This paper discusses the spread of the Mediterranean plant Catapodium rigidum (L.) C.E. Hubb. in Hungary, which is found in the transition zone between the sub-Mediterranean and continental climatic zones of Central Europe. This alien species has been found at 12 new localities in Hungary in recent years. Some of these stands are located along main roads, while others are found in urban weed vegetation. The species was most likely introduced by increasing road traffic and tourism. Our preliminary findings suggest that the spread of the species is not concentrated along main roads due to its salt sensitivity. Instead, it is more likely to be found in xerothermic weed vegetation in urban areas where salting and winter de-icing are not applied.

This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in SE Europe and adjacent regions: green alga Cosmarium crenulatum, fungi Calvatia fragilis, Hypoxylon fuscum, Myriostoma coliforme and Zeus olympius, mosses Antitrichia curtipendula, Buxbaumia viridis, Homalothecium meridionale, Physcomitrium arenicola, Sphagnum inundatum and Syntrichia calcicola, monocots Anacamptis x nicodemi nothosubsp. nicodemi, Ornithogalum montanum and Parapholis incurva and dicots Cardamine waldsteinii and Suaeda salsa.

Kutatásunk célja egy Harkán található agrárerdészeti rendszer 3–5 km-es körzetében a háziméhek által táplálékforrásként hasznosított növények sokféleségének feltárása volt, hat méhcsalád kaptártermékeinek (méz, pollencsomók) mikroszkópos pollenanalízise alapján. A mézminták a nektárforrások, míg a pollencsomók a virágpor-eredet közvetlen indikátorai, így együttes vizsgálatuk kiegészítő információt nyújtott a helyi flóráról és a beporzók növényválasztási mintázatairól. Eredményeink szerint az agrárerdészeti környezet fajgazdag és stabil táplálékbázist biztosít, amely elősegíti a beporzók egészségét és támogatja a méztermelés fenntarthatóságát. Mind a pollencsomók, mind a mézminták esetében jelentős különbségek mutatkoztak a hat méhcsalád nektár- és pollenforrás-preferenciáiban, ami a helyi növényzet változatosságát és a méhek gyűjtési viselkedésének egyediségét tükrözi. A három vizsgálati hónap eredményei alapján áprilisban és júliusban a pollencsomók, míg májusban a mézminták mutattak nagyobb növénycsalád-diverzitást, ami összefügghet bizonyos fajok (pl. Brassica napus, Castanea sativa) felül-, illetve a fehér akác (Robinia pseudoacacia) alulreprezentált pollenszámával. A Brassicaceae család pollenje valamennyi mézmintában jelen volt, ami a repcefélék elhúzódó virágzásával és a zöldítési gyakorlatokkal magyarázható. A méz- és pollenminta-összetételek közötti eltérések azt jelzik, hogy a méhek nektár- és pollenforrás-preferenciái különbözhetnek, valamint a vizsgálati terület bőséges és változatos táplálékforrást biztosított a méhcsaládok számára. A két kaptártermék párhuzamos elemzése alkalmas a méhlegelők és az ökoszisztéma szerkezetének feltérképezésére, valamint hosszú távú monitorozásra, amely segítheti az élőhelykezelési és növénytelepítési stratégiák beporzóbarát kialakítását.

