld device in WGS84 projection. All orchid taxa were identified based upon Delforge (2006), and their scientific names followed The World Flora Online (https://www. worldfloraonline.org/). ...
Habitats sensitive to anthropogenic pressures are growing in conservation importance in the protection and perpetuation of rare animal and plant species. Although natural habitats sensitive to disturbance in urban areas have mostly declined in availability, patches offer conservation opportunities for wildlife that are fundamental to maintaining biodiversity. Human burial sites can contribute to this: they are more numerous and greater in extent in more urbanized areas, but their significance in the maintenance and promotion of biodiversity has not been considered across Europe and other continents. Because of their high sensitivity to even minor disturbance to natural habitats, orchid diversity is a key bioindicator of terrestrial ecosystem function. We evaluated orchid diversity in cemeteries of 13 European countries. Comprehensive field surveys of orchid flora in 2079 locations revealed that they occurred in every country visited and in high variability in both the number of taxa (n = 65) and individual plant counts (n = 44680). We propose that cemeteries are of major importance as refugia in conserving orchids in most of the visited European countries; however, one of the most urgent issues is to identify the many anthropogenic factors determining biodiversity of cemeteries, and to eliminate some newly emerged management practices in cemeteries that undermine biodiversity, including the orchid flora. Human burial grounds are therefore not just important in preserving the history of humankind; they are key in protecting biodiversity in this modern era of unprecedented anthropogenic changes to our terrestrial environments, especially as a result of rapid and unrelenting urbanization.
... Huang et al. (2021) identifies C. gregaria as a species usually inhabiting decayed branches of Betula L., Prunus L., Sorbus L., and Tilia L. in Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy). ( (Delforge 2006). The species was recorded for the first time for Serbia on Mt. ...
This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in SE Europe and adjacent regions: saprotrophic fungi Coronophora gregaria and Teunomyces cretensis, stoneworts Nitella flexilis and Nitellopsis obtusa, mosses Brachytheciastrum olympicum, Buxbaumia viridis and Taxiphyllum densiflium, monocots Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Poa infirma and Poa jubata and dicots Knautia pancicii and Tozzia alpina subsp. carpathica
... Mokrade, vrátane tých s výskytom D. . Averyanov 1990;Buttler 1991;Delforge 2006;Vlčko et al. 2003a;Lauber & Wagner 2007;Teteryuk & Kirillova 2010). Takáto situácia nie je pri taxónoch rodu Dactylorhiza (nielen v stredoeurópskom priestore) ničím výnimočná, skôr naopak, je charakteristická pre viaceré z nich. ...
We report a new record of Dactylorhiza incarnata subsp. haematodes in the Šípska Fatra mountains located in the western part of the Liptov region. This previously unknown population, consisting of nearly 100 fertile individuals, represents the largest stand of the subspecies in Slovakia. It occurs in the habitat of Moist mesotrophic to eutrophic hay meadow (LKP06) within the vegetation of the Junco inflexi-Menthetum longifoliae association (alliance Calthion palustris). Moreover, this population is one of the highest altitude occurrences of the species in the Western Carpathians, where it is rarely found in this type of vegetation in Slovakia. In recent years, a significant decline in the number of sites has been observed. The six remaining known locations are primarily threatened by adverse changes in the water regime. Wetlands, including those hosting D. incarnata subsp. haematodes, are among the most threatened habitats. Therefore, we propose transferring Dactylorhiza incarnata subsp. haematodes to the Critically Endangered category in the forthcoming version of the National Red List. Finally, we highlight the exceptional diversity of other Orchidaceae species in the vicinity of the newly discovered site, providing a list of taxa along with relevant notes.
... Traunsteinera globosa (Fig. 103) Traunsteinera globosa occurs in mountains of central and southern Europe, from the Pyrenees in the west through southern France, the Alps, the Sudetes and the Carpathians to Bulgaria in the east (Baumann & Künkele 1982, Delforge 2006). In the Czech Republic this species grows in meadows, subalpine tall-forb communities and around springs. ...
