The aim of the studies conducted in 2004-2008 was to estimate and compare the diversity of synanthropic flora of the kurgans and their microhabitats in three steppe zones in southern Ukraine. Kurgans ...located among large fields and pastures are very characteristic element of the Ukrainian landscape. Among the 400 visited kurgans, 81 were investigated within an area of about 20 000 km2 in the desert steppe, Pontic grass steppe and herb-grass steppe zones. The total number of species (613), as well as percentage of synanthropic species (55%) was estimated. The number of species on the kurgans in each zone increased along a south-north gradient. However, the percentage of groups of synanthropic species on the kurgans was comparable. Differences between microhabitats (within kurgans) with regard to the proportion of synanthropes were smaller in the case of the desert steppe zone. Contrasts between the microhabitats were more significant in the case of the steppe zones further to the north. The flora of kurgans is determined by the climate conditions of a particular zone and by the form of utilization of the area.
The Irano-Turanian species - Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) - is one of most commonly planted tree in the shelterbelts in southern Ukraine. The consequences of introduction of the species ...from windbreaks, into areas of different land use in west and central Pontic desert steppe zone are evaluated. The above steppe is unique on a European scale and exists only in some parts of the Black and Azovian Sea coasts. In recent years, the socio-economical crisis in Ukraine (less intensively cultivation, as well as limited grazing) has been responsible for the intensification of the spread of alien tree species outside the windbreaks. Studies were conducted in Kherson Region, in the immediate vicinity of the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve, where the presence of aliens is undesirable. The analysis of phytosociological material (48 releves with and without Russian olive) collected from areas of different land use type and limited human pressure (as abandoned field, former intensively grazed solonetz and extensively grazed desert steppe vegetation) show that E. angustifolia can impede the regeneration of the desert steppe. The species creates favourable conditions for the growth of geographically and ecologically alien nithrophilous weeds.
Floristic studies of four different habitats in Warsaw were carried out: two habitats strongly transformed by man (tramlines and the exterior horizontal surfaces of the highest building in the city, ...the Palace of Culture and Science), and two green areas (cemeteries and botanical gardens). A floristic list, which included only the spontaneous vascular flora, was compiled for each habitat. The aim of the study was to analyse the differences between the floras of the four habitats. The richness and composition of the flora were investigated with respect to the historical-geographical groups of species, the spectrum of life forms, and the mode of plant dispersal. The richness of the flora of cemeteries and botanical gardens reflected the particular land use of those habitats. There was a higher incidence of therophytes in the strongly transformed habitats (tramlines, Palace). A high incidence of tree seedlings (mostly species producing light seeds) and anemochorous species was observed in the flora of the Palace.
The flora of the Palace of Culture and Science, which is the highest office building in Poland, was analysed. The exterior horizontal surfaces of the building (roofs, terraces, stairs) could be ...regarded as polyhemerobic habitats. A total of 111 species of vascular plants (native species - 65%) and 6 species of bryophytes were recorded from an area of 16 500 m2. It was found that the flora was relatively rich in species, of which some occurred in considerable quantities (over 1000 individuals of such species as: Eragrostis minor, Sagina procumbens, Chaenarrhinum minus were encountered). Moreover anemochorous species dominated (85%) in the flora of the Palace. Thermophilous species and species indifferent to temperature were also strongly represented. The relatively high incidence of hygrophilous species was noteworthy. With regard to life forms an increased proportion of therophytes and phanerophytes (40% and 22%, respectively) was observed. No significant differences were found between the flora of roofs situated on different floors of the building. However, slight differences between - the flora of north-facing and south-facing horizontal roof surfaces were marked.
Warsaw Sudnik-Wójcikowska, Barbara; Galera, Halina
Plants and Habitats of European Cities,
08/2010
Book Chapter
As in the case of other metropolitan areas, the size and the structure of land use in Warsaw have changed substantially both spatially and temporally. Areas of natural and semi-natural habitats and ...agricultural land have declined, especially in the peripheral parts of the city. At the same time, new habitats have appeared, such as industrial areas, tramlines and railways. After 1945 a considerable part of the central area of the city was occupied by rubble that was initially devoid of vegetation but which was soon to be colonised by many plant species. The area of rubble decreased as the city was re-constructed. As a result of spatial planning policies gradual changes occurred in the structure of the spontaneous and cultivated flora. Future trends in the flora of the city can be predicted based on the observations made so far. The establishment of protected areas within the city has only limited success in preventing the disappearance of native species. The conversion of agricultural land to urban uses has led to the elimination of some native weed species and archaeophytes (especially segetal species). It appears, therefore, that the importance of alien species in the flora of Warsaw will continue to increase as will the number, frequency and abundance of thermophilous and xerothermic species with short life cycles.
Iva xanthiifolia Nutt., a north-American therophyte has been recorded in Warsaw only for the last 25-40 years. Here, it occurs as a ruderal epoecophyte. It may be considered as an invasive species in ...the town as it spreads very quickly. The paper represents the attempt at the determination of the coenological amplitude of Iva xanthiifolia Nutt. It also considers syntaxonomic affiliation of the communities with this species on the grounds of the deductive method of syntaxonomic classification of anthropogenic plant communities.
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