Based on the data collected between 2015 and 2023, we present a detailed account of the occurrences and current distribution of Viscum album subsp. austriacum in Hungary. We present its fre­quency and abundance, and also examine the factors influencing its distribution and prevalence. The taxon is generally widespread in the western half of Western Transdanubia, where it is a characteristic (and partially native) element of the mixed pine forests of the Vendvidék, Felső-Őrség, Kőszeg Hills, and the Pinka Plain. Its occurrence has been confirmed in almost all (older) Scots pine and black pine stands of the Sopron Hills, where it has become a mass pest in several locations. Based on our studies, the current distri­bution of the taxon in Southwestern Transdanubia follows the border of the native distribution of Scots pine, but in the Kemeneshát and the Sopron–Vas Plain, the regional boundary extends 10–25 km beyond it. The frequency of pine mistletoe within the subcompartments was highest in mixed coniferous stands. We also recorded a mass infection that played a significant role in the degradation of the stands. The notable increase in the number of occurrences can be explained by the significant under-mapping of the taxon to date, as well as its documented spread throughout Europe. It is also assumed to be linked to the increasing­ly unfavorable health status of coniferous forests in Hungary. This process may be facilitat­ed by the fact that the resistance of Scots pine forests in both hilly and lowland regions has significantly declined due to the increasing length and frequency of drought periods. Compared to previous years, forest stands in weakened condition are more susceptible to infections by pathogenic organisms, such as mistletoe.

Tanulmányunkban 79 idegenhonos faj új elterjedési adatait mutatjuk be Magyarország területéről az elmúlt néhány évből. A felsorolt fajok közül öt (Bidens connata, Dianthus giganteus, Guizotia abyssinica, Oenothera deflexa, Polypogon monspeliensis) a magyarországi adventív flórára nézve új adat. A Bidens connata több előfordulását a Tisza középső és alsó szakaszán, parti növényzetben regisztráltuk. A ritkán ültetett dísznövényként ismert Dianthus giganteus a Balaton-felvidék és a Rába-völgy egy-egy pontján, zárt gyepben jelent meg. A kelet-afrikai eredetű Guizotia abyssinica előfordulásai egyelőre alkalmi megjelenések, a fajt vélhetően haleleséggel hurcolták be. Az Oenothera deflexa-t a Hatvani-síkon, parlagon találtuk, a Polypogon monspeliensis Rábapatyon egy kavicsbánya-gödörben került elő. A Symphoricarpos orbiculatus feltehetően már most elterjedtebb, alultérképezett faj, elsősorban települések közelében számíthatunk felbukkanására. Ismertetjük a magas inváziós potenciállal rendelkező Artemisia verlotiorum megjelenését a Duna szigetközi szakaszáról. Az elmúlt két-három évtizedben gyors ütemben teret hódító, napjainkra már általánosan elterjedt fajok közül az Euphorbia maculata és a Lepidium densiflorum terjedési ütemét térképen szemléltetjük. A vasútvonalak mentén néhány éve megjelent, azóta intenzíven terjedő Lepidium oblongum, valamint a közlekedési utak mentén egy évtizede jelen lévő Plantago coronopus elterjedésével kapcsolatos ismereteket jelentős számú új adattal bővítjük. Beszámolunk az Eclipta prostrata ismétlődő felbukkanásáról folyóparti környezetben, a Torilis nodosa gyors terjedéséről a Balaton menti települések száraz termőhelyein, jelentős számú új megfigyelése alapján pontosítjuk a Panicum dichotomiflorum, a Panicum riparium és a Setaria faberi inváziójának aktuális helyzetét. Elsőként számolunk be az Albizia julibrissin, a Chenopodium pumilio, az Euphorbia serpens és a Parietaria judaica előfordulásáról a Nyugat-Dunántúl, a Lepidium virginicum megjelenéséről a Dunántúli-középhegység területén. A jövőben várhatóan veszélyes invázióssá válhat homokterületeken a Leymus arenarius, száraz gyepekben az Elymus elongatus, cserjésedő területeken a Buddleja davidii és a Pyracantha coccinea, települési kultúrgyepekben a Pennisetum alopecuroides.

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.

The existing plant trait databases' applicability is limited for studies dealing with the flora and vegetation of the eastern and central part of Europe and for large-scale comparisons across regions, mostly because their geographical data coverage is limited and they incorporate records from several different sources, often from regions with markedly different climatic conditions. These problems motivated the compilation of a regional dataset for the flora of the Pannonian region (Eastern Central Europe). PADAPT, the Pannonian Dataset of Plant Traits relies on regional data sources and collates data on 54 traits and attributes of the plant species of the Pannonian region. The current version covers approximately 90% of the species of the region and consists of 126,337 records on 2745 taxa. By including species of the eastern part of Europe not covered by other databases, PADAPT can facilitate studying the flora and vegetation of the eastern part of the continent. Although data coverage is far from complete, PADAPT meets the longstanding need for a regional database of the Pannonian flora.