The fourteenth part of the series on the distributions of vascular plants in the Czech Republic includes grid maps of 103 taxa in the genera Achnatherum, Adonis, Consolida, Corallorhiza, Cypripedium, Dianthus, Glaux, Inula, Juncus, Laser, Linum, Mahonia, Malaxis, Mercurialis, Nassella, Ononis, Pseudorchis, Pyracantha, Rosa, Rubus, Sagina, Samolus, Smyrnium, Spiranthes, Stipa and Traunsteinera. These maps were produced by taxonomic experts based on examined herbarium specimens, literature and field records. The spectrum of taxa includes various ecological groups. Rare habitat specialists are represented by the halophytes Glaux maritima, Juncus gerardii and Samolus valerandi, psammophytes Dianthus arenarius subsp. bohemicus and Stipa borysthenica, petrophytes Dianthus gratianopolitanus, D. lumnitzeri and D. moravicus and the serpentinophyte Dianthus carthusianorum subsp. capillifrons. Additional rare and declining species are among orchids, weeds of arable land, and plants of dry grasslands, thermophilous oak forests and subalpine habitats. Three of the included taxa are Czech endemics (Dianthus arenarius subsp. bohemicus, D. carthusianorum subsp. sudeticus and D. moravicus) and two subendemics, with ranges extending into bordering countries (Dianthus carthusianorum subsp. capillifrons and Rubus brdensis). Altogether, half of the mapped taxa are on the national Red List. Alien species are also represented in this paper. The previously introduced neophytes Mahonia aquifolium, Pyracantha coccinea, Sagina apetala and Smyrnium perfoliatum have started to spread in recent decades. Nassella tenuissima has begun to escape from cultivation. In contrast, some formerly more common weeds of arable land have been declining in recent decades. Spatial distributions and often also temporal dynamics of individual taxa are shown in maps and documented by records included in the Pladias database and available in the Supplementary materials. The maps are accompanied by comments that include additional information on the distribution, habitats, taxonomy and biology of the taxa.
... We detected new occurrences of Ophrys tetraloniae in two Balkan countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro). The species appears to be more widespread (Fig. 3) in the Adriatic coastal area than previously thought (Kreutz 2024;Delforge 2006), and its distribution is not confined only to Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia. Similar to other European orchid species (Fekete et al. 2017(Fekete et al. , 2019(Fekete et al. , 2020(Fekete et al. , 2023, O. tetraloniae is capable of colonising grassy road verges. ...
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.
... Species Orchis morio, Orchis tridentata, Ophrys holosericea and Anacamptis pyramidalis regularly occur on calcareous grasslands [22] and Orchis morio, Orchis ustulata on acidic grasslands [35]. As previous studies indicated that O. ustulata occurs mainly or exclusively on carbonate substrates [83,84], the author's results confirm the recent findings for the Central Balkans, where O. ustulata is also found on silicate acidic substrates [85]. ...
European semi-dry grasslands are habitats of high conservation value. Therefore, research into the mechanisms of community assembly is important for their effective management. Using data from 76 vegetation plots of calcareous and acidic semi-dry grasslands in continental Slovenia, the author analysed the composition of plant traits, focusing on less studied belowground traits. Community-weighted means were calculated for nine plant functional traits: life form, growth form, clonal growth organ (CGO) type, persistence of connection in CGO, number of clonal offspring shoots, lateral spreading distance, role of CGO, bud bank, CSR strategy. The results showed that both grassland communities were characterized by high local persistence (perennial plants with long-lived connections between ramets). Acidic grasslands had more species with rosettes, rhizomes and stress-tolerators, indicating more stressful conditions, probably due to low pH. Mesic grassland species with numerous stolons and longer lateral spread were also characteristic of acidic grasslands. Calcareous grasslands hosted more competitors, plants with leafy stems and plants with perennial main roots. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of grassland processes and provides a basis for future investigations of belowground plant traits and their function.
... In determining the species of vascular plants were used Key to the native and foreign vascular plants in Bulgaria (Stoyanov et al., 2022), Flora of the Republic of Bulgaria (Jordanov, 1963(Jordanov, -1979 and Orchids of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East (Delforge, 2006). For some of the plants, subject to conservation in PAs, information from the developed action plans, approved by MOEW, has been used: Delcheva & Bancheva (2014) for Astracantha thracica; Peev & Valyovska (2015a,b) for Orchis provincialis, Eriolobus trilobata. ...
An overview is made of the national protected areas in the Eastern Rhodopes floristic region in terms of their number, areas and categories, purposes of designation, as well as vascular plant species, subject to conservation. In addition, the correlation of the categories of national protected areas in Bulgaria with those of the IUCN is derived. In the floristic region, 58 protected areas are declared, as follows: 1 Strict reserve, 2 Managed reserves, 27 Natural monuments and 28 Protected sites. A database of inspections of the Protected areas and monitoring of vascular plants in them, stored in the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Waters-Haskovo for the last 20 years has been processed. Based on this, the trends are highlighted and conclusions and recommendations are derived, regarding the sufficiency of the protected areas network, and the adequacy of the regimes introduced by the designation orders for the protection of plant species of conservation concern.
... In determining the species of vascular plants were used Key to the native and foreign vascular plants in Bulgaria (Stoyanov et al., 2022), Flora of the Republic of Bulgaria (Jordanov, 1963(Jordanov, -1979 and Orchids of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East (Delforge, 2006). For some of the plants, subject to conservation in PAs, information from the developed action plans, approved by MOEW, has been used: Delcheva & Bancheva (2014) for Astracantha thracica; Peev & Valyovska (2015a,b) for Orchis provincialis, Eriolobus trilobata. ...
