For several years, authors of the present paper have been observing specimens of cypresses of the genus Cupressus planted in Szczecin and its vicinity and within the area of the agglomeration of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot as well as in some botanical gardens and arboreta. The work is a collection of materials from long-term observations and a moderately complete study on cypresses grown in the northern and central part of Poland. In this respect, the present publication fills a gap in dendrological knowledge in our country. The authors have analyzed 6 taxa in total, assessing the possibility of their cultivation in Poland. Also species cultivated in Western Europe and other parts of the world are presented, as a reference to conditions and species grown in Poland. Most species presented in the paper had not been grown in Poland until recently, with the first specimens planted in the 1970-ties. Many of the described species produce flowers and cones and tolerate the Polish climatic conditions well; even temperature drop below –26ºC (winter 2005/2006) did not induce serious injuries and a decrease in their vitality. The species reported in this article as cultivated outdoors in Poland include Cupressus arizonica, Cupressus glabra (most commonly; both represented also by cultivars), Cupressus bakeri, Cupressus semprevirens, Cupressus stephensonii, Cupressus montana. Authors assume that the first three species can be successfully cultivated in Polish climatic conditions especially in places with suitably warm microclimate. The latter ones are represented only by single specimens growing in specific locality (very close to the open sea) so their hardiness have to be further investigated.
Montia linearis is a vascular plant originating from western North America. The expansion of this species has been observed for several decades. For the first time M. linearis was found in Europe in 1989. Further six populations were documented by 2004 within the continent: three in Poland, two in Denmark and one in Hungary. Apart from discovering a new population of M. linearis, we confirmed two out of the three previously known localities of the species in Poland. All the currently known populations of M. linearis occupied predominantly meadow habitats, especially intensively managed sites. Some individuals were also found in disturbed sites with bare soil. The studied species inhabited soils of various types with broad range of fertility as well as humidity. Montia linearis populations reached densities up to 87 individuals per 0.04 m2. The number of seeds produced by an individual was between 10 and 55 in 90% of the studied specimens, however much more fertile specimens were also observed. As the previously presented hypothesis of M. linearis dispersal with rail transport seemed not to be well supported, the connection between the M. linearis presence and cattle husbandry is considered. It is possible that the species can be transferred with living animals or manure. The species was able to survive for at least 26 years within once inhabited site. Further spread of M. linearis within Europe is highly probable. The aim of the study is to: (i) describe the current state of populations of M. linearis in Poland, (ii) provide information on habitat preferences and biology of the species, (iii) assess the invasiveness potential of M. linearis in Poland.
The path of Cladonia-Scots pine forest located on dune in Biebrza valley (NE Poland) was carefully studied in order to assess the influence of recently obsolescent selection cutting management on terrestrial lichen biota. Transect was located along the dune ridge crossing both lichen rich pine forests and other adjacent communities. Distinctive habitat patches were characterized by relevé. Within the relevé area measurements of cutting intensity and soil properties were carried out and soil samples were collected for laboratory analyses. It was found, that subsoil properties are rather similar on the whole dune, which indicates the main influence of management intensity on plant communities studied. All known development stages of Cladonio-Pinetum were observed. The characteristic lichen species preferred low organic horizon depth and low canopy closure. These factors are positively correlated with cutting intensity. The studied path was compared with other described patches of Cladonia-Scots pine in Poland and additional proposals of practices urgently needed to conserve these endangered habitat were given. In spite of already practiced slash removal, there are litter raking and complete cessation of clearcuts in favour of the selection cutting management are necessary for Cladonia-Scots pine forest conservation.
During the survey of Łempis Nature Reserve (Augustów Forest, NE Poland) 353 species of vascular plants were recorded, including 32 considered threatened with extinction in Poland (7 species from the Polish “red data book” and 32 species from the Polish “red list”). Among them there were 41 species protected under the Polish law, including 19 strictly protected species and four species listed in the Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. Ten orchid species were recorded, including the most valuable plants of the nature reserve – Cypripedium calceolus, Hammarbya paludosa, Liparis loeselii and Listera cordata. Among 32 noted Cyperaceae species (including 26 members of the Carex genus), there was a number of threatened plants, e.g. Baeothryon alpinum, Carex chordorrhiza, C. loliacea and Eriophorum gracile. Other rare species included Agrimonia pilosa, Cladium mariscus, Laserpitium latifolium, Linnaea borealis, Potamogeton gramineus and Pulsatilla patens. The presence of anthropophytes was significant (4.5% of the flora), probably due to the past forest management practices as well as proximity of settlements. The extremely rich flora, along with pristine wetland ecosystems (mesotrophic lakes, various mire forests and fens), places the Łempis Nature Reserve among the most valuable nature reserves in Poland.
During the survey of the Mały Borek nature reserve (Augustów Forest, NE Poland) 236 species of vascular plants were recorded, including 10 plant species red-listed in Poland and 19 species protected under the Polish law. The most valuable species were sedges typical of the boreal coniferous forests: Carex vaginata, C. globularis and C. loliacea. The presence of neophytes was very limited (1,3% of the flora) in the area studied. The principal aim of the establishment of the reserve was the conservation of old-growth coniferous forests with long ecological continuity. Since the reserve studied consists mainly of old-growth coniferous forests, the number of species regarded as ancient forest indicators is lower (54 species) than in the well-preserved reserves with deciduous stands in north-east Poland, but still rather high. The most valuable, threatened species are bound to wetland forests that are presently disturbed due to drainage. Restoration of the former hydrological conditions is essential for the preservation of the vascular plants in the reserve.
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