engleski

“The one who seeks finds” – interesting new findings for the macrophytic flora of Croatia

Although Croatian history is very rich in terms of botanical studies performed by many different authors, macrophytic vegetation was extremely poorly studied until very recently. During the vegetation seasons of 2009-2016 a systematic field survey of macrophytic vegetation was performed, as the first survey of this kind in Croatia. More than 300 sites in freshwater habitats (rivers, streams, channels and lakes) across the whole country were included in the survey, where the presence and abundance of macrophytic taxa were assessed. The main aim of the study was gathering necessary data for monitoring surface waters, during which many rare, endangered and previously unrecorded taxa were found. Two interesting bryophyte species Ricciocarpus natans (L.) Corda. and Physcomitrella patens (Hedw.) Bruch & Schimp. were recorded, both extremely rare in Croatian flora. Three pondweed hybrids (Potamogeton × angustifolius, P. × cooperi, and P. × salicifolius) and Myriophyllum alternifolium J. Macoun were newly recorded for Croatian flora. Extremely rare Vallisneria spiralis L., Najas minor All., Potamogeton pusillus L., P. trichoides Cham. et Schltdl. and P. gramineus L. were also found during our study, as well as rare and critically endangered (CR) Baldellia ranunculoides (L.) Parl. Moreover, we have newly recorded alien species Egeria densa Planch., clearly showing invasive potential. As an additional result, we have determined that the species Groenlandia densa (L.) Fourr. does not occur in Croatian flora as previously thought. Considering a relatively large number of interesting findings, we finally conclude that comprehensive, systematic surveys are of great importance for improving the knowledge on freshwater ecosystems.

macrophytes, rare species, new taxa, invasive taxa

nije evidentirano