Trifonov, V., Stoyanov, P., Gecheva, G., Vassilev, K. & Vladimirov, V. (2024). Plant species of conservation concern , preserved in national protected areas in the Eastern Rhodopes floristic region, Bulgaria. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 30 (Supplement 1), 11-16 The floristic region of Eastern Rhodopes (ER) is situated in Rilo-Rhodopean range, Southeast Bulgaria. In the ER are designated 58 national protected areas (PAs), 19 of them with 31 plant species of conservation significance, as an object of protection. PAs are one of the most important tools for the conservation of biological diversity. It is expected that the introduced protection regimes in each of them lead to the maintenance or improvement of the state of the populations of the target species. For eight species, this is the only floristic region, in which they are found in Bulgaria. Based on the above the present study aims to review the state of the vascular plant species populations of high conservation concern. The habitats and populations of most of the studied species have not deteriorated since the declaration of the respective protected areas. The main threats are related to habitat deterioration due to changes in ecological conditions (warming, drying), or anthropogenic activities (waste dumping, rock mass mining, reduction/absence of grazing, etc.). Conclusions and recommendations are made on the status and conservation of the presented plant species. In general, it can be concluded that the protected areas in the Eastern Rhodopes guarantee the protection of plant species of high conservation concern. However, a periodic assessment of the state of their populations and adaptation of the conservation regimes is necessary.
... Ophrys, primarily a Eurasian orchid genus, encompasses a variable range of species, estimated between 10 to 400, based either on the molecular analysis so far or the notion of unique pollinator per species (Delforge 2006;Paulus 2006;Bateman and Rudall 2023). The genus has piqued the curiosity of ecologists since the seminal work, on sexual deception of Ophrys L., of Correvon and Pouyanne in 1916. ...
The pollination biology of the genus Ophrys has been extensively explored, primarily due to their utilisation of sexual deception to attract pollinators. Typically, members of this genus produce a low number of fruits per individual and are considered obligate crossers. However, instances of self-pollination in Ophrys are not uncommon, although the impact of pollen origin on seed production remains understudied. As a predominantly cross-pollinated genus we hypothesise that self pollination in Ophrys has a negative effect on seed production. The results of the present work will support decision making for the conservation of the genus. We investigate the consequences of self- and cross-pollination on (a) empty seeds produced and (b) viability of sound seeds for three Ophrys species: Ophrys aesculapii, Ophrys ferrumequinum, and Ophrys kotschyi native to the East Mediterranean region. Bagged individuals of these species were meticulously hand pollinated with pollen sourced either from their own flowers or from neighbouring individuals. Significant differences were observed across all three species, both in terms of the number of empty seeds and the viability of the produced seeds, with significantly lower viability and higher number of empty seeds in seed collections from self-pollinated individuals. Despite being self-compatible, the three Ophrys species exhibited notable inbreeding depression, as evidenced by the outcomes of this study. Based on our results the implementation of controlled cross hand pollination in wild population may contribute in the increase of the reproductive success of Ophrys spp. by increasing the quality and quantity of the produced seeds.
... Ova vrsta uglavnom cvate od sredine svibnja do sredine lipnja. Rahli cvat dug između 15 i 45 cm čini do 40 cvjetova neugodna mirisa (Delforge, 2006)(Slika 2). Cvjetovi su prepoznatljivi po izrazito dugoj, trodjelnoj mednoj usni s uskim, koja često spiralno zavija i po kojoj je vrsta dobila ime (grč. ...
Izvještaj o provođenju programa praćenja jadranske kozonoške (Himantoglossum adriaticum) na području Požeško-slavonske županije.
... Serapias L. is distributed throughout the Mediterranean region (Pridgeon et al. 2001) and contains about 30 species (Delforge 2006) c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t gynostemium, or column, is a structure resulting from the fusion of the androecium and the gynoecium ( Figure 1D). Serapias flowers do not show spur or nectar, have a pollinarium with pollen packed into two pollen masses, and produce olfactory signals (Pellegrino et al. 2012). ...
Orchidaceae, one of the most numerous families in the world's flora, have evolved various pollination strategies to favour cross-pollination, such as deceptive pollination and pollinarium reconfiguration. Among the terrestrial orchids of the Mediterranean, only species belonging to the genus Serapias show a strategy defined as shelter imitation. The floral elements form a tubular structure that insects use during their resting phases. The purpose of this paper was to clarify the mechanisms that guarantee pollination with particular attention to the morphological interactions between orchids and pollinators and whether pollinaria reconfiguration is necessary in the promotion of cross-pollination in Serapias.
Breeding system experiments and hand pollination treatments indicated that Serapias was highly self-compatible, shows low value of natural fruit set and is pollinator limited. Time-lapse photos showed that the pollinarium had no refolding of the stipe or caudicle after its removal from the flower.
The morphology of the flower determined the attack of the pollinarium on the occiput/vertex of insect. When the insect left the flower, the pollinarium was unable to encounter the stigma. When the insect made a second visit to another flower, the pollen masses of the first pollinarium ended up on the stigma and at the same time, the insect picked up a second pollinarium.
Our observations and analyses suggested that morphological interactions between flower and pollinator are crucial to the success of pollination and to prevent self-pollination and thus that pollinarium reconfiguration is unnecessary in shelter deceptive orchids, such as Serapias species, for the promotion of crosspollination.