Our research was carried out in northern Croatia from 2018 to 2022 and we investigated the distribution of salt-tolerant plant species along roads (mainly along motorways) in a total of 51 study sites. We were the first to detect Cochlearia danica, a halophyte characterized by an Atlantic distribution, in the Croatian flora. We demonstrated the distinct roadside spread of Desmazeria marina, Parapholis incurva and Sagina maritima in a northerly direction towards the interior of the mainland. We recorded the mass occurrence of several salt-tolerant species already well documented in Central Europe along the surveyed motorways (e.g. Plantago coronopus, Spergularia marina) and provide data on other weeds that have spread along major roads. Three species found (Desmazeria marina, Puccinellia distans subsp. distans, Parapholis incurva) are included in the Croatian Red List.

PADAPT, the Pannonian Dataset of Plant Traits relies on regional data sources and collates data on 54 traits and attributes of the plant species of the Pannonian region. The current version covers approximately 90% of the species of the region and consists of 126,337 records on 2745 taxa. By including species of the eastern part of Europe not covered by other databases, PADAPT can facilitate studying the flora and vegetation of the eastern part of the continent.

Introduction The bryophyte flora of Hungary was relatively well studied during the twentieth century, but data on the present-day frequency and geographical distribution of Hungarian bryophytes are lacking. We present here our preliminary results based on recent fieldwork and herbarium studies. Methods We recorded bryophyte occurrences in grid cells (quadrants) of approximately 5.5 × 6 km. Frequency was determined based on the number of quadrants, and geographical distribution evaluated in terms of the 19 administrative units (counties) of the country. To investigate correlations between species richness and relevant environmental drivers, statistical analyses were carried out. Key results A total of 698 bryophyte taxa (2 hornworts, 151 liverworts and 545 mosses) have been found in the territory of Hungary. For each of the 637 taxa that have been observed since 1973, one of five frequency classes (very common, common, sporadic to frequent, rare, and very rare) has been assigned based on the relevant number of field records or herbarium specimens. Additionally, tabular distributional information (occurrence in each of the 19 counties) is presented for each taxon. In the statistical evaluation of the geographical distribution data, the elevational range and the size of the surveyed area were positively correlated with bryophyte richness, whereas arable land cover was negatively correlated. Conclusions Although the survey was not uniform or complete across the different counties, the results support some robust bryogeographical theories. We hope to have the opportunity in the near future to compile a new Hungarian bryophyte Red List, partly based on these national frequency data.

Lepidium oblongum, of American origin is a new member of the European adventive flora, only detected in Romania so far. The first Hungarian stand was discovered in 2018, and others in 2020. Based on our studies, we detail its morphological characteristics in comparison with other Lepidium species. We present a new drawing and a table to help identify the species. Lepidium oblongum is easily identifiable by its divided (lobed or lobed-dentated) upper stem leaves. By analyzing selected climatic parameters we show that the new European habitats are found in the drier and cooler summer subtype of the humid continental climate belt. In Hungary, it spreads directly along the railways. The establishment of individual populations can be influenced by the location of cargo unloading and the movement of railway workers. Lepidium oblongum occupies gravelly, sun-exposed habitats along Hungarian railway tracks such as loading platforms, guardhouses and goods stations. Based on its high stress and climatic tolerance and initial spreadrate, it is consider to be a naturalized member of the European adventive flora, that could be potentially invasive along the European railways.

