The Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO), an Arctic region of European Russia, currently lacks a comprehensive checklist of vascular plants; its flora is the most species-poor among all first-level administrative units of the Russian Federation. As a baseline for this study, we compiled a list of 685 vascular plant taxa recorded within the NAO based on dot-distribution maps from “Flora of the North-East of the European Part of the USSR” (Tolmachev 1974–1977), subsequently publishing this as a GBIF-mediated dataset. The present contribution synthesises reliable data on an additional 113 species identified through references, digitised herbarium collections, and verified iNaturalist observations. Six of these taxa had not been previously reported for the NAO in any published references: four native species or hybrids (Potamogeton × nitens, Draba oxycarpa, Drosera × obovata, and Alchemilla transpolaris) and two alien species (Galeopsis bifida and Centaurea cyanus). We estimate vascular plant diversity of the NAO to be no fewer than 800 species (excluding apomictic microspecies).
This study investigates the size-age structure and mean lifetime radial growth of aspen (Populus tremula L.) in ten groves across Northeast Russia, along a transect from Magadan to the Sette-Daban Range. These groves are confined almost exclusively to dry southern slopes. Trees in all groves exhibit prevailing diameters of 3–9 cm and heights of 3–6 m, resembling young stands in more favorable parts of the species’ range. Age determination revealed an uneven-aged structure: some groves included long-lived individuals (> 100 years), whereas only one grove consisted entirely of trees younger than 30 years. At diameters of 4–8 cm, tree age varied unpredictably (24–80 years). Mean radial growth was negligible (1.2–2.9 mm/year). The stunted growth habit of mature aspens throughout the region, and their strict confinement to specific topographic positions, indicate common growth-limiting factors. The consistency of aspen habit across northeastern Asia thus allows it to be regarded as a regionally distinctive ecobiomorph.
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of gold and coal mining on aquatic ecosystems in the region using the bioindicator properties of planktonic algae. The work used previously widely tested methods of ecological mapping, JASP, and analysis of “species-environment" relationships. For the Chara River, 211 indicator species of algae and cyanobacteria with a predominance of diatoms were identified. An increase in the diversity and abundance of phytoplankton was observed towards the mouth of the river from 48 species to 94. Ecological mapping revealed not only sections of the river associated with existing gold and coal mining, but also the impact of potential developments where exploration is underway. A weak influence of organic pollution associated with subsoil mining was revealed, but it was established that natural self-purification processes take place in the studied river. The results obtained are suitable for assessing the level of anthropogenic impact on aquatic communities in permafrost conditions.
In this article, the five associations (Chenopodio albae–Axyridetum amaranthoidis, Elytrigio repentis–Ambrosietum trifidae, Elytrigio repentis–Urticetum cannabinae, Urtico dioicae–Ambrosietum trifidae, Bidenti tripar titae–Ambrosietum trifidae) of anthropogenic vegetation of the Southern Urals with dominance of alien plants was validated according to the requirements of the Inernational Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (4th edition). Previously, this cenoses were described in the literature as the derivative communities.
The study of algological material from water bodies in the Olekminsky State Nature Reserve using scanning electron microscopy revealed the diatom species Aulacoseira yakutiaensis sp. nov. that is new to science. The new species is morphologically similar to another species of the genus, A. lacustris, but differs from them in quantitative characteristics such as diameter and height of the valve, striae and areolae density in 10 μm, and also a robust ringleist.
Devon Island, one of the largest islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA). Most of its area consists of a plateau at 300–700 m elevation. In 1970– 1973, comprehensive studies of biota, including investigations of mosses, were carried in the vicinity of Truelove Lowland but only in the coastal lowlands. In 1991, studies were conducted at the same site but on the plateau, resulting in the identification of 49 moss species. The most frequent species are Distichium capillaceum, Drepanocladus brevifolius, Flexitrichum flexicaule, Orthothecium chryseon, O. strictum; dominants in wet habitats are Catoscopium nigritum and Cinclidium arcticum. Fifteen species are recorded for Devon Island for the first time, ten of which (Bryoerythrophyllum ferruginascens, Bryum pallens, B. rutilans, B. teres, Drepanocladus polygamus, Hymenostylium recurvirostrum, Orthothecium retroflexum, Pogonatum urnigerum, Pohlia beringiensis, Timmia sibirica) are proposed for addition to the island’s moss list, while five (Didymodon sp., D. cf. brachyphyllus, Flexitrichum gracile, Schistidium andreaeopsis and Tortella splendida) remain taxonomically uncertain.. The data obtained in 1991 provide the first documented evidence of moss diversity in the extrazonal high‑altitude variant of polar deserts in the CAA.