Serapias represent a case of interactions between plant and pollinator; the formation of the tubular shape of the flower is an essential preadaptation for the development of resting site mimicry originating exclusively in Serapias among Mediterranean orchids.
... Standard determination keys and iconographies were used to identify plant taxa: Horvatić (1954), Jávorka & Csapody (1991), Domac (1994), Alegro (2003, Alegro et al. (2003), Blamey & Grey-Wilson (2004), Delforge (2006) and Nikolić (2019 Furthermore, to each taxon was assigned a geoelement (floral element) according to Horvatić (1963) and Horvatić et al. (1967Horvatić et al. ( -1968 updated and supplemented according to recent authors (Simon et al. 1992, Aeschimann et al. 2004, with the following numerical codes: Hill et al. (2007), in respect to major biomes (E1) and eastern limit (E2), were assigned. ...
The area of “Zelinska glava”, under the protection of the Public Institution “Green Ring of Zagreb County (Zeleni prsten Zagrebačke županije)”, covers an area of 9.5 km². Research into the area’s vascular flora was conducted during the growing seasons of 2019 and 2020. A total of 330 taxa of vascular flora were recorded, classified within 82 plant families. Fourteen species of bryophytes were added to the list of vascular flora. The most common families are Compositae (13%), Fabaceae (7%), Rosaceae (7%) and Lamiaceae (6%). The analysis according to habitats shows that the most species inhabit forest edges along paths (51%), followed by meadows (18%). Phytogeographic analysis shows that the Eurasian floristic element dominates (45%), followed by cultivated and adventive plants (10%). Regarding life forms, the largest number of taxa belong to hemicryptophytes (51%). According to the Red Book of Croatian Vascular Flora, 12 taxa belong to one of the threat categories. Eight taxa are strictly protected by law, seven of them belonging to the Orchidaceae family. A total of eight invasive species were recorded in the study area.
... As Germany is located at the center of the species' range and harbors 10 -30% of the global D. majalis populations, the species is considered a national responsibility species (NRS) (Ludwig et al., 2007). D. majalis inhabits predominantly semi-natural wet grasslands across a relatively broad range of soil (mineral, organic) and moisture (moist, wet, hygroscopic) conditions (Wotavová et al., 2004;Delforge, 2006;Eccarius, 2016). D. majalis was once very common across its range (Ascherson, 1864;Hampe, 1873), but has suffered drastic losses mainly due to changing land use (Grootjans et al., 1996;Myrek et al., 2003;Veen et al., 2009;Zimmermann, 2011;Dullau et al., 2019;Š típková and Kindlmann, 2021). ...
Central European semi-natural wet grasslands are known for their high nature value and diversity of rare and endangered species. However, they are experiencing deteriorating habitat quality and species losses, a problem that may aggravate with climate change. Identifying key factors that jeopardize wet grassland species is an urgent task for effective conservation.
To this aim, we studied the endangered orchid Dactylorhiza majalis, a characteristic species for Central European wet grasslands of high biodiversity and habitat quality. We compiled long-term monitoring data (1993 – 2020) for 84 populations located within the species’ range center (NE-Germany) and analyzed i) long-term trends in population size and ii) immediate and time-lagged effects of six climatic variables and habitat size on population growth.
Situated mostly within nature reserves, the majority of populations remained stable (51%) or increased (31%) in population sizes. However, 18 % declined despite suitable habitat management. Small habitat size negatively affected population growth. The effect of climatic variables on population growth was rather small and ambiguous, while asynchronous variation among populations was strong. Population growth increased with higher spring temperatures but decreased with lower spring precipitation; lower spring precipitation and late frost events had positive time-lagged effects in the next season.
We conclude that D. majalis may withstand moderate levels of climate change, provided that future conservation practice can ensure suitable management and water tables sufficiently high for wet grassland species. Our results highlight the vulnerability of small wet grasslands and that large habitat size promotes effective conservation of one of the most diverse semi-natural habitats in Central Europe.
Key words:
Orchidaceae, semi-natural grasslands, long-term monitoring, conservation, climate change, habitat size
... This area is greatly disturbed due to the tourist infrastructure, however, finding the species in other parts of the Făgăraș Mts. should be possible. (Delforge 2006;Jacquemyn & Hutchings 2010). New findings of this species on Mt. ...
This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in SE Eu-rope and adjacent regions: red algae Hildenbrandia rivularis, saprotrophic fungus Cryptomarasmius corbariensis, lichenised fungi Lecanora stenotropa, Micarea misella and Sticta sylvatica, liverworts Fossombronia caespitiformis and Peltolepis quadrata, mosses Dicranoweisia cirrata and Fissidens exilis, horsetail Equisetum × moorei, gymnosperm Juniperus virginiana, monocots Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp. vernalis and Spiranthes spiralis and dicots Linaria pelisseriana, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Pilosella rhodopea and Taraxacum erythrospermum are given within SE Europe and adjacent regions.
