Науковий журнал, заснований у 2005 році. Засновник: Херсонський державний університет (Україна). Свідоцтво про державну реєстрацію друкованого засобу масової інформації: серія КВ № 23949-13789ПР, видане 26.04.2019 р. Індекс міжнародної реєстрації: ISSN 1990-553X (для друкованої версії); ISSN 2308-9628 (для електронної версії). "Чорноморський ботанічний журнал" включений до Переліку наукових фахових видань України (категорія Б), в яких можуть публікуватися результати дисертаційних робіт на здобуття наукових ступенів доктора і кандидата наук (Наказ Міністерства освіти і науки України 17.03.2020 р. № 409). Галузь знань: 091 Біологія. Періодичність: 4 рази на рік. Мови видання: українська та англійська. Рецензування. Всі статті проходять зовнішнє наукове рецензування. Рецензентами є досвідчені спеціалісти з усіх розділів ботаніки та мікології, переважно доктори наук, професори наукових установ та вищих навчальних закладів. Статтю рекомендує до друку один з членів редакційної колегії. Пристатейна бібліографія. Кожна стаття має пристатейну бібліографію латинецею. Реферати. Кожна стаття містить реферат англійською та українською мовами. Автори статей. Статті супроводжуються інформацією про місце роботи авторів, їх поштові адреси і адреси електронної пошти. Цифровий ідентифікатор: кожній статті присвоюється цифровий ідентифікатор DOI. Ключові дати: для кожної статті вказується дати прийняття статті до друку та публікації. "Чорноморський ботанічний журнал" публікує матеріали з усіх питань ботаніки, мікології і ліхенології, фітоекології, геоботаніки, географії рослин, історії флори і рослинності, еволюції рослинного світу, філогенії рослин, грибів і лишайників, ресурсознавства, інтродукції рослин, методики ботанічних досліджень, історії ботанічної науки, заповідної справи, охорони рослинного світу, загальної созології. До друку приймаються оглядові статті, статті, в яких висвітлюються теоретичні та практичні питання, результати експериментальних досліджень, статті зі списками видів рослин, грибів і лишайників, таблиці геоботанічних описів. Статті та повідомлення про результати наукових досліджень, а також матеріали про події наукового життя, публікуються у відповідних розділах. Таблиці та рисунки (кольорові або чорно-білі) підписуються українською та англійською мовами. Сторінка "Чорноморського ботанічного журналу" на сайті Національної бібліотеки України ім. Вернадського: http://www.nbuv.gov.ua. Сторінка на сайті Херсонського державного університету: http://www.university.kherson.ua. На сайті у відкритому доступі знаходяться електронні версії всіх статей у форматі pdf, опублікованих у журналі з 2005 року.
Flora of the defensive ramparts of the Bilhorod settlement and ways to preserve it (village of Bilohorodka, Kyiv region)
Question. What is the vascular plant richness and environmental value of the ancient defensive ramparts of the Bilhorod settlement? Location. The village of Bilohorodka, Bucha District, Kyiv Region. Methods. During 2022–2025, a detailed study of the flora of the ramparts of the Bilhorod settlement was conducted. In total, ramparts covering an area of 4 hectares and stretching for 2.25 km were surveyed. During the entire study of the Belgorod ramparts, floristic lists were compiled for eight sections of the rampart, a transect, 12 vegetation plots, and 737 observations on the iNaturalist citizen science platform were made. Nomenclature. Vynokurov et al. 2025. Results. The earthen ramparts of the Bilhorod settlement a well-known historical monument that also possesses considerable natural value. In total 321 species of vascular plants belonging to 63 families and 206 genera were recorded within an area of 4 hectares. A significant proportion of the flora consists of native species (217; 67.6%), including 76 species (23.7%) classified as non-synanthropic and 28 species (8.7%) representing steppe plants. Surrounded by village streets, the medieval ramparts are subject to substantial anthropogenic pressure, as evidenced by the pronounced domi-nance of euhemerobic species. The conservation value of the area is con-firmed by the presence of eight rare species of vascular plants, two plant communities listed in the Green Data Book of Ukraine, and three habitat types included in the Resolution No. 4 of the Bern Convention. The majority of protected objects are steppe-related, which is particularly valuable given that the ramparts are located within the Forest Zone. Conclusions. Most threats to the biodiversity of the ramparts are associ-ated with the functioning of private rural households. To preserve the vege-tation cover of the ramparts, it is necessary to conduct an awareness cam-paign highlighting the conservation significance of the ramparts. It is also essential to expand the boundaries of the existing local botanical natural monument «Bilhorodskyi Val» (2.2 ha), change its status to a local bota-nical reserve «Bilhorodskyi Val» with an area of 3.77 ha, and subsequently include it within the Regional Landscape Park «Pryirpinnia».
