There is no doubt that climate change not only affects the spatial distribution of organisms but also alters ecological interactions that are crucial for the maintenance and functioning of ecosystems. Much research has been devoted to assessing the impact of global warming on animal-mediated pollination, which is vital for the reproduction of vascular plants. Most analyses have focused on insect pollen vectors, as these are the most common animals involved in pollination. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of climate change on the distribution of suitable niches of the tropical orchid (Elleanthus brasiliensis) and four hummingbirds reported to serve as pollen vectors for this species (Thalurania glaucopis, Phaethornis pretrei, Phaethornis squalidus, Ramphodon naevius), as well as to estimate the locations of climatic refugia where both orchid and pollinator will co-occur in the future. All species studied will lose suitable niches in different Brazilian biomes as a result of global warming. In the reduced, fragmented potential range of E. brasiliensis, not all orchid populations will have a chance of cross-pollination. Of the birds included in the study, T. glaucopis will be the most important orchid pollinator, being available for basically all of the plant populations. The most endangered populations of E. brasiliensis are located in the southern part of the orchid range where no pollen vectors except of T. glaucopis are predicted to occur in the future. The partial lack of pollen vectors and the fragmentation of geographical ranges will pose serious threats to the long-term survival of the studied orchid. The areas identified in this study as suitable for the occurrence of both the orchid and its pollinator(s) should be considered as climatic refugia and receive additional attention when planning conservation activities.

IntroductionSeed morphology is widely used as an auxiliary source of evidence in orchid systematics, but its taxonomic value varies among lineages. For several genera within Vandeae, the extent to which seed traits reflect phylogenetic relationships or provide diagnostic features remains insufficiently evaluated.MethodsTo assess the systematic relevance of seed characters, we examined a broad set of qualitative and quantitative traits across representatives of the genus Polystachya, including seed length, shape, and surface architecture. Measurements were obtained from scanning electron microscopy, and patterns of variation were compared within and among taxa to identify traits with potential diagnostic utility.ResultsThe analyses revealed that some seed characters display consistent patterns within Polystachya, while others show overlapping ranges that limit their diagnostic value. In several cases, seed length and anticlinal wall features proved informative for distinguishing certain species, whereas surface ornamentation was more variable. No single character was universally reliable, but combined trait assessment increased discriminatory power.DiscussionThe results demonstrate that seed morphology provides a useful, though not standalone, source of taxonomic information within the studied group. Patterns observed across taxa indicate that seed traits can reinforce existing hypotheses of relationships and highlight potential discrepancies where boundaries may require reassessment. The findings emphasize the value of integrating seed morphology with molecular and ecological evidence to improve the resolution of taxonomic questions in Polystachya.

Abstract 1. Most plant species are genetically differentiated among populations, often reflected by phenotypic trait variation that corresponds to local adaptation. Yet the strength of local adaptation and heritable contribution to phenotypic traits vary across traits, species, and environments. Additionally, climate change is rapidly altering environmental conditions, and the climate may shift faster than populations can adapt or track the change via dispersal, resulting in adaptive lags. However, it remains unclear how widespread such adaptive lags are across plant species. 2. We focused on Hordeum murinum , an annual ruderal grass widespread in Europe. We combined continental-scale in situ measurements of 2070 plants across 207 populations with common garden experiments across two contrasting climates and two soil types to disentangle heritable variation from phenotypic plasticity and assess potential adaptive lags under climate change. 3. We found that heritable variation was pronounced in developmental traits, particularly flowering time and plant height, while seed weight, reproductive investment and SLA showed intermediate heritable contribution, and flag leaf area and total biomass were primarily plastic. Heritable trait variation was strongly associated with temperature at the populations’ origin, and trait clines were consistent with in situ patterns, suggesting that temperature is the main driver of genetic differentiation in H. murinum . However, we detected that fitness peaked in populations originating from warmer climates, indicating that evolutionary responses may not keep pace with rapid environmental shifts. 4. Synthesis: Our results highlight that H. murinum harbors substantial heritable variation, shaped primarily by temperature. However, the pace of evolutionary change may be insufficient to track ongoing climate change, leaving populations potentially vulnerable to future environmental conditions.

