Reinterpreting the distribution of Polygonum graminifolium (Polygonaceae) in Serbia on the basis of taxonomical revision and field research.

This paper presents the results of literature and herbarium data survey related to the distribution of the rare Pannonic-Wallachian-Danubian endemic species Polygonum graminifolium in Serbia. The obtained results are compared with data of historical and recent water levels of the Danube and with the field investigation results obtained from historical and potential habitats of this species in Serbia. These results indicate that the species has gone extinct from its historical habitats in Serbia and that profound changes in river dynamics of the Danube associated with the construction of the Iron Gate Hydroelectric Power Station played an important role in this process. However, in the course of field investigations, the species was discovered in one new locality in Serbia (Prahovo) and thus its conservation status in Serbia has been estimated as Critically Endangered (CR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]