Based on a comprehensive analysis of 240 micro- and macrofloras, the reconstruction of zonal vegetation across the paleocontinent Asia for the early, middle, and late Eocene has been performed, refining the model of a homogeneous "green belt." This belt was dominated by Mixed Mesophytic Forests (MMF), a unique biome without modern analogues, characterized by a balanced composition of broad-leaved deciduous (44.3–77.6 %) and evergreen (14.9–29.9 %) taxa. This biome extended into high Arctic latitudes (>75°N), indicating an exceptionally weak meridional temperature gradient during the early Paleogene. Clear latitudinal differentiation was observed: the proportion of evergreen elements increased southward, forming an MMF / Broad-Leaved Evergreen Forest (BLEF) ecotone and pure BLEF south of ~50°N. In central continental regions, a low content of sclerophytic components was noted, suggesting that lithological data on aridity reflect a mosaic of seasonally dry forests and open patches rather than a continuous zonal desert. From the early to late Eocene, a significant trend towards ecological differentiation and provincialization emerged, marked by the appearance of sub-humid sclerophytic forests and open woodlands, correlating with cooling following the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum and increased seasonality. Systematic discrepancies between micro- and macroflora-based reconstructions were identified, attributed to taphonomic and ecological filters, highlighting the complementary nature of these proxies.
The presented work is based on the study of material collected by F.A. Romanyuk on Matua Island, Middle Kurils, in 2017, and on literature data. Currently, 70 lichen species are registered for the island; among them 24 are known only from literature data and 66 were collected during our study including 46 species registered for Matua for the first time. Verrucaria fusconigrescens is the first record for the Russian Far East. Lecanora atrosulphurea, L. sulphurea, Lecidella asema, Lendemeriella kamczatica and Lepra panyrga are new to Kurils and the Sakhalin Region. Information about location and substrate is provided for each species. For the species new to the Sakhalin Region, brief information on ecology and distribution, as well as images are provided.
The communities of Picea obovata with Betula pubescens var. pumila described in the taiga–tundra ecotone of the northeastern European Russia are assigned to two alliances: Empetro hermaphroditi–Piceion obovatae Morozova 2025, previously described for sparse spruce and birch–spruce forests of the northern taiga zone forming on watershed plateau under low-temperature conditions, and Aconito r ubicundi–Abietion sibiricae Anekhonov et Chytrý 1998 (suballiance Clematido sibiricae–Piceenion obovatae Zaugolnova in Morozova 2025), which unites spruce forests and woodlands of river valleys through which Picea obovata penetrates far into the tundra. Based on our original research and published data by F.V. Sambuk, A.A. Dedov and A.E. Katenin), four associations (with subassociations) have been established: Empetro hermaphroditi– Piceetum obovatae Morozova 2025 (dwarf-shrub–green-moss woodlands) and Betulo nanae–Piceetum obovatae Lavrinenko ass. nov. (shrub (Betula nana, Salix glauca) dwarf-shrub–green-moss woodlands) in the first alliance; and Moehringio lateriflorae–Piceetum obovatae Lavrinenko ass. nov. and Aconito septentrionalis–Piceetum obovatae Zaugolnova et Morozova in Morozova 2025 (shrub (Salix lanata)–forb and tall-forb spruce and birch–spruce woodlands) in the second alliance. A well-developed layer of hypoarctic shrubs is a characteristic feature of the woodlands both on watersheds and in river valleys at the northern limit of the spruce range. Spruce forests of relict islands in the tundra are described as a new subassociation, Empetro hermaphroditi–Piceetum obovatae arctoetosum alpinae Lavrinenko subass. nov.