... One of these species, Dactylorhiza sambucina (L.) Soó, occurs in Serbia (the central part of the Balkan Peninsula) on dry and semi-dry soils of limestone-dolomite, carbonate-clastites, granodiorite, quartz-latite, andesite-dacite-porphyrites, ophiolitic mélange, schist-gneiss phyllites or quaternary sediments, thus suggesting its great ecological plasticity and adaptability (Djordjević and Tsiftsis, 2019). This perennial species is distributed mainly in central and southern Europe, from central Scandinavia to the west of central Spain, and down the East to the Crimea, while it is absent from the Atlantic region (Delforge, 2006;Jersáková et al., 2015). It inhabits open habitats such as meadows and pastures, forest edges and clearings, open deciduous or coniferous forests, and grassy patches in stony thickets, from sea level up to 2400 m a.s.l. in the Alps (Baumann et al., 2006;Jersáková et al., 2015;Djordjević et al., 2016). ...
... Distribution of orchid taxa is independent of the life form and the seed's buoyancy, as shown by the pantropical distribution of the epiphytic Polystachya concreta (Jacq.) Garay and H.R.Sweet [41] or the limited area of the terrestrial Gymnadenia runei (Teppner and E.Klein) Ericsson [42]. ...
The seed morphology of three species belonging to the genus Bromheadia was analyzed under light and scanning electron microscopy. The seeds of B. cecieliae and B. truncata were studied for the first time. Differences in the qualitative and quantitative characteristics between the terrestrial B. finlaysoniana and the epiphytes B. cecieliae and B. truncata were observed, which were in concordance with the life form. Due to the variability of the seed shapes, a new methodology is proposed to analyze the distance between the embryo and the testa cells, with the aim of demonstrating the presence of air space within the seed. The method is compared to previous formulae used to measure free air space. Furthermore, a new measurement, the angle in twisted testa cells of epiphytic orchids, is proposed, to evaluate the degree of torsion in medial cells. Although the wide distribution of B. finlaysoniana could be related to the great buoyancy of their seeds in contrast to the limited distribution of B. cecieliae, we consider that environmental factors are more influential than the buoyancy of seeds when understanding the distribution of these taxa. Future studies on seeds morphology in orchid genera with terrestrial and epiphytic taxa will provide new insights into this research.
... Therefore, in some geographic regions, management practices that control the regrowth of forests, such as mowing and certain types of grazing regimes, like low-density sheep grazing (e.g., Damgaard et al., 2020;Köhler et al., 2016) can favor orchid abundance. This is especially true for the European orchid flora, for which a considerable number of species are found in grasslands, forest openings, maquis, and other nonforested managed areas (Delforge, 2006;Kühn et al., 2019). ...
Worldwide, thousands of orchid species are harvested from the wild. Widespread legal and illegal unsustainable
trade has contributed to the decline of many species. However, there is also evidence of long-term, sustainable
wild harvest of some orchid species that contribute to local livelihoods and cultural traditions. There is a clear
need to help guide harvesters and resource managers towards sustainability. However, there is currently no
appropriate framework to guide local harvest decisions, which is especially problematic given huge data limitations,
variations in on-the-ground capacity to monitor and manage resources, and considering that the potential
for sustainable harvest is context-specific. We reviewed the literature on orchid harvest, ecology and
demography; assessed information on the life history of 27 harvested species; and drew on our experience with
diverse orchid taxa to identify characteristics expected to influence harvest sustainability. We identified 23
characteristics within four themes: abundance and distribution; species traits related to growth and reproduction;
local management practices; and demand. We selected 12 characteristics for which information was available for
many species and observable in the field, and used an iterative process to develop a decision-making dichotomous
key. The key identifies if and how the harvest of a given population at a given time can be conducted more
sustainably, offering sets of considerations that harvesters and managers can use and adapt to local contexts.
Critical research gaps include techniques for partial plant harvest and for augmentation; and investigation into
Background and aims This study focused on modeling the potential distribution of Orchis anatolica, a species belonging to the Orchidaceae family. Methods As a result of field studies conducted between March and June from 2019 to 2022, presence data for this species were obtained from 30 sampling sites. Based on the collected data, the potential distribution of Orchis anatolica, which naturally occurs in the Isparta province, was modeled using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) method. To determine the potential distribution, relationships between the presence data of the target species and 22 uncorrelated environmental variables including bioclimatic variables and base maps produced or digitized via geographic information systems were modeled and mapped using MaxEnt software. Results According to the potential distribution model generated for Orchis anatolica (training dataset AUC: 0.974, test dataset AUC: 0.953), the environmental variables most influencing the species' distribution were identified as site index (bonitet), bio10, age class, bio12, and terrain ruggedness classes. Conclusions This study investigated the relationships among the ecological characteristics, geographic distribution, and habitat features of Orchis anatolica, and produced a potential distribution map for the species in the Isparta region. It provides a valuable foundation for the conservation and sustainable use of Orchis diversity and genetic resources in Isparta province.
