Search

Aesculus hippocastanum is a well-known species, which is popular because of its ornamental value. However, data on the demographic structure and potential distribution of A. hippocastanum are limited. The invasion of Cameraria ohridella into Europe has harmed those trees growing in artificial sites, but the presence of this insect in natural stands has been little studied. Here we aimed to investigate the demographic structure infestation level of natural populations of horse-chestnut. Additionally, Maxent modelling was used to predict the potential range of A. hippocastanum, based on the localities available in the literature. Field data analysis indicated that natural populations of A. hippocastanum are mostly found nearby mountain streams. The populations showed a diverse height structure and large numbers of seedlings, which indicate high population dynamics. The level of infestation by C. ohridella varied greatly and correlated with altitude. Secondary infestation might explain this infestation variability in some natural populations. Other hypotheses, such as environmental resistance factors or different genetic variability, are also discussed. By spatial distribution modelling, we found that the precipitation of the coldest and warmest quarters, as well as altitude, are important factors influencing the potential distribution of A. hippocastanum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate knowledge and use of wild food plants and fungi in a highland valley in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Region on the north-eastern edges of the Tibetan Plateau. Methods: Field research was carried out in four neighbouring villages in a mountain valley of the Diebu (Tewo) county, surrounded by spruce forests. The study consisted of 30 interviews with single informants, or group interviews (altogether 63 informants). Apart from collecting voucher specimens, we also identified fungi using DNA barcoding. Results: We recorded the use of 54 species of vascular plants. We also recorded the use of 22 mushroom taxa, which made up the largest category of wild foods. Fruits formed the largest category of food plants, with 21 species, larger than the wild greens category, which consisted of 20 species eaten after boiling or frying and 7 as raw snacks. We also recorded the alimentary use of 10 species of edible flowers and 3 species with underground edible organs. On average, 20.8 edible taxa were listed per interview (median - 21). The most listed category of wild foods was green vegetables (mean - 7.5 species, median - 8 species), but fruits and mushrooms were listed nearly as frequently (mean - 6.3, median - 6 and mean - 5.8, - median 6 respectively). Other category lists were very short, e.g., flowers (mean - 1.3, median - 1) and underground edible parts (mean - 0.7, median - 1). Wild vegetables are usually boiled and/or fried and served as side-dishes, or their green parts are eaten as snacks during mountain treks (e.g., peeled rhubarb shoots). Wild fruits are mainly collected by children and eaten raw, they are not stored for further use. The most widely used wild staple foods are Potetilla anserina roots, an important ceremonial food served on such occasions as New Year or at funerals. They are boiled and served with sugar and butter. The most important famine plants remembered by people are the aerial bulbils of Persicaria vivipara. Flowers are used as children's snacks -- their nectar is sucked. Conclusions: The number of wild taxa eaten in the studied valley is similar to that of other Tibetan areas. The structure of wild food plant taxa is also very typical for Tibetan speaking areas (e.g., the use of rhubarb shoots, Potentilla anserina, Persicaria vivipara). The studied community show a high level of mycophilia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the last part of the results of the short-term inventory of fungi species in the Biebrza National Park and synthesises all the data gathered during two surveys, including the information published by other authors. The main body of research is focused on a survey of macrofungi identified with morphologybased methods. In case of some specimens molecular technics have been applied. In total 346 macrofungal taxa (21 belonging to ascomycetes and 325 to basidiomycetes) were found during the survey, including 186 species unobserved during the previous inventory in 2012. As a result of previous and ongoing studies, the current number of macrofungi recorded from the Biebrza National Park reached 508 species. Among them eight taxa are newly reported for Poland (Conocybe velutipes var. nitrophila, Entoloma caeruleum, E. plebejoides, Inocybe rennyi, I. vulpinella, Pholiota pityrodes, Pholiotina utricystidiata, and Tomentella pilosa). The next seven species (Bovista paludosa, Fistulina hepatica, Ganoderma lucidum, Geastrum schmidelii, Inonotus obliquus, Tulostoma kotlabae, and Xerocomus parasiticus) are protected by law and 95 species belong to red-listed species. The results of two intensive, but relatively short-term survey clearly indicate the Biebrza National Park as a hot spot of macrofungi and suggest the need to undertake extended and regular inventories also in other Polish national parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]