Southeast Asia represents a major center of diversity for ferns and lycophytes. Within this flora, the genus Selaginella comprises some of the most taxonomically challenging groups, frequently characterized by ambiguous, continuous, or cryptic morphological traits. These complexities commonly lead to misidentifications in both herbarium collections and the published literature. A comprehensive revision of herbarium specimens deposited in Russian and Vietnamese institutions has yielded significant clarifications and new records. Our study documents several previously unreported occurrences: Selaginella subdiaphana, S. subeffusa and S. submonospora are newly recorded for the flora of Vietnam, and S. pulvinata is reported for the first time in Laos. Furthermore, we identify novel, specific distribution points for S. bodinieri and S. coriaceifolia in Vietnam, and for S. doederleinii and S. mairei in Laos. To stabilize taxonomic nomenclature, lectotypes are designated for S. mairei and S. elephantopus.
The article presents the first data on the species diversity of myxomycetes in the Jewish Autonomous Region, the only region of the Far Eastern Federal District lacking any such data to date. In the summer of 2022, field studies were conducted in the Bastak Nature Reserve, where myxomycete sporocarps and fragments of plant substrates for moist chamber cultures were collected. As a result, 104 species were identified, of which two were described as new to science, Diderma ussuriense and Licea conica, and confirmed with additional findings in the Primorye Territory. Furthermore, a myxomycete specimen with unique morphology was discovered, which we preliminarily classified as Listerella sp.
The article presents the research data on the vegetation of specific habitats in the Southern Urals – ancient variegated weathering crusts located in the south-eastern regions of the Orenburg Region and the adjacent territories of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Being specific geological and morphological formations, they determine the growth of a rare and in many aspects unique complex of halophytic, petrophytic-steppe and steppe plant species. Within the alliance Artemisio pauciflorae–Camphorosmion monspeliacae Karpov 2001, the order Artemisietalia pauciflorae Golub et Karpov in Golub et al. 2005 and the class Festuco–Puccinellietea Soó ex Vicherek 1973, the association Psathyrostacho juncei–Anabasietum cretaceae ass. nov. was described for the first time. The association is typical for clayey, saline upland or slope habitats with a high proportion of rubble. The article highlights a high conservation significance of the association communities as the cenoses featuring a large number of rare and protected plant species, which make up 24 % of the total coenoflora composition. Some types of communities are located on the eastern edge of their range. It is probable that such specific habitats are northern analogues of hamadas, rubble, rocky deserts of North Africa and Central Asia.
Two small populations of Euonymus nanus were identified in the Russian Far East, near the city of Svobodny, Amur Region. The geographic coordinates are provided, and the total number of plants was estimated. Measurements of leaf blade dimensions and shoot height from these wild Russian populations (Amur Region and the Republic of Crimea) are presented and compared with published data for populations from China. Vegetative shoots were counted within randomly selected one-square-meter plots, and the total population size was extrapolated based on the overall occupied area. The average leaf size and shoot height of the Amur plants were compared with quantitative data from literature sources for wild populations in the Republic of Crimea and China.
This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of introgression between the StYgenomic species Elymus gmelinii and E. pendulinus in mixed populations using hybridization and molecular markers. Analysis of ISSR markers from individuals grown from seeds collected in natural populations revealed the presence of cross-specific markers in some plants. To test for introgression potential, we generated a series of interspecific hybrids between Primorye Territory biotypes of the two species. Seed fertility stabilization was demonstrated in these hybrids. Variability and specificity in sequences of the nuclear gene GBSS1 (waxy) were examined in the hybrid E. gmelinii BKA-2059 × E. pendulinus HAS-2075, compared to parental biotypes and reference samples. The data suggest that intragenic recombination occurred in an intron of the maternal genotype between the relatively closely related St1 and Y subgenomes. Overall, our findings support the delineation of E. gmelinii and E. pendulinus as distinct species. However, under the monsoon climate with higher humidity in southern Primorye Territory, E. gmelinii exhibits a shift from xerophytic Siberian habitats to the more mesophytic ecotopes characteristic of E. pendulinus, leading occasionally to shared habitats. This ecological convergence increases the likelihood of interspecific introgression and mutual enrichment of the species' gene pools.
We present a revised classification system for the class Ranunculo japonici–Betuletea er manii based on the analysis of 442 phytosociological relevés from Japanese Archipelago, Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, and Kamchatka Peninsula. The resulting system recognizes 17 associations and two community types, arranged within two orders and three alliances. We clarify the nomenclatural status of previously published syntaxa, describe several new units, and designate types for previously published names in accordance with the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. This revised classification provides a coherent and regionally consistent framework for Betula ermanii forests and shrub thickets of Alnus alnobetula s. l. in the insular sector of Northeast Asia and offers a foundation for future comparative, biogeographical, and conservation-oriented studies.