The first evidence of the opening of Ophrys apifera Huds. in Bulgaria by the end of
the 19th and early 20th century. Although in 1898 it was included in the Annex to the first Bulgarian
flora, due to lack of herbarium material and information for new fields the species is not included in
the next editions of the Flora of Bulgaria. For 84 years – from 1913 to 1997, the species has not been
confirmed to spread in our country. In 1997, a locality of the species is found in the Eastern Rhodopes.
In the coming years Ophrys apifera was established in 18 localities in different floristic regions. In
Northeastern Bulgaria floristic region so far the species is known only by a locality of Shumen
Plateau. In 1999, Radoslavova founded the species near Shumen Town – 95 years after its discovery
by Davidov in the same area. In June 2013 we opened a new locality of the species of the territory of
the Lilyaksko Plateau, west of the village Podgorica. We have described a population of 17 individuals
in the generative condition of an area of 10.96 ha.
Key words: Ophrys apifera, new locality, Lilyaksko Plateau
This study aims to compare the chemical compositions of methanol extracts from seeds of 10 different species belonging to the Anacamptis and Orchis genera, highlighting significant differences among these species. Seeds collected from various locations in Samsun, Muğla, and İzmir during 2022 and 2023 were analyzed using GC-MS. The results revealed various secondary metabolites in seeds of both Anacamptis and Orchis species. A. palustris seeds, hexadecanoic acid 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester was found at a rate of 16.21%, while methyl stearate was found at 11.14%. In contrast, O. purpurea seeds contained hexadecanoic acid 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester at 34.94% and methyl stearate at 8.69%. These findings indicate significant variability in the distribution of compounds among species. The rare compound tricyclo [20.8.0.0(7,16)] triacontane, found in O. provincialis, contains tricyclic structures with a 1(22),7(16)-diepoxy group, highlighting its potential role in the chemical profile of this species. Additionally, other rare compounds like tricyclo [20.8.0.0(7,16)] triacontane in O. provincialis emphasize their potential roles in chemical profiles across different species. This study is considered a significant step towards understanding the similarities and differences in biochemical components of seeds from Anacamptis and Orchis, thereby contributing to the understanding of their roles in plant physiological adaptations and ecosystem dynamics. The findings provide valuable insights for plant conservation strategies and biological applications.
Main conclusion
Two different strategies for the distribution of macro- and trace elements can be observed in the terrestrial orchid Gymnadenia conopsea. Most trace elements are not translocated to the above-ground parts, whereas for macro-elements the trend was reversed, with the highest accumulation in the distal parts of the plants.
Abstract
Edaphic stress is one of the main factors affecting plant fitness, but it is still poorly understood, even in rare plants such as orchids. Gymnadenia conopsea is a terrestrial orchid that grows on different geological substrates, making it a model species for the study of adaptive responses to edaphic factors, including metals in soil. The samples of plant tissues of G. conopsea growing on carbonate, ultramafic and siliceous substrates in Serbia and the associated rhizosphere soil were collected and analysed for elemental concentrations. Two different strategies for the distribution of macro- and trace elements were found, corresponding to the trend generally observed in orchids. Trace elements (As, B, Cr, Co, Fe, Mn, and Ni) remain mainly in the underground organs and only a small proportion is transferred to the shoots. It was the opposite for the macroelements (Ca, Mg, K and P) with the highest accumulation occurred in the leaves and inflorescences. The tolerance of G. conopsea to the different geological substrates results from the moderate metal concentrations in the soils analysed and the exclusion strategy of the species, which is the most common response to metal induced stress in orchids.
This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in SE Europe and adjacent regions: diatoms Discostella asterocostata and Stephanodiscus hantzschii f. tenuis, red alga Bangia atropurpurea, green alga Ulva pilifera, saprotro-phic fungi Didymella vitalbina and Phragmotrichum rivoclarinum, mosses Buxbau-mia aphylla, Sphagnum divinum, and Tortella fasciculata, monocots Anacamptis × nicodemi, Epipactis palustris, Epipogium aphyllum, and Gymnadenia frivaldii and dicots Androsace lactea, Drosera rotundifolia, Potentilla montenegrina, and Tozzia alpina subsp. carpathica are given within SE Europe and adjacent regions.
I l genere Ophrys è monofiletico e conta attualmente 148 specie e notospecie (cioè specie di origine ibrida) distribuite nella maggior parte dell'Europa, nel Nord Africa e nell'Asia occidentale. Nonostante sia vicino al gruppo di generi Serapias-Or-chis-Himantoglossum, da cui deriva, rimane geneticamente molto isolato e non forma al-cun tipo di ibridi intergenerici. Il nome Ophrys è stato pubblicato per la prima vol-ta da Carlo Linneo nel 1753 e viene dal ter-mine greco che significa "sopracciglio" o "palpebra", utilizzato già da Plinio il Vec-chio. Le analisi del DNA hanno portato a grandi divergenze per quanto riguarda il numero di specie effettive. Si passa dalla stima di 251 specie diverse a 9-11 macrospecie o cladi (gruppi monofiletici molecolarmente coesi): Insectifera, Apifera, Umbilicata, Fuciflora (che include Scolopax), Sphegodes, Speculum, Bombyflora, Tenthredinifera e Fusca. Una tale ricchezza di specie è dovuta prin-cipalmente a un alto grado di ibridazione, con i genitori e gli ibridi che condividono (in parte) le comunità di impollinatori. Seb-bene la maggior parte dei ricercatori am-metta l'esistenza di una certa esagerazione tassonomica, l'ibridazione intergenerica è considerata una fonte di novità evoluziona-ria in grado di portare a cambiamenti di impollinatori e isolamento riproduttivo. Ricordiamo brevemente le quattro specie di Ophrys presenti in Romania: Ophrys insectifera L., 1753-Ofride fior di mosca L'epiteto specifico insectifera ha origine dai termini insectum (insetto) e phór(os) (portare) e significa "che porta un insetto", in riferimento al labello. Esso imita la forma, la dimensione, il colore, la pelosità, la con-sistenza e l'odore (pseudoferomoni) di una femmina di insetto. Ophrys oestrifera M.Bieb., 1808-Ofride dei tafani L'epiteto specifico oestrifera si riferisce alla famiglia dei tafani, Oestridae Leach, 1815, e al termine latino phór(os) (portare), che significa "che porta una mosca (pelosa)". Infatti, il labello peloso ricorda i tafani. Ophrys sphegodes Mill., 1768-Ofride fior di ragno L'epiteto specifico sphegodes viene dal greco antico sphêx, sphec (vespa) e significa lette-ralmente "che porta una vespa", in riferi-mento al labello a forma di vespa. Tuttavia, Ophrys sphegodes non è impollinata dalle vespe, bensì dalle api in modo esclusivo. Grazie alla presenza di una macchia distintiva (e altamente variabile) a forma di H sul labello, la quale ricorda la forma di un ragno, questa orchidea è anche detta "ofride fior di ragno". Ophrys apifera Huds., 1762-Ofride fior d'ape L'epiteto specifico apifera ha origine dal la-tino apis (ape) e dal greco phór(os) (porta-re) e significa "che porta un'ape". Infatti, il labello ha la forma di un'ape. A dispetto del suo nome, Ophrys apifera non è mai im-pollinata dalle api ma è autogama (pratica esclusivamente l'autoimpollinazione). Figura 1. Ophrys speculum-dettagli del fiore e dell'area centrale del labello, lo speculum. Si pensa che il mimetismo sessuale del fiore sia perfezionato dal colore blu brillante e intenso dello speculum, che ha affascinato scienziati e naturalisti per molti anni, così come dalla lucentezza del labello stesso: in tal modo, il fiore ricorderebbe il riflesso della luce sulle ali ripiegate di un insetto a riposo (Viniolini et al., 2021). Fotografia gentilmente concessa da Helmut Presser (Grecia).
This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in SE Europe and adjacent regions: saprotrophic fungus Geastrum morganii, Guignardia istriaca and Hypoxylon howeanum, mycorrhizal fungus Amanita friabilis and Suillus americanus, xanthophyte Vaucheria frigida, stonewort Chara hispida, liverwort Calypogeia integristipula and Ricciocarpus natans, moss Campylopus introflexus, Dicranum transsylvanicum, Tortella pseudofragilis and Trematodon ambiguus, fern Ophioglossum vulgatum subsp. vulgatum, monocots Epipactis exilis, Epipactis purpurata and Epipogium aphyllum and dicots Callitriche cophocarpa, Cornus sanguinea subsp. hungarica and Viscum album subsp. austriacum are given within SE Europe and adjacent regions.
In this study we present the first confirmed record of Pseudorchis albida toRomanian orchid flora. The newly discovered population was digitally photographed for the first time in June, 2020, within Harghita Mădăraș, a Natura 2000 protected area. Pseudorchis is a monospecific, palearctic genus, covering the boreal alpine, subalpine and temperate zones of from Europe to the Russian Far East, to the Northern Urals andKamchatka and from Eastern Canada to Greenland and into northwest Siberia.According to our recent findings, in Romania, the genus is represented by its unique representative (type) species, Pseudorchis albida, and by one of its two subspecies, Pseudorchis albida subsp. tricuspis. The other representative subspecies, Pseudorchis albida subsp. straminea is mostly restricted to cold-temperate and palearctic areas ofEurasia. We recorded and compared detailed in vivo morphometric data for 42morphometric characters (1*-42*) and 49 morphological/phenotypical characters (1-49). Also, digital ultra-macro photographs of various floral parts and reproductive organs were taken. General morphological variations within Pseudorchis albida and Pseudorchis albida subsp. tricuspis are comparatively low. However, the structure of the labellum and the basal leaves show significant biometric, phenotypical differences, which strongly differentiate the two taxons. Based on the small distribution area and the reduced number of individuals of the Pseudorchis albida population in Romania, we emphasize that it should be classified as Critically Endangered (CR). Considering its various potential threats, such as destruction or degradation of habitat, the anthropic factor – mainly tourism and uncontrolled grazing, substantial conservation measures should be taken into consideration, which may ensure the long-term persistence of this newly discovered taxon in Romanian flora.