Spiranthoid orchids, a diverse group with both wide ecological demand and high morphological variability, remain particularly challenging in terms of classification. Despite phylogenetic analyses indicating monophyly of the tribe Spiranthinae, inconsistencies between morphological and genetic data, as well as conflicts between nuclear and plastid markers, have hindered the establishment of clear taxonomic boundaries. Seed morphology, which has been successfully applied in plant systematics, remains understudied in this group. Here, we investigated seed morphology and surface ultrastructure in 67 species of spiranthoid orchids based on both quantitative biometric measurements and qualitative micromorphological characters (scanning electron microscopy), with trait variation evaluated using multivariate statistical analyses interpreted in a phylogenetic context. Seed morphology in spiranthoid orchids is highly variable and shows no consistent correlation with phylogeny, distribution, environment, or plant size. Only Myrosmodes nubigenum exhibits a clear distinctiveness, likely due to its isolated evolutionary position and high-Andean habitat. While seed traits can aid in diagnosing certain taxa, their utility for infra-tribal classification is limited. Broader studies integrating morphological, molecular, and ecological data are needed to clarify the evolutionary drivers of seed diversity in this group.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Plant functional traits link environmental conditions to plant performance and adaptation. Growing evidence suggests that intraspecific trait variation can be as important as differences between species, yet large intraspecific studies of in-situ variation remain rare. While most studies have focused on plant morphological traits, the concentrations of elemental nutrients in seeds have received much less attention so far. METHODS:We conducted a large-scale in-situ study of the widespread annual ruderal grass Hordeum murinum. We sampled 2070 individuals from 207 populations across a large part of its native range in Europe and North Africa. We measured seed ripening phenology and growth-related traits in-situ and analyzed concentrations of elemental nutrients in the seeds. KEY RESULTS:We found that Hordeum murinum grew larger, produced seeds later, and had heavier seeds in colder and wetter regions. Plants growing in denser vegetation were taller and produced heavier seeds but formed fewer spikes. Concentrations of elemental nutrients in the seed generally declined with seed weight and were primarily driven by climatic variables, whereas soil conditions had only minor effects on plant traits and seed nutrients. Population identity explained a substantial proportion of trait variation, indicating a possible genetic component. CONCLUSIONS:Our findings provide a comprehensive view of how Hordeum murinum responds to environmental gradients across its European distribution. Climatic variables, particularly temperature, are key drivers of reproductive timing and concentrations of elemental nutrients in the seed, whereas local environmental conditions, such as biotic pressures, are more critical for growth-related traits. Together, these patterns indicate that Hordeum murinum modulates its growth and reproductive investment along environmental gradients, balancing phenology, stress tolerance, and limited competitive capacity.

A new species of Telipogon from montane cloud forests of Peru is described and illustrated. Plants of this species grow at an elevation of over 3000 meters and are characterized by a reniform, basally papillate lip, ornamented with a distinctive triangular-ovate callus that is partially free from the lip disc, with thickened areas on either side of the callus spreading toward the lip margins and resembling wings. The new species resembles Ecuadorian T. frymirei but differs in having petals that are almost as wide as long, as well as in lip shape and venation.