While studying materials collected in tropical rain forests of Cát Bà National Park (Vietnam) two species of Lepiota were discovered: L. erythrosticta and L. omninoflava. Both species are reported as new for Vietnam. Lepiota erythrosticta represents the sect. Stenosporae, possesses spurred basidiospores and purple basidiomata. Lepiota omninoflava belongs to the sect. Eriophorae, has ovoid basidiospores and yellowish basidiomata. Photographs of basidiomata, illustrations and descriptions of macro- and micromorphological features, phylogenetic tree and discussion on allied species are given.
This paper presents the results of a study on the diurnal and seasonal dynamics of photosynthetic parameters in Quercus pubescens leaves under varying water availability and temperature regimes on the southern coast of Crimea. With a sufficient water supply, the diurnal performance of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration followed a typical parabolic pattern. On hot days with low-to-moderate drought, however, they exhibited a bimodal pattern with a midday depression. Under severe drought, a sharp decline in CO2 gas exchange was observed, often falling below the compensation point. When exposed to high temperatures, low and moderate soil water deficit. Stomatal regulation was the primary reducing factor for photosynthesis in Q. pubescens; however, under severe drought, the inhibition of metabolic processes became dominant. Photosynthetic activity recovered after 14 to 20 days of stress relief, confirming the presence of physiological plasticity but also indicating the limits of its resilience under extreme conditions. Identifying the relationships between gas exchange parameters and environmental conditions allows for an assessment of Q. pubescens's adaptive potential to climate change. These relationships can also be used to evaluate its leaf assimilatory activity during the active growing season.
The floristic research in Uzbekistan was intensified in the 21st century, being raised on new methodological level. As plants of aquatic habitats are often missed in routine floristic studies, we aimed to test the completeness of aquatic flora representation in the checklists, published recently for particular administrative regions. We studied all types of waterbodies in Dzhizak, Navoi, Samarkand and Tashkent regions. We revealed three taxa new for Uzbekistan (Bolbochoenus laticarpus, Potamogeton × angustifolius, Limosella aquatica). All the 12 species that we found for the first time in some regions of the country are not rare in Uzbekistan and in Central Asia in general. Thus, in spite of significant progress of floristic studies in Uzbekistan, more attention still should be paid to aquatic plants. Lowland artificial freshwater reservoirs and montane lakes are the most promising for future aquatic plant surveys.
In this paper, we validate the names of the alliances Conioselinion tatarici, Agropyrion pectinati, Atriplicion nudicaulis, Triglochino maritimi– Fucion vesiculosi and the names of the lower syntaxa subordinate to them are validated according to the requirements of the fourth edition of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. The names of associations related to the alliances Phyllodoco–Vaccinion myr tilli Nordhagen 1943, Puccinellion phr yg anodis Hadač 1946, Scir pion maritimi Dahl et Hadač 1941 are also validated.
This study presents a classification of communities in valley and hillslope habitats, distinct from previously described snowbed and meadow vegetation types on slopes. In the East European tundra, we describe the ass. Alopecuro alpestris– Artemisietum tilesii O. Lavrinenko ass. nov. on eroding slopes (crumbling and sliding), with subassociations and variants reflecting different successional series. Wet habitats on such slopes are dominated by the ass. Matricario hookeri–Eriophoretum scheuchzeri Ishbirdin, Ishbirdina et Khusainov 1996. In the southern tundra of the Taymyr Peninsula, erosion-tolerant herb communities are provisionally classified as the Tripleurospermum hookeri–Artemisia tilesii community. All syntaxa are assigned to the class Matricario–Poetea arcticae. Two additional associations – Hedysaro arctici–Hylocomietum splendentis ass. nov. and Oxytropido sordidae–Hylocomietum splendentis Lavrinenko et Lavrinenko 2018 – occupy transitional landscape positions. These show floristic similarities to zonal moss-dominated communities of the class Carici arctisibiricae–Hylocomietea alaskani, though their classification within higher syntaxonomic ranks needs further discussion.