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Taxonomic diversity, structure and phytogeographical characteristics of the flora of the Southern Bug–Syniukha–Yatran interfluve (Kirovohrad Region, Ukraine)
Question: What are the taxonomic diversity, structural features, and phytogeo-graphical characteristics of the flora of the interfluve of the Southern Bug, Syniu-kha, and Yatran rivers within Kirovohrad Region? Location: Holovanivsk district, Kirovohrad Region (Ukraine), within the southern part of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe. Methods: Field surveys, critical revision of published sources and examination of herbarium materials. Nomenclature: POWO (2026). Results: The spontaneous flora comprises 1134 taxa of vascular plants belonging to 480 genera and 97 families. Of these, 811 taxa (71.5%) are native and 323 (28.5%) are alien. Among alien taxa, xenophytes (51.4%) slightly prevail over hemerophytes (45.8%); 2.8% belong to intermediate immigration groups, including ergasio-xenophytes and nothotaxa. The geographical spectrum of the native fraction is dominated by Palearctic (33.1%), Eurasian steppe (15.4%), Euro-Mediterranean (14.1%), European (13.4%), and Mediterranean (11.8%) geoelements, indicating the southern forest-steppe character of the flora. Its ecological-cenotic structure shows a nearly balanced contribution of meadow, steppe, shrub-edge, ruderal, and forest elements, with additional participation of petrophytic, psammophytic, wetland, aquatic, halophytic, and argillophytic groups. Alien species show heterogeneous origins, with the predominance of Sub-Mediterranean taxa (43.0%) and a considerable contribution of Asian (20.1%) and American (19.5%) species. Xenophytes are mainly represented by short-lived plants and epoecophytes of disturbed habitats, whereas hemerophytes are biomorphologically more diverse and include many woody taxa capable of natu-ralization and invasion. In total, 48 highly active invasive species of the flora of Ukraine were recorded in the study area, although their local phytocenotic activity differs considerably. In the biomorphological structure, perennial herbs (64.1%) and hemicryptophytes (60.1%) dominate among native taxa, whereas short-lived plants (62.5%) and therophytes (50.2%) prevail among alien species. Several species previously interpreted as alien (Cotinus coggygria and Thymelaea passerina) are treated here as native elements associated with natural habitats of the Southern Bug valley. Conversely, Centaurea stoebe subsp. australis, Polygonum arenastrum, and Sedum sexangulare are assigned to the alien fraction. A group of species showing signs of natural range expansion within the southern Forest-Steppe belt is also identified (Anthriscus cerefolium, Cyperus glomeratus, Lactuca saligna, Phragmites australis subsp. isiacus). Overall, the flora of the Southern Bug–Syniukha–Yatran interfluve is characterized by a predominantly migratory and peripheral structure, reflecting both the transitional position of the territory within the southern Right-Bank Forest-Steppe and the long-term influence of agricultural land use.
Flower and fruit micromorphology and anatomy in Circaea lutetiana (Onagraceae)
Questions: In the genus Circaea, many important floral and fruit traits remain insufficiently studied which precludes congruence between molecular and non-molecular data in systematics and hampers understanding of morphological evolution within the Onagraceae family. Location: fixed specimens of Circaea lutetiana flowers and fruits from Lviv and Zakarpattia regions. Materials and methods: permanent and temporal preparations, light microscope technique, gynoecium micromorphology, vascular anatomy, fruit and seed coat anatomy. Nomenclature: Wagner et al. 2007, POWO 2026. Results: The investigation revealed that sepals, petals, stamens, nectary disc, and the style are all inserted at the top end of the ovary neck, previously termed the floral tube or hypanthium. The bilocular ovary is composed of synascidiate and symplicate zones with apical septa in the latter. Each ovule is attached to the top of synascidiate zone and is provided by trans-septal vascular bundles from both septal veins. Two dorsal and two septal veins supply the inferior ovary till the top of the ovary neck, where they branch into traces of floral organs and vascular bundles supplying the nectary. After anthesis, ovary neck separates from the locular part and falls away together with the attached floral organs. Fruit wall is largely parenchymatous. It is composed of unilayered exocarp, homogenous compact mesocarp and unlignified endocarp. During fruit development, the inner 1–2 subepidermal layers of the mesocarp becomes to lignify. Two types of one-celled epidermal trichomes were found on the ovary wall: lignified stiff uncinate (hooked) and glandular clavate-tipped hairs. Seed coat is composed of a multilayered testa and bilayered tegmen. The mesotesta consists of 5–6 layers; endotesta and exotegmen are lignified. The fruit type is defined as a two-stoned pyrenarium based on the ovary structure and fruit wall anatomy. Conclusions: Our study provides deeper insight into the internal structure of flower and fruit of Circaea lutetiana. The inner gynoecium structure, fruit wall and seed coat anatomy were examined for the first time in the genus Circaea. Newly revealed traits, such as lignified subepidermal layer of the mesocarp, trans-septal ovule supply, and glandular trichomes, also occur in Epilobium and Oenothera species, offering new perspectives on the morphological evolution within the Onagraceae.