A tanulmány 44 neofiton faj 272 új elterjedési adatát tartalmazza Magyarország területéről az elmúlt néhány évből. Először sikerült kimutatni Magyarországról az Iris orientalis-t, melynek meghonosodott populációját találtuk kiszáradt, sztyeppesedő mocsárréten. A közelmúltban megtelepedett, de vélhetően vasút mentén gyorsan terjedő faj lesz a Lepidium oblongum. Kerti szökevényként a Buddleja davidii és a Broussonetia papyrifera természetközeli élőhelyeken napjainkban válik átalakító fajjá és zavart cserjésben, erdőben a Vinca major lokális invázióját is megfigyeltük. Ruderális élőhelyeken az Euphorbia prostrata, Kochia scoparia subsp. densiflora és a Lepidium virginicum gyorsuló terjedésére hívjuk fel a figyelmet. Szintén gyors és tömeges terjedését figyelhetjük meg számos korábban meghonosodott fajnak, melyek egyre gyakrabban telepednek meg urbánus területeken kívül, természetközeli növényzetben is (Eleusine indica, Euphorbia maculata, Chorisposa tenella, Galinsoga ciliata, Lepidium densiflorum, Phytolacca esculenta, Tragus racemosus, Viola sororia). Bemutatunk lassabban, de kitartóan terjedő, régebb óta jelen lévő meghonosodott fajokat (Aster novae-angliae, Erechtites hieracifolia, Humulus scandens, Oenothera depressa, Oe. suaveolens, Oxybaphus nyctagineus, Sedum rupestre, S. spurium) és korábban elterjedt, majd visszaszorult, napjainkban újra terjedő fajokat is (Amaranthus crispus, Taeniatherum caput-medusae). A városi flórában közönséges Commelina communis vasúti sínek mentén is terjedésnek indult. Talán alkalmi behurcolással érkezhetett egy Tisza melletti nyírt gyepbe az Ecballium elaterium. Mezőgazdasági kultúrából maradt parlagi túlélő a Trigonella caerulea. Vélhetően kerti szökevény a karsztbokorerdőben, cserjésben megjelenő Cotoneaster zabelii. Erdei utak mentén figyeltük meg az Euphorbia marginata terjedését. Ezen felül bemutatunk számos alkalmi kivadulást (Lamium galeobdolon subsp. argentatum, Nassella tenuissima, Oenothera glazioviana, Ophiopogon japonicus, Papaver dubium subsp. lecoqii cv. ’Beth’s Poppy’), melyek között kiemelt helyet foglalnak el az alkalmi hulladéklerakók (Antirrhinum majus, Eschscholzia californica, Euphorbia lathyris, Galanthus plicatus, Hordeum jubatum, Yucca filamentosa). Végül bemutatunk 2 taxonómiai nehézségek miatt adathiányos taxont is (Amaranthus blitum subsp. emarginatus, Azolla filiculoides).

AbstractWe present PADAPT 1.0, the Pannonian Database of Plant Traits which relies on regional data sources and integrates existing data and new measurements on a wide range of traits and attributes of the plant species of the Pannonian Biogeographical Region and makes it freely accessible atwww.padapt.eu. The current version covers the species of the region occurring in Hungary (cc. 90% of the region’s flora) and consists of 126,337 records on 2745 taxa. There are 53 plant attributes in PADAPT 1.0 organised in six major groups: (i) Habitus and strategy, (ii) Reproduction, (iii) Kariology, (iv) Distribution and conservation, (v) Ecological indicator values, and (vi) Leaf traits. By including species of the eastern part of Europe not covered by other databases, PADAPT can facilitate studying the flora and vegetation of the eastern part of the continent. Data collection will continue in the future and the PADAPT team welcomes researchers interested in contributing with data. The main task before an updated version of the database is to include species of the Pannonian region not covered by the current version. In conclusion, although data coverage is far from complete, PADAPT meets the longstanding need for a regional database of the Pannonian flora.