Climate change is a major driver of biodiversity loss, affecting complex ecological relationships. Plants that rely on animal pollen vectors for reproduction are more sensitive to habitat disturbance, as any change in local pollinator species composition, abundance or foraging behaviour can affect the reproductive success of a plant population. This study used ecological niche modelling to investigate the effects of global warming on the spatial overlap between the South African beetle daisy (Gorteria diffusa) and its sole pollen vector (Megapalpus capensis, beetledaisy fly). Gorteria diffusa is one of the few non-Orchidaceae species that can be pollinated by sexual deception. As predicted in this study, the general coverage of suitable niches of G. diffusa will not be significantly reduced in two of the climate change scenarios studied - SSP1-2.6 and SSP2-4.5. However, about 10% reduction of the potential range of the beetle daisy is expected to occur in SSP5-8.5. Based on the direction of range contraction, populations from the north-eastern part of the geographical range of the species seem to be most endangered due to the habitat loss. At the same time the geographical range of M. capensis will be significantly reduced in all climate change scenarios analysed. Even if global CO2 emissions reach net zero after 2050, the coverage of suitable niches of the insect will be over 20% smaller than currently estimated. Given the decline in pollinator availability due to the spatial mismatch between G. diffusa and the bee fly, the survival of north-western and south-eastern populations may be threatened as the insect will not be present in the areas suitable for beetle daisy occurrence. The maps produced in this study indicate areas that will be climatically suitable for the co-occurrence of beetle daisy and its pollinator in the future. These regions should be considered by local conservation authorities in developing more effective conservation strategies especially within South African Namaqualand.

The identity of Myoxanthus ceratothallis (Orchidaceae) is revised using morphological data. Based on petal and lip morphology, Pleurothallis longipes is transferred to Myoxanthus, and the combination Myoxanthus longipes (Korn.) Kolan. & Szlach. comb. nova is proposed. Myoxanthus alex-hirtzii Kolan. & Szlach. sp. nova from Ecuador is described as part of the M. ceratothallis complex. The importance of herbarium collections and classical herbarium taxonomy in species delimitation is discussed, and notes on the sectional division of Myoxanthus are provided.

Ophrys apifera, commonly known as the bee orchid, is a species of orchid that has expanded its range northwards in recent decades. The present study focuses on its occurrence in Poland and analyses possible causes of this expansion, including climate change, autogamy and genetic diversity of new populations. Genetic analyses using nuclear microsatellite markers and plastid DNA revealed low overall population variability in Poland and neighbouring countries (the Czech Republic, Germany), probably caused by the founder effect and bottleneck, as well as the autogamous reproductive strategy of this species. STRUCTURE analysis identified three genetic clusters, with western populations forming a distinct, homogeneous cluster, while southern populations show a greater degree of genetic mixing. Plastid haplotype diversity was limited, with most populations dominated by a single haplotype. This confirms the scenario of recent colonisation through long-distance seed dispersal. Ecological niche modelling indicates that although O. apifera will continue to spread in regions with a suitable climate in northern and central Europe, habitat loss due to rising temperatures is predicted in the southern and western parts of its range. The combination of genetic and ecological data suggests that several independent colonisation events contributed to the recent spread of O. apifera. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring genetic variation in newly established populations and further investigating the role of climate change in the range shift of orchids.

Truffles are valuable edible fungi, which form an ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with trees, thus their distribution depends on the presence of appropriate tree partners. Global warming threatens truffles and trees in the Mediterranean Basin, hence the future of truffle cultivation in this region.We aimed to predict the potential distribution of Tuber melanosporum, T. aestivum, and their tree partners in Europe under changing climate. We compared the results obtained among widespread (Quercus robur, Corylus avellana), common in the Mediterranean region (Q.ilex, Castanea sativa), and non-native tree used in truffle orchards in the United States (Carya illinoinensis). We used distribution data from GBIF and literature. Using MaxEnt models, we prepared species distribution models related to climate change between 2020 and 2080 based on 19 bioclimatic variables, distribution data of trees, and climate change scenarios A1b, A2a, and B2b.We predicted a northward shift in the future distribution of niches for truffles and trees, a major decrease in the area of niches for truffles in southern Europe, and a substantial increase in central and northern Europe. The general trend was common for tested species and climatic scenarios. The distribution of ectomycorrhizal trees was the predictor of highest importance for truffles. Among climatic variables, precipitation of coldest quarter, temperature seasonality, and annual mean temperature contributed the highest importance.Because the consequences of global warming seriously threaten truffles and their tree partners in southern Europe but generate novel climatic niches for these species in regions situated further north, we suggest that cultivation of truffles should be moved northward along with patterns of climate change.