The Orchidaceae family is among the largest and most diverse groups of flowering plants with 10% of all systematically verified angiosperms and 40% of monocotyledon species. The fascinating flower morphology, tiny and particular seeds, specialized pollination systems, and reproduction cycle, as well as the complicated symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, have made orchids the species of interest for many comprehensive scientific studies. Wild orchids have been declining as a result of the beauty and mysticism they are known for. In recent years, the high demand for hot salep drinks and salep-based ice creams and other food and medicinal products has attracted the attention of collectors to supply tuber material from wild terrestrial and tuberous orchids. Therefore, terrestrial orchids are at the front line of extinction, with a higher number of endangered species compared to other orchid types. Terrestrial orchids have a long-life cycle (2–5 years) to enter the reproductive phase. Seeds, protocorms, juveniles, dormant adults, vegetative adults, and flowering individuals account for the six primary stages of the terrestrial orchid life cycle. All orchids including terrestrial species have tiny and dust-like seeds, which makes the tracing of seed dispersal and monitoring of germination and plantlet growth, rather challenging. Orchids are highly dependent on fungi called mycorrhizae to provide carbon and nutrients for symbiotic germination. This dependence on mycorrhizal fungi is because orchids produce thousands of tiny seeds per capsule, and these seeds generally have either limited or no energy resources for germination and initial growth in their tiny endosperms. The lignified, pectin layers of seed testa can act as a barrier for water uptake, embryo enlargement and, in laboratory conditions, prevent seed germination in terrestrial orchids. One of the strategies to soften and eliminate the strong and impenetrable testa is the treatment with sodium hypocrite (NaOCl) which simultaneously disinfects and scarifies seeds. Terrestrial orchids are growing in natural habitats with low strength of available nutrients, and therefore the reported nitrate sensitivity in asymbiotic seed germination of terrestrial orchids may be part of their adaptive strategy. However, almost all terrestrial orchid species need a symbiosis relationship with mycorrhizal fungi to germinate their seeds, develop the protocorms, and establish plantlets in nature. In cultivation, these events can also be proceeded both symbiotically (in the presence of a fungal symbiont) and asymbiotically (without a fungal symbiont). Asymbiotic germination procedures possess advantages including an easier cultivation process, fast and large scale in vitro plantlet production, and direct investigation of important variables affecting different biological aspects of orchids’ life. Depending on the genus, species, and even sub-species, there are different developmental requirements, in particular, based on the climate origin (tropical and temperate), which necessitate the investigation of technically different germination procedures.KeywordsOrchidaceaeOrganic componentsAsymbiotic GerminationSeed testaIn vitro micropropagationTemperate orchidsConservationMycorrhizae
Following the work of Tatár (1939), no new revised and detailed list was made of endemic plants of the Pannonicum phytogeographical region, which takes into account the latest research results. A survey of vascular plants endemic and subendemic to the Pannonicum is presented here based on a critical revision of published and sometimes unpublished data on contemporary taxonomic and chorological knowledge. For this, it was necessary to review the delineation of Pannonicum and the problem of drawing the boundaries. I would also like to draw the attention to the Pannonian flora islands outside the Carpathians, which descend along the sandy alluvium of the Danube. The research covers 11 countries: Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and a small part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine and Bulgaria (flora islands). The final evaluation of endemic status was made for 225 taxa of vascular plants, including 143 taxa confirmed as endemic or subendemic to the Pannonicum, 5 narrowly distributed taxa shared endemic of the Pannonicum and western part of the Carpaticum and 77 taxa are not endemic according to current taxonomic and phytogeographical knowledge (the list does not include hybrids). The final list of endemic and subendemic taxa includes 42 species, 29 subspecies and 73 apomictic species (including 47 taxa of Sorbus and 23 taxa of Taraxacum ). Tatár mentions 55 taxa (without apomicts) of which only 29 (53%) are still considered endemic today. In terms of habitat preferences for (sub)endemic taxa most plants (excluding apomictic taxa) occur in rocky or sandy habitats.
This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in SE
Europe and adjacent regions: red algae Sheathia confusa, parasitic fungus Anthracoidea caryophylleae, mycorrhizal fugus Hydnellum caeruleum, bryoparasitic fungus Octospora erzbergeri, liverwort Cephaloziella baumgartneri, mosses Hamatocaulis vernicosus, Streblotrichum convolutum var. commutatum and Ulota crispula, monocots Ophrys bertolonii subsp. bertolonii, Ophrys scolopax subsp. cornuta and Spiranthes spiralis and dicots Androsace hedraeantha, Hieracium mrazii, Ramonda nathaliae and Triglochin palustris are given within SE Europe and adjacent regions.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any references for this publication.