Notes to lichen-forming and lichenicolous fungi in Ukraine V
Materials and methods: field observations, microscope technique Nomenclature: Index Fungorum www.indexfungorum.org Results: This contribution presents new data on the lichen-forming and lichenicolous fungi of Ukraine. It includes new records and confirmations for 61 species of lichen-forming and 9 species of lichenicolous fungi within Odesa and Volyn regions. The lichens were primarily found at the bases of old oak and pine trees, the circumferences of which is also provided for each locality. The reported taxa belong to the genera Acrocordia, Agonimia, Anisomeridium, Arthonia, Bacidia, Bacidina, Bactrospora, Candelariella, Catillaria, Chaenotheca, Cladonia, Cladophialophora, Coppinsiella, Cornutispora, Didymocyrtis, Diploschistes, Fellhanera, Flavoplaca, Eopyrenula, Halecania, Hypocenomyce, Gyalecta, Gyalectiphila, Kuettlingeria, Lecania, Lecidea, Lecidella, Lepraria, Lichenoconium, Micarea, Mycocalicium, Myrionora, Oxneria, Parmeliopsis, Psoroglaena, Ramalina, Rinodina, Phaeophyscia, Physciella, Physconia, Placynthiella, Polycauliona, Punctelia, Staurothele, Strangospora, Swinscowia, Taeniolella, Thelenella, Trapeliopsis, Trichoconis, Unguiculariopsis, and Verrucaria. Among these, 31 species are reported for the first time for the Volyn region, and 39 species are new to the Odesa region. Notably, Agonimia repleta, Bacidina neosquamulosa, Fellhanera gyrophorica, Gyalecta arbuti, Halecania viridescens, and Swinscowia affinis represent the first records for the lowland part of Ukraine. The species Fellhanera gyrophorica, Gyalecta arbuti, Strigula affinis, and Unguiculariopsis thallophila represent the second records for Ukraine. The study provides recent data from 14 Nature Reserves of national and local significance, including the Danycheve Botanical Reserve, Dibrova Mohylevska Landscape Reserve, Savranskyi Lis Landscape Reserve, Sliusarivskyi Dub Natural Monument, and the Staromanzyrskyi and Tarutynskyi Step Landscape Reserves in the Odesa region, as we as the “Duby zvychaini-veletni” Botanical Natural Monument, Litynskyi Landscape Reserve, Ozerianskyi Zoological Reserve, Radovychivskyi Landscape Reserve, Sosnyna-2 Botanical Natural Monument, Voloshky Landscape Reserve, and Zadybskyi Landscape Reserve in the Volyn region.
Ukrainian flora checklist. 18: families Campanulaceae (incl. Lobeliaceae) and Menyanthaceae (Asterales, Angiosperms)
Materials and methods: herbarium collections, literature data, field observations. Nomenclature: Euro+Med Plant Base 2026, Hassler 1994–2026, POWO 2026. Results: According to currently accepted classification (APG IV 2016), the families Campanulaceae (incl. Lobeliaceae) and Menyanthaceae are included in the order Asterales, whereas before Campanulaceae and Lobeliaceae were considered as separate families within the order Campanulales, and Menyanthaceae were considered as part of the order Gentianales. In the flora of Ukraine, the family Campanulaceae s. l. includes eight genera: Adenophora, Asyneuma, Campanula, Jasione, Legousia, Lobelia, Phyteuma, Triodanis and 36 species, with two cultivated ones (Campanula medium, Lobelia erinus), one of which occasionally escaped (Campanula medium). Previously, two species of the genus Adenophora were listed for Ukraine: A. liliifolia (L.) A.DC. and A. taurica (Sukaczev) Juz. The latter was considered a Crimean endemic and was listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (The list 2021). But as the research results showed, the name A. taurica turned out to be a synonym for the more common species A. liliifolia. We also accept as a synonym the name of the species Campanula ruthenica M.Bieb., which in POWO 2026 was erroneously recognized as a separate species given for Crimea. For Crimea, C. sibirica subsp. elatior (Fomin) Fed. (≡ C. elatior (Fomin) Grossh. ex Fed., nom. illeg.; ≡ C. sibirica L. f. elatior Fomin) is also erroneously given (POWO 2026). The name C. pulchra Wissjul. is a synonym of C. elliptica Kit. & Schult.; C. polymorpha (Witasek) Prain is a synonym of C. tatrae Borbás; C. pollesica Wissjul. is a synonym of C. farinosa Andrz. ex Besser; C. napuligera Schur is a synonym of C. serrata (Kit. & Schult.) Hendrych, and the names C. charkeviczii Fed. and C. talievii Juz. we consider as synonyms of the species C. taurica Juz. Phyteuma confusum A. Kern., which is a high-mountain European vicariant of the lowland mountain species Ph. orbiculare L., was found to be new to the flora of the Ukrainian Carpathians and Ukraine, but its growth in the Carpathians requires additional confirmation. In addition to Legousia hybrida (L.) Delarbre, two more species were listed for Ukraine: L. pentagonia (L.) Thell. and L. perfoliata (L.) Britton. Currently, the presence of L. pentagonia in Ukraine (Crimea) has not been confirmed, and L. perfoliata is considered part of the genus Triodanis Raf. (T. perfoliata (L.) Nieuwl.).
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Mycobiota of the Medobory Nature Reserve: History of Study and Current State of Knowledge
Materials and methods: field observations, microscope technique Nomenclature: www.indexfungorum.org, https://italic.units.it Results: Natural Reserve “Medobory”, located in the central part of the Tovtry Ridge in eastern Ternopil Region, is one of the key protected areas of Podillia. The study of the region’s mycobiota has a history of more than a century, however, a considerable part of the available data remains frag-mentary or has been published only partially. Many materials were pre-served exclusively in the reports for the reserve’s “Chronicle of Nature” and have until now remained largely unknown to the mycological commu-nity. The aim of this work is to critically analyze and summarize the avail-able information on the diversity of fungi, lichens, and fungus-like organ-isms of the Medobory Nature Reserve and to compile the most compre-hensive checklist of recorded species based on the current state of myco-logical knowledge. The materials used in this study included the authors’ own collections, collections made by the reserve staff, materials from pre-vious investigations, as well as published scientific papers, reports, quali-fication theses, and other sources containing information on the reserve’s mycobiota. Identification of most specimens was carried out based on mor-phological characters using light microscopy, whereas molecular-genetic methods were applied in difficult cases. Compilation of the consolidated species list was complicated by the fact that in 2009 the territory of the reserve was reduced due to the separation of part of its area for the estab-lishment of the Kremenetski Hory National Nature Park. Therefore, during the analysis of earlier literature sources, not only the record of a species but also the locality of its occurrence had to be taken into account. As of early 2026, the consolidated list of fungi, lichens, and fungus-like organ-isms of the Medobory Nature Reserve comprises 1,287 species, including 995 true non-lichenized fungi, 175 lichens, 18 lichenicolous fungi, 39 pseudofungi, and 60 myxomycetes. A considerable proportion of these taxa was recorded during recent studies conducted by the research group led by O.Yu. Akulov. Within the present boundaries of the reserve, 562 species of fungi and fungus-like organisms were recorded for the first time. For 124 species, the correctness of identification was confirmed through analysis of the ITS region of rDNA.
Contribution of Dr. A. Rehman to the study of mosses, lichens and vascular plants
The article is devoted to the scientific achievements of the famous florist and phytogeographer, Dr. A. Rehman (1840–1917), in the field of studying mosses, lichens, vascular plants. A brief biography of the scientist and information about his expeditions, of which there are about 40, are given. We have conventionally divided these expeditions into three periods: the period of Eurasian expeditions ((1859)1865–1874), the period of African expeditions (1875–1880), and the period of European expeditions (1881–1910). The result of these expeditions are numerous herbarium collections and separate thematic collections of A. Rehman, which are stored in a number of European, South African and North American herbaria. They contain many authentic specimens that served as the basis for the description of new species in the taxonomy by world-class botanists. For example, from A. Rehman's African collections were described 29 taxa of vascular plants and 300 of bryophytes. The scientist’s significant contribution to the study of the taxonomic diversity of the genus Hieracium L. (Asteraceae) is noted: a rich herbarium material was collected and a number of works on this topic were published. Attention is drawn to the key role of A. Rehman in the publication of “Flora Polonica exsiccata”, which influenced the formation and development of systematic and floristic research in Ukraine and Poland. He explored vast territories belonging to different climatic zones with different plant formations and acquired extensive botanical knowledge about plants, which he embodied in his floristic and floristic-phytogeographical publications. The main scientific his works in the field of physical geography, systematics, taxonomy, floristics, phytogeography, geobotany and ethnography are presented and briefly analyzed. The article provides brief information about two collections of A. Rehman, which are stored separately in the Herbarium of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (LW): the collection of bryophytes from South Africa – 650 herbarium packages and the collection of the genus Hieracium L. from Europe – about 9,000 herbarium sheets.
The genus Taraxacum (Asteraceae) in the flora of Ukraine: a revised checklist with special reference to microspecies diversity in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe
Question: What is the current taxonomic composition of the genus Taraxacum in the flora of Ukraine, and how is its microspecies diversity manifested in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe? Location: Right-Bank Forest-Steppe, with a case study in the south-western part of Kyiv, Ukraine. Methods: The study combined a critical revision of published sources and selected herbarium specimens with targeted, population-based field surveys conducted in April–May 2020 in urban habitats of south-western Kyiv. These data were supplemented by additional irregular observations across the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe. Within local sampling plots (1 m²), 5–7 individuals per population were examined during flowering. Identification was based on com-parative morphological assessment. Nomenclature: Taraxacum – POWO 2026, WFO 2026. Results: The review confirms that Taraxacum in Ukraine remains a taxonomically difficult and inconsistently interpreted genus at the micro-species level. A critical checklist compiled from the literature and the author’s data includes 111 native species and one nothospecies belonging to 17 sections; several additional taxa require confirmation or further study, while T. obliquum and T. officinale s. str. are excluded from the Ukrainian flora on chorological and taxonomic grounds. In the southern part of Kyiv, seven microspecies from the sections Borea, Erythrosperma, and Taraxacum were documented; in the traditional broad concept, they corre-spond to two aggregate species (T. officinale aggr. and T. erythrospermum aggr.). The study revealed pronounced spatial-ecological differentiation: red-fruited xero-phytic taxa of section Erythrosperma were confined to dry slopes and sandy sub-strates of the Kyiv Hills, whereas the representatives of sections Borea and Taraxacum were more evenly distributed across mesic and disturbed urban habi-tats. Comparison of Eastern and Central European taxonomic concepts demon-strated that records previously reported as T. proximum sensu Tzvelev from the lowland part of Ukraine correspond to T. erythrospermum s. str. and T. parnassicum, and that the presence of T. proximum in Ukraine requires confir-mation. Based on supplementary observations, at least 14 species from seven sections are currently documented for the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe, but the regional inventory remains incomplete. Conclusions: The genus Taraxacum in the flora of Ukraine remains taxonomically complex and insufficiently inventoried at the microspecies level. In south-western Kyiv, seven species from three sections were recorded, showing clear spatial and ecological differentiation. Modern concepts of sect. Erythrosperma refined its composition in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe.
Terrestrial algae, bryophytes, and lichens of biological soil crusts and corticolous biofilms on the bed of the former Kakhovka Reservoir
Question: What is the diversity and role of terrestrial algae, bryophytes and lichens in the initial stages of overgrowth of the former Kakhovka Reservoir bed, in particular, in the formation of soil biocrusts and corticolous biofilms? Location: Kakhovka Reservoir, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, Ukraine. Materials and methods: field and laboratory methods of collection and investiga-tion of algae, bryophytes and lichens, direct microscopy and culture methods (Kostikov et al. 2001, Bischoff & Bold 1963, Stanier et al. 1971) Nomenclature: algae and cyanobacteria (Guiry & Guiry 2026), bryophytes (Virchenko & Nyporko 2022), lichens (https://www.indexfungorum.org/) Results: During a three-year study of the exposed bed of the former Kakhovka Res-ervoir (2023-2025), 55 species of terrestrial algae (Cyanobacteria – 17 species, Chlorophyta – 27, Charophyta – 4, Heterokontophyta – 7), 2 species of bryophytes (Marchantia polymorpha and Funaria hygrometrica) and 1 species of lichen (Physcia adscendens) were identified. 50 algal species were found in soil biocrusts. Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta were the most numerous there, dominating species were Phormidium takyricum, Chlorosarcinopsis cf. aggregata, Stenomitos sp., Microcoleus vaginatus, Klebsormidium cf. flaccidum, etc. On takyr-like (silt) substrates, 30 species of algae were found. Here, in a young willow-poplar forest, the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha was occasionally observed. A greater diversity of algae was found on sands: 36 species. Biocrusts dominated by the moss Funaria hygrometrica were often recorded on sands. 10 species of algae were recorded within the biofilms on willow bark, with green algae prevailing and Chloroidium cf. ellipsoideum as the dominant species. Additionally, the first epiphytic lichen (Physcia adscendens) was recorded at the same substrate. Conclusions: High cyanobacterial diversity of and their dominance in communi-ties are characteristic for soils in the steppe zone of Ukraine. A distinctive feature of biocrusts on silt is the predominance of fine-filamentous cyanobacteria. Biocrusts on sand were characterized by a higher diversity of algae and the occur-rence of aquatic species due to the periodic flooding of these areas. During the three years following the dam destruction, algal diversity in the biocrusts increased considerably. The low species richness in willow bark biofilms and the dominance of green algae are characteristic of aerophytic bark communities in the temperate zone. In the early successional stages of biodiversity recovery, bryophytes and lichens contribute minimally to the development of soil biocrusts and corticolous assemblages of willow trees.
Vascular plant diversity in the former Kakhovka Reservoir area: two years after the dam breach
Question: What is the composition of vascular plants in the territory of the former Kakhovka Reservoir in the early stages of its overgrowth, and what are the trends for the further development of this ecosystem? Location: Area of the former Kakhovka Reservoir, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk oblasts, Ukraine. Methods: The study involved field surveys conducted during seven research trips between June 2023 and October 2025. Structural comparative analysis and phytoindicative assessment were performed to evaluate floristic changes. Data processing, including Pearson's criterion and Kruskal–Wallis tests, was conducted in the R software environment. Nomenclature: Vascular plants species – POWO, families, traits – FloraVeg.EU Results: The vascular plant richness showed a rapid exponential increase, rising from 11 species in June 2023 to 343 species by October 2025. The taxonomic structure stabilized quickly, with Compositae, Poaceae, and Brassicaceae becoming the dominant families already in the first year. A significant shift in life forms and dispersal mode was observed: while the initial stages were domi-nated by annuals and anemochorous species (e.g., Salix spp., Populus nigra), subsequent years saw an increase in perennial herbs and species with zoochorous and autochorous dispersal. Phytoindicative analysis revealed a gradual transition from hygrophytic communities to mesophytic ones as the substrate stabilized, although willow-poplar forests continue to form the structural backbone of the new landscape. Notably, the proportion of alien species (neophytes) peaked at the very first period of observations and then declined, suggesting high resilience of the emerging native communities. The presence of rare species, such as Carex secalina, further underscores the rapid formation of ecosystems with high con-servation value. Conclusions: The studied flora is undergoing rapid development, increas-ingly resembling natural floodplain ecosystems of the Lower Dnieper. The main structural changes occurred within the first three months after the dam breach, followed by a period of stabilization in the proportions of major plant groups.
Ukrainian flora checklist. 17: families Elaeagnaceae, Rhamnaceae (Rhamnales), and Cannabaceae (incl. Celtidaceae), Moraceae, Ulmaceae, Urticaceae (Urticales, Angiosperms)
Materials and methods: herbarium collections, literature data, field observations. Nomenclature: Euro+Med Plant Base (2025), Hassler (1994–2025), POWO (2025). Results: According to the APG IV classification, the families Elaeagnaceae, Rhamnaceae, Cannabaceae (incl. Celtidaceae), Moraceae, Ulmaceae and Urticaceae are included in the order Rosales, however in this article they are still treated as belonging to two orders: Rhamnales (Elaeagnaceae, Rhamnaceae) and Urticales (Cannabaceae (incl. Celtidaceae), Moraceae, Ulmaceae, Urticaceae). In the flora of Ukraine, the family Elaeagnaceae includes three genera (Elaeagnus Tourn. ex L., Hippophae L., Shepherdia Nutt.) and 8 species, of which only one species is autochthonous (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), while all others are cultivated and escape from cultivation. The family Rhamnaceae is rep-resented by five genera and 12 species, of which three genera and four species are indigenous (Frangula alnus Mill., Paliurus spina-christi Mill., Rhamnus cathartica L., R. saxatilis Jacq. subsp. tinctoria Nyman). The Cannabaceae family includes three genera (Cannabis L., Celtis L., Humulus L.) and 8 species, half of which are cultivated and escape from cultivation. Cultivated hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and wild hemp (C. ruderalis Janisch.), which are treated as a single taxon, are here considered as two closely related species that differ in fruit morphology and perianth structure, as well as biological features. In Ukraine, the Moraceae family is represented by four genera and five cultivated species. The Ulmaceae family includes two genera – the native Ulmus L. and the cultivated Zelkova Spach. Previously, the genus Celtis L., which is now included in the family Cannabaceae, was also placed in the Ulmaceae in domestic floristic treatments. Synonyms of Ulmus glabra Huds. include U. campestris, U. elliptica, U. scabra; synonym of U. laevis Pall. includes U. celtidea; synonyms of U. minor Mill. include U. carpinifolia, U. corylifolia, U. foliacea, U. suberosa, U. wyssotzky, which were previously listed for Ukraine as separate species. The Urticaceae family includes two genera: Parietaria L. (three species), Urtica L. (seven species). A synonym of U. pubescens Ledeb. is the name U. galeopsifolia under which the species was previously listed for Ukraine.
The Saxicolous Lichens of Bilyi Kamin Track (Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park, Ukrainian Carpathians)
Question: Which lichens grow on silicate rocks in the Bilyi Kamin tract in the Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park? Location: Zakarpattia region, Ukraine Materials and methods: field research, microscope technique Nomenclature: Index Fungorum https://www.indexfungorum.org/ Results: The article presents the results of lichenological studies of volcanic rocks in the Bilyi Kamin tract, located within the Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park. In total, 33 lichen species belonging to 26 genera were found on volcanic rocks. Eight of these species (Arthrorhaphis citrіnella, Brianaria sylvicola, Immersaria athroocarpa, Lepraria cfr. borealis, L. rigidula, Micarea lithinella, Porpidia hydrophila, and Trapelia placodioides) are reported for the first time from the Volcanic Carpathians. The sorediate variety Glaucomaria rupicola var. efflorens is also reported for the first time from Ukraine. Brianaria sylvicola was known from only one locality on Mount Yavirnyk in Transcarpathia, based on a collection that was almost a century old. However, the report of Immersaria athroocarpa is the first confirmation of its presence in over 60 year Previously, only two locations in Ukraine were known to host the lichen Porpidia hydrophila, while only three locations were recorded for the species Trapelia placodioides. The paper demonstrates the distribution of lichens on volcanic rocks under the influence of exposure and water regime within the tract. A hypothesis is put forward that the name of the rock, Bilyi Kamin (White Stone), is associated with its white colour, caused by the dominance of the lichen Varicellaria lactea.
Plants of Zamkova Hora (Castle Hill) in Kyiv
Questions: What plant species grow on Zamkova Hora in Kyiv? Location: Zamkova Hora (Castle Hill, Khoryvytsia, or Kyselivka), 50.46250º N, 30.51150º E, Kyiv, Ukraine. Methods: field observations. This research was conducted in 2024–2025. Herbarium materials were transferred to the National Herbarium of Ukraine (Kyiv, KW). Nomenclature: POWO 2025 (with some exceptions). Results: Zamkova Hora is a historical area of Kyiv. It is a loess-loamy remnant hill with a relatively flat top and steep slopes. According to the decision of the Kyiv City Council No. 254/915 of March 15, 2007, Zamkova Hora is a natural monument. Its area is 5.9 hectares. Various types of economic activities have been carried out on Zamkova Hora for millennia, so the vegetation cover has always been under significant anthropogenic pressure. Since the 2nd century BC, people have lived here almost continuously. Nowadays, approximately 3/4 of Zamkova Hora is covered with forest, less than 1/4 of its area is covered with grass vegetation. Among woody plants (trees and shrubs), the most common are Acer platanoides, Acer negundo, Euonymus europaeus, Sambucus nigra, Lycium barbarum, among lianas – Parthenocissus inserta and Humulus lupulus, among herbaceous plants – Alliaria petiolata, Chelidonium majus, Cichorium intybus, Impatiens parviflora, Lepidium draba, Thinopyrum intermedium, etc. This article presents an annotated list of plant species and hybrids currently occurring on Zamkova Hora in Kyiv. As a nature conservation site (natural monument), Zamkova Hora has important aesthetic, recreational, and environmental significance. Conclusions: On Zamkova Hora in Kyiv, 192 species and hybrids of vascular plants were recorded; the highest number of taxa belongs to the families Asteraceae (26), Poaceae (15), and Rosaceae (15). Of these, 128 species are native and 64 are non-native. The regionally rare species Convallaria majalis occurs on Zamkova Hora.
Influence of moss cover on the nitrogen mineral compounds content depending on microclimatic and edaphic factors of the environment in forest ecosystems of the Ukrainian Roztochchya
Question: How does the moss Atrichum undulatum affect changes in the NH4 + and NO3 – content in the soil under different ecological conditions of the Ukrainian Roztochchya forest ecosystems? Location: Ukrainian Roztochchya. Methods: field research in established plots with different ecological indicators. Nomenclature: Virchenko & Nyporko 2022. Results: The differences in the N mineral forms content under the moss Atrichum undulatum depending on its growth location in forest ecosystems were established. It was found that in summer, in areas of old-growth forest under more favorable soil microconditions, the amount of NH4 + and NO3 – under moss was higher compared to areas of felling and recreation, which is probably caused by more active fixation and exchange of N with the participation of microbiota and by leaching of mineral compounds from the brown part of turf. It was established that in all areas of forest ecosystems, the NH4 + content under moss was higher than in soil without turfs. However, the amount of the NO3 – under turf in the reserve area (19,5±0,6 mg/kg d. s.) and in the recreation area (17,1±0,5 mg/kg d. s.) was lower than that without plants (20,3±0,7 mg/kg d. s. and 18,7±0,8 mg/kg d. s., respectively), which probably indicates its more active absorption by the gametophyte under higher moisture supply of soil than in the felling. It was determined that in xeromorphic conditions of felling, extreme indicators of insolation and water-thermal regime of the soil surface layer caused a significant decrease in the NH4 + and NO3 – content in the substrate without turfs. Under the turf in the felling zone, the temperature was lower and the humidity was higher, which contributed to the functional activity of microbiota and increasing in the amount of N mineral compounds. The pH value under moss was more acidic compared to soil without turfs, and probably created optimal conditions for N fixation and mineralization, which led to greater amount of, particularly NH4 +. Apparently, the effect of ecological factors on the NH4 + and NO3 – content had comprehensive character: both the pH value and the hydro-thermal regime of the microenvironment were affected. Conclusion. In various ecological conditions of the reserve and disturbed of forest ecosystems moss cover changing the hydrothermal and chemical characteristics of the soil promotes the activation of redox reactions associated with N transformation (increasing of the NH4 + and NO3 – content) with participation of soil microbiota.
Ecological differentiation of calcareous vegetation across the lowlands and foothills of Ukraine
Question. What environmental parameters drive the differentiation of calcareous vegetation? Location. Calcareous rocks and outcrops in the lowland regions of Ukraine and adjacent foothill areas within 48.3–50.5 °N and 23.8– 38.2 °E. Methods. A database comprising 1704 phytosociological relevés of calcareous vegetation was compiled, of which 1512 were selected and classified using expert systems and the k-means method. Environmental differentiation was assessed based on geomorphological parameters and ecological indicator values ECODID. DCA ordination was applied to identify the parameters that significantly influence the structure of calcareous vegetation. In addition, univariate analyses of syntaxa distributions were performed, accompanied by boxplots to identify homogeneous groups and evaluate the significance of each environmental parameter. Nomenclature. Euro+Med PlantBase (https://europlusmed.org), Hodgetts et al. 2020, Index Fungorum (https://indexfungorum.org), Mucina et al. 2016, Didukh et al. 2018, Didukh et al. 2021, Vynokurov 2021. Results. Statistical analysis revealed that the primary environmental parameters determining the differentiation of calcareous vegetation are soil moisture and calcium carbonate content. These factors influence other key environmental characteristics, including soil acidity, total salt regime, and aeration. The vegetation communities, although strongly dependent on local microclimatic conditions, are also sensitive to regional macroclimatic factors. Additionally, elevation above sea level and slope steepness were found to affect environmental differentiation significantly. Conclusions. Calcareous vegetation is shaped by significant substrate heterogeneity and by the interactions among local and regional environmental drivers, resulting in pronounced environmental differentiation. The reliance on unique calcareous and gypsum substrates, together with specialised microhabitats, highlights the high vulnerability of these communities and underscores the need to prioritise their conservation.
The effect of substrate on cryopreservation of the mycelium of wood decay basidiomycetes
Question: How can the pure cultures of basidiomycetes from the IBK Mushroom Culture Collection be preserved for a long time? Location: IBK Mushroom Culture Collection of the M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Materials and methods: standard mycological methods of cultivation of the pure culture of fungi Nomenclature: https://www.mycobank.org/ Results: Culture collections are essential for characterizing and studying fungal species; however, the primary goal of these collections remains the preservation of fungal species diversity and their gene pool. The IBK Mushroom Culture Collection is the largest official specialized culture collection of macromycetes in Ukraine, preserving more than 1,500 strains of edible and medicinal mushrooms. Since there is a need for a reliable method for longterm storage of pure cultures of fungi, the cryopreservation of nine different strains of five wood decay fungi was investigated in this work. Wood-decay fungi have various applications in diverse fields. In particular, studied in this work, Fomitopsis pinicola 361, two strains of Ganoderma tsugae 1848 and 2566, three strains of Laricifomes officinalis 2497, 2498, and 5004, Pleurotus ostreatus 297, and two strains of Schizophyllum commune 1768 and 1769 are valuable species of wood decay fungi due to their contents of various biologically active compounds. They have diverse applications in pharmacology, biotechnology, and bioremediation due to their enzyme activities. According to this, these species should not change during long-term storage; however, it is known that during long-term storage of cultures on culture medium, certain changes in the activity of enzymes may occur. Storage at low temperatures protects the culture from those changes. Barley, pearl barley, wheat, and four versions of the wooden sticks were studied as substrates for the mycelium storage at a 10% solution of glycerol at low temperatures. Covered by mycelium substrates were stored for one year at – 80℃. After this period, the recovery of mycelium growth was studied on the Petri dishes with glucoseyeast- peptone agar medium at 26 ℃. All studied strains revived and grew after storage. Such research was performed for the first time for F. pinicola and G. tsugae. The obtained results demonstrate a better revival of the mycelium on the grains as a substrate. However, the strains F. pinicola 361 and S. commune 1769 are an exception due to their better growth rate after storing on the wooden sticks. The advantages of the described method of storing pure cultures of the fungal species are no need for constant reseeding, which reduces the risk of contamination and excludes the possibility of accumulation of genetic changes.
Ukrainian flora checklist. 16: families Apocynaceae (incl. Asclepiadaceae), Gentianaceae and Rubiaceae (incl. Theligonaceae) (Gentianales, Angiosperms)
Materials and methods: herbarium collections, literature data, field observations. Nomenclature: Euro+Med Plant Base 2025, Hassler 1994–2025, POWO 2025. Results: In the flora of Ukraine, the order Gentianales comprises three families: Apocynaceae (including Asclepiadaceae), Gentianaceae, and Rubiaceae (including Theligonaceae). Apocynaceae includes seven genera: Apocynum (4 species, with A. cannabinum cultivated and escaped), Asclepias (A. syriaca, invasive), Cynanchum (C. acutum), Nerium (N. oleander, cultivated in Crimea), Periploca (P. graeca, cultivated and escaped), Vinca (3 species, V. major cultivated and escaped), and Vincetoxicum (10 species and two subspecies, excluding type species, of which 4 species and 1 subspecies of uncertain status). Vincetoxicum minus, V. intermedium, and V. maeoticum are treated as synonyms of V. fuscatum, while V. cretaceum, V. laxum, and V. officinale are synonyms of V. hirundinaria. Gentianaceae includes seven genera: Blackstonia (2 species, B. acuminata requires confirmation), Centaurium (4 species, 3 subspecies, C. littorale requires confirmation), Gentiana (11 species; G. × charpentieri uncertain, G. frigida and G. clusii erroneously listed), Gentianella (3 species; G. axillaris and G. lingulata are synonyms of G. amarella), Gentianopsis (G. ciliata), Schenkia (S. spicata), and Swertia (S. perennis with 2 subspecies, S. punctata). Rubiaceae is represented by nine genera, 65 species (incl. hybrids), and six subspecies: Asperula (3 species), Crucianella (2 species confirmed, C. gilanica requires confirmation), Cruciata (5 species), Cynanchica (6 species and 3 subspecies), Hexaphylla (H. cretacea), Galium (44 species including hybrids, 3 subspecies), Rubia (R. tatarica, R. tinctorum), Sherardia (S. arvensis), and Theligonum (T. cynocrambe). Asperula propinqua is treated as a synonym of A. taurina; Crucianella oxyloba is included in C. angustifolia; C. catellata in C. latifolia. Numerous nomenclatural adjustments were made within Galium.
Monitoring of baseline biodiversity, natural stands and dead wood in the habitats of oak-hornbeam forests of the Holosiivskyi National Nature Park
Question: What is the species composition of vascular plants, bryophytes, fungi (including lichens) and chordate animals on the monitoring plot of a natural oak-hornbeam forest in the Holosiivskyi National Nature Park? How do natural tree stands renew themselves, and how do dead woods change? Location: tract “Lisnyky” of the Holosