Publication details
Thesium ebracteatum (Santalaceae) rediscovered in Romania: ecological and biogeographical context
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Biodiversity Data Journal |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e172455 |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e172455 |
| Keywords | endangered species; floristic record; forest-steppe grassland; habitat conservation; past land use; relict species; Romania; vegetation composition |
| Description | Background Thesium ebracteatum Hayne is an endangered hemiparasitic plant, rare in the southwestern part of its range. It is listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive and appears on the national Red Lists of many European countries. In Romania, the species is considered extinct according to the national Red List, with only a few historical records from Transylvania. New information In June 2025, approximately 100 individuals of T. ebracteatum were discovered near B & abreve;lc & abreve;uti, Suceava Region, Romania. This represents the first national record of the species in several decades and the first ever from eastern Romania. The species occurred in a stand documented by a vegetation plot, corresponding to the phytosociological association Brachypodio pinnati-Molinietum arundinaceae. The isolated occurrence near B & abreve;lc & abreve;uti, similar to other peripheral populations in the southwestern part of the species' range, is regarded as relict. This interpretation is further supported by the disjunct occurrence of other rare plant species typical of peri-Carpathian forest-steppe. Historical maps indicate that the site once formed part of an extensive grassland complex known as Horait/Horaiza, most of which was converted to arable land during the 19 and 20 centuries. For the long-term conservation of T. th th ebracteatum and other rare species at the site, targeted management is required, including the prevention of further ploughing and the extension of legal protection to all valuable local stands. |
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