Pterichis avicula is described based on Peruvian material. The morphological characteristic of the species is provided together with an illustration of its floral segments and comparison with similar orchids. This new species resembles the Ecuadorian P. tunguraguona and P. seleniglossa in the lip form which is lunate-reniform above a truncate base. Pterichis avicula is easily distinguished from the former by the shape of the petals and the proportionally larger lip middle lobe. Unlike the new species, P. seleniglossa has ovate, small lip middle lobe which constitutes less than half of the total lip length and the sinus between the lobes in this species is indistinctive.

The orchid genus Pterichis comprises almost 50 species distributed from Costa Rica and Jamaica to Bolivia with the greatest diversity observed in the northern Andes. Recent studies on Pterichis resulted in the description of numerous new species across South America. One of the most interesting findings was P. aragogiana, which is characterized by a spider-like appearance of the flowers. This orchid was described based on material collected in Ecuador and a year later its occurrence was confirmed in Bolivia. Here P. aragogiana is reported for the first time from Peru based on data obtained in USM herbarium. The morphological characteristic of the species is provided together with an illustration and information about its geo-graphical distribution. An updated key for identification of Peruvian representatives of the nominal section of Pterichis is presented.

A new species of the orchid genus Brachionidium, B. ramiro-medinae KoLAN. & szLAcH., from the Colombian Andes is described and illustrated. The new entity resembles B. tetrapetalum and B. pteroglossum but it is distinguished from both these species by a pandurate lip callus. A key to Brachionidium species with non-caudate sepals occurring in Colombia and Ecuador is presented.

Global warming is one of the biggest threats to global biodiversity causing not only changes in the patterns of precipitation and temperature but also disturbing ecological interactions. The aim of our study was to forecast the effect of climate change on the distribution of food-deceptive orchid species whose pollination strategy relies on a strict association with pollinators and co-occurring rewarding Faboideae plants. We used the ecological niche modeling approach to evaluate future overlap of the suitable niches of studied orchid species with the predicted distribution of their ecological partners. Models were made based on two different global circulation models (FIO, CNRM). CNRM projections predict expansion of orchids' geographical range. In contrast, FIO prediction is less optimistic, forecasting species range contraction. The studied Faboideae species showed different responses to predicted global warming with no consistent patterns in how their suitable niches might change. Most climate change projections and scenarios of the future modifications of temperature and precipitation patterns do not predict significant loss of suitable niches of Trichocolletes bees (Colletidae) pollinating Diuris species. However, global warming has the potential to disrupt interactions between the studied orchids and their co-occurring pea plants by altering the overlap of their geographical ranges which can further disturb pollination success. CNRM projections predict an overall loss of Faboideae within the potential geographical range of Diuris brumalis. Conversely, FIO projections suggest a less extensive predicted divergence. Our simulations offer suggestions for conservation strategies of orchids and potentially for other species that have a similar pollination strategy. The areas indicated here as suitable in the future for the occurrence of all ecological partners can be important climate refugia to consider in local conservation plans. The approach used in our study can serve as a model for understanding the potential effects of climate change on the strength of the pollination system via food deception.

Climate change plays an increasing role in the global biodiversity crisis. Alteration in local climatic conditions not only can negatively affect native biodiversity but also can accelerate the introduction and spread of invasive species. In this study the ecological niche modelling approach was used to evaluate possible changes in the distribution of suitable niches of invasive orchid Eulophia graminea within its native (Asia) and non-native geographical range (America, Australia). We mapped the current potential range of this species and analysed three various projections of future climate (for 2100) each with four different climate change scenarios (SSPs). Calculated niche overlap indexes indicated low similarity of niches occupied by native and invasive populations of E. graminea and Australian populations seem to be the most unique, while American and Asian groups share partially similar niches. The occurrence of the American population of E. graminea was correlated especially with the temperature seasonality, while the Asian and Australian populations with annual precipitation and precipitation of the wettest quarter. As indicated in our analyses within Asia and America, E. graminea does not occupy all climatically suitable niches. On the other hand, in Australia the species studied already occupies all appropriate niche space. Climate change will likely be favorable for species studied to expand its range if the biotic components of its niche space (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi) will respond similarly. The most significant range expansion is predicted to occur in Australia which is interesting considering the marginally suitable habitats that E. graminea currently occupies.