Kulcsár L., Mesterházy A., Keszei B., Király G., Balogh L. (2022): Vas megye védett növényei. Szülőföld Könyvkiadó, Szombathely–Sárvár, 566 pp. ISBN 978-615-6172-39-6

This paper presents occurrence data of Urtica kioviensis Rogow. in Hungary from the 20th century till today, based on a survey of six Hungarian public herbaria and the literature. Altogether 84 herbarium sheets from 9 counties, 83 literature records mentioned from 12 counties, and 57 flora mapping data were encountered. Based on these, we updated the distribution map of the species in Hungary. We found that the typical habitats of U. kioviensis in Hungary include marginal zones of bog forests, reeds, and old small watercourses. We report two newly discovered locations of the species in the Hanság area. Near Fehértó, in a peat-forming reed bordering a lake, approximately 150 plants were found, while in the vicinity of Dör, in a former open pit sand mine, approximately 300 plants were observed. The habitat at Dör is secondary, the current vegetation must be the result of progressive succession processes that started after the abandonment of sand mining. The integrity of Hungarian habitats has been threatened in recent decades by increasingly frequent climatic anomalies (mainly water shortages due to the lack of precipitation for long periods) and anthropogenic factors (fragmentation of biotopes, organic/inorganic substances washing into groundwater), which may cause a decrease in the number of plants. As a significant part of the distribution area of the species is located in Hungary, the protection of its populations and habitats is also of key importance.

For the effective control of an invasive species, gathering as much information as possible on its ecology, establishment and persistence in the affected communities is of utmost importance. We aimed to review the current distribution and characteristics of Sporobolus cryptandrus (sand dropseed), an invasive C4 grass species of North American origin recently discovered in Hungary. We aimed to provide information on (i) its current distribution paying special attention to its invasion in Eurasia; (ii) the characteristics of the invaded habitats in Central Europe; (iii) seed bank formation and germination characteristics, crucial factors in early establishment; and (iv) the effects of its increasing cover on vegetation composition. Finally, we aimed to (v) point out further research directions that could enable us to understand the invasion success of this potential invasive species. Field surveys uncovered large stands of the species in Central and Eastern Hungary with most of the locations in the former, especially in the Kiskunság region. The species invaded disturbed stands of dry and open sand grasslands, closed dune slack grasslands and it also penetrates natural open sand grasslands from neighboring disturbed habitats. Increasing cover of Sporobolus cryptandrus was associated with a decline in species richness and abundance of subordinate species both in the vegetation and seed banks, but a low density of Sporobolus cryptandrus can even have a weak positive effect on these characteristics. Viable seeds of Sporobolus were detected from all soil layers (2.5 cm layers measured from the surface to 10 cm in depth), which indicates that the species is able to form a persistent seed bank (1114 to 3077 seeds/m2 with increasing scores towards higher abundance of the species in vegetation). Germination of Sporobolus cryptandrus was negatively affected by both litter cover and 1 cm deep soil burial. To sum up, Sporobolus cryptandrus can be considered as a transformer invasive species, whose spread forms a high risk for dry sand and steppe grasslands in Eurasia. We can conclude that for the effective suppression of the species it is necessary: (i) to clarify the origin of the detected populations; (ii) to assess its competitive ability including its potential allelopathic effects; (iii) to assess its seed bank formation potential in habitats with different abiotic conditions; and (iv) to assess the possibility of its suppression by natural enemies and management techniques such as mowing or livestock grazing.

For the effective control of an invasive species, gathering as much information as possible on its ecology, establishment and persistence in the subjected communities is of utmost importance. We aimed to review the current distribution and characteristics of Sporobolus cryptandrus (sand dropseed), an invasive C4 grass species of North American origin recently discovered in Hungary. We aimed to provide information on (i) its current distribution paying special attention to its invasion in Eurasia; (ii) the characteristics of the invaded habitats in Central Europe; (iii) seed bank formation and germination characteristics, crucial factors in early establishment; and (iv) the effects of its increasing cover on vegetation composition. Finally, we aimed to (v) point out further research directions that could enable us to understand the invasion success of this potential invasive species. Field surveys uncovered large stands of the species in Central and Eastern Hungary with most of the locations in the former, especially the Kiskunság region. The species invaded disturbed stands of dry and open sand grasslands, closed dune slack grasslands and it also penetrates into natural open sand grasslands from neighbouring disturbed habitats. Increasing cover of Sporobolus cryptandrus caused a decline in species richness and abundance of subordinate species both in the vegetation and seed banks, but a low density of Sporobolus cryptandrus can even have a weak positive effect on these characteristics. Viable seeds of Sporobolus were detected from all soil layers (2.5 cm layers measured from the surface to 10 cm in depth), which indicates that the species is able to form a persistent seed bank (1,114 to 3,077 seeds/m 2 with increasing scores towards higher abundance of the species in vegetation). Germination of Sporobolus cryptandrus was negatively affected by both litter cover and 1 cm deep soil burial. To sum up, Sporobolus cryptandrus can be considered as a transformer invasive species, whose spread forms a high risk for dry sand and steppe grasslands in Eurasia. We can conclude that for the effective suppression of the species it is necessary: (i) to clarify the origin of the detected populations; (ii) to assess its competitive ability including its potential allelopathic effects; (iii) to assess its seed bank formation potential in habitats with different abiotic conditions; and (iv) to assess the possibility of its suppression by natural enemies and management techniques such as mowing or livestock grazing.

The spread of alien species with the expansion of road networks and increasing traffic is a well-known phenomenon globally. Besides their corridor effects, road maintenance practices, such as the use of de-icing salts during winter facilitate the spread of halophyte (salt tolerant) species along roads. A good example is Plantago coronopus, a mainly coastal halophyte which has started spreading inland from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal habitats, recently reaching even Central European countries (e.g. Hungary). Here we studied the spread of this halophyte and tried to identify factors explaining its successful dispersion along roads, while also comparing native and non-native roadside occurrences with regard to altitude of the localities, size of roadside populations and frequency of roadside occurrences. We completed a comprehensive literature review and collected more than 200 reports of occurrence from roadsides spanning a total of 38 years. During systematic sampling the frequency of the species along roads was significantly higher in the Mediterranean (native area), than along Hungarian (non-native area) roads, however the average number of individuals at the sampling localities were very similar, and no significant difference could be detected. Using a germination experiment, we demonstrate that although the species is able to germinate even at high salt concentrations, salt is not required for germination. Indeed salt significantly decreases germination probability of the seeds. The successful spread of the species could most likely be explained by its remarkably high seed production, or some special characteristics (e.g. seed dimorphism) and its ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions. Considering the recent and rapid eastward spread of P. coronopus, occurrences in other countries where it has not been reported yet can be predicted in coming years.

Dolgozatunkban a Kisalföld határainkon belülre eső területén 2015-2020 közötti időszakban végzett florisztikai kutatások legfontosabb eredményeit ismertetjük. Az előfordulási adatok felsorolását követően értékelésre kerül országos vagy regionális jelentőségük, növényföldrajzi, természetvédelmi szerepük. A felsorolásban 52 fajról szerepelnek új adatok, amelyek közül 40 hazánkban természetes (honos) előfordulású, 12 idegenhonos elem. Eredményeink közül kiemelendő a Kisalföldre nézve új Gagea minima megtalálása, az Epipactis tallosii két új állományának felfedezése, a Polystichum setiferum előfordulásának bizonyítása, továbbá több gyomjellegű növény (Apera interrupta, Calepina irregularis, Erigeron sumatrensis, Euphorbia prostrata, Panicum dichotomiflorum) új lelőhelyeinek kimutatása. Jelentősebben bővítjük az ismereteket az Erysimum hieraciifolium szigetközi, a Succisella inflexa rábaközi, és az Ornithogalum × degenianum Marcal-medencei elterjedéséhez. Adatokat közlünk közutak mentén terjedő (Atriplex micrantha, Dittrichia graveolens, Eleusine indica), valamint dísznövényként ültetett (Pennisetum alopecuroides, Sedum pallidum) adventív fajokról.