The disjunct Arctic -alpine plants that persist on isolated mountain sites at the limits of their geographical range are particularly sensitive indicators of climate change effects. Here, we investigated a remarkably fragile plant, the smallest orchid in Europe, Chamorchis alpina . The ecological niche modeling (ENM) approach was employed not only to verify the shift in the range of the studied orchid but also to evaluate the future overlap between this plant population and its pollen vectors, Dasytes alpigradus , Formica lemani and Leptothorax acervorum . Our analyses showed that the bioclimatic preferences of the northern (Scandinavian) populations differed from those of the southern populations located in the Alps and Carpathians. Surprisingly, both C. alpina groups will expand their potential ranges under the SSP2 -4.5 climate change scenario, and additional suitable niches will become available for the northern group under the SSP3 -7.0 scenario. The Scandinavian populations will face significant habitat loss (36 %) in the SSP5 -8.5 projection. The southern group will lose suitable niches under both the SSP3 -7.0 and SSP5 -8.5 scenarios (33 % and 58 %, respectively). For all pollinators of C. alpina , global warming will be favorable, and all three species will expand their potential ranges under all analyzed climate change scenarios. Our research suggests that a "middle of the road " scenario of climate change (SSP2 -4.5), which assumes that socioeconomic factors follow historical trends, will not be harmful to the studied orchid or possibly other elements of Arctic -alpine flora, but all other scenarios that predict increases in CO 2 emissions will result in a decreases in the coverage of suitable C. alpina niches, especially in the alpine region. At the same time, an overall expansion of alpine dwarf orchid pollen vectors is predicted, so even within a reduced geographical range, the orchid population will be able to reproduce sexually.

Considering the global biodiversity crisis and the growing demand for medicinal plants, it is crucial to preserve therapeutically useful herbs. From a conservation management perspective under climate change, identifying areas that enable valuable natural resources to persist in the future is crucial. Machine learning-based models are commonly used to estimate the locations of climate refugia, which are critical for the effective species conservation. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of global warming on the epiphytic medicinal orchid—Bulbophyllum odoratissimum. Given how the long-term survival of plants inhabiting shrubs and trees depends on the availability of suitable phorophyets, in this research potential range changes in reported orchid plant hosts were evaluated. According to conducted analyses, global warming will cause a decline in the coverage of the suitable niches for B. odoratissimum and its main phorophyte. The most significant habitat loss in the case of the studied orchid and Pistacia weinmannifolia will be observed in the southern part of their geographical ranges and some new niches will simultaneously become available for these plants in the northern part. Climate change will significantly increase the overlap of geographical ranges of P. weinmannifolia and the orchid. In the SSP5-8.5 scenario trees will be available for more than 56% of the orchid population. Other analyzed phorophytes, will be available for B. odoratissimum to a very reduced extent, as orchids will only utilize these species as habitats only occasionally. This study provides data on the distribution of climatic refugia of B. odoratissimum under global warming. Moreover, this is the first evaluation of the future geographical ranges for its phorophytes. According to the conducted analyses, only one of the previously reported tree species which are inhabited by B. odoratissimum, P. weinmannifolia, can serve as a phorophyte for this orchid in the future. In this study, the areas designated as suitable for the occurrence of both orchids and their phorophytes should be considered priority conservation areas for the studied medicinal plants.

Orobanche laxissima (Orobanchaceae) is a polyphagous holoparasite of the roots of 14 species of trees and shrubs in the Caucasus (the region on the border of Europe and Asia). This parasite is expansive but in a limited geographic area and it was reported to occur in natural or seminatural forest and shrub habitats, and recently also in horticulture and arboriculture. In this study, the ecological niche modeling (ENM) approach was used to estimate the possible effects of climate change on the niche of O. laxissima and evaluate the effect of its parasitic relationships with 10 trees and shrubs and the chances of survival of this species of forest habitats. Moreover, the model for the Last Glacial Maximum was created to evaluate the general pattern of the distribution of studied species niches. Many of the hosts of this parasite are trees that are the dominant component of the most important forests in the Caucasus. Climate change may affect holoparasites both directly through effects on its physiology and indirectly as a consequence of its effects on their host plants and forest communities. The glacial range of O. laxissima was 82% smaller than currently recorded. Its occurrence is related mostly to precipitation in the driest month (bio 14) as this species requires a substantial amount of rain even in the dry season. According to our models, O. laxissima is likely to increase its current geographical range from 30% to 52%, as a response to global warming, especially in areas in the Caucasus, in the Black Sea Region in southern parts of the Crimean Peninsula in Russia, and northern Turkey. Only the most extreme SSP5–8.5 scenario will be damaging for this species, with a 21–35% range contraction. Monitoring parasite populations is a very important part management, and in our case, it can also be useful for predicting the effects of climate change on trees and, in many cases, unique refugial deciduous forest communities, such as the Colchic rainforests.

Abstract In this study the first record of Northern Hemisphere fungus, Lactarius torminosus (Russulales, Basidiomycota) is presented from New Zealand. The identification of collected specimens was confirmed based on macro- and micromorphological observations. Additionally, the biogeography of the fungus is also descried, based on sporocarp records. Species distribution modeling implemented in MaxEnt was used to evaluation the range of the ecological niche of L. torminosus in New Zealand and Australia. The obtained model showed, that climatic variables and distribution of a silver birch are the most decisive factors influencing the occurrence of the fungus. However obtained results emphasize the role of edaphic conditions and human vector in the expansion of foreign fungi in invasion range.

Ecological stability together with the suitability of abiotic conditions are crucial for long-term survival of any organism and the maintenance of biodiversity and self-sustainable ecosystems relies on species interactions. By influencing resource availability plants affect the composition of plant communities and ultimately ecosystem functioning. Plant-animal interactions are very complex and include a variety of exploitative and mutualistic relationships. One of the most important mutualistic interactions is that between plants and their pollinators. Coevolution generates clustered links between plants and their pollen vectors, but the pollination and reproductive success of plants is reduced by increase in the specialization of plant-animal interactions. One of the most specialized types of pollination is sexual deception, which occurs almost exclusively in Orchidaceae. In this form of mimicry, male insects are attracted to orchid flowers by chemical compounds that resemble insect female sex pheromones and pollinate the flowers during attempted copulations. These interactions are often species-specific with each species of orchid attracting only males of one or very few closely related species of insects. For sexually deceptive orchids the presence of a particular pollen vector is crucial for reproductive success and any reduction in pollinator availability constitutes a threat to the orchid. Because global warming is rapidly becoming the greatest threat to all organisms by re-shaping the geographical ranges of plants, animals and fungi, this paper focuses on predicting the effect of global warming on Cryptostylis leptochila, a terrestrial endemic in eastern Australia that is pollinated exclusively via pseudo copulation with Lissopimpla excelsa. As a species with a single pollinator this orchid is a perfect model for studies on the effect of global warming on plants and their pollen vectors. According to our predictions, global warming will cause a significant loss of suitable niches for C. leptochila. The potential range of this orchid will be 36%-75% smaller than currently and as a result the Eastern Highlands will become unsuitable for C. leptochila. On the other hand, some new niches will become available for this species in Tasmania. Simultaneously, climate change will result in a substantial expansion of niches suitable for the pollinator (44–82%). Currently ca. 71% of the geographical range of the orchid is also suitable for L. excelsa, therefore, almost 30% of the areas occupied by C. leptochila already lack the pollen vector. The predicted availability of the pollen vector increased under three of the climate change scenarios analysed. The predicted habitat loss is a serious threat to this orchid even with the potential colonization of Tasmania by this plant. In the reduced range of C. leptochila the pollen vector will also be present assuring fruit set in populations of this orchid. The genetic pool of the populations in New South Wales and Queensland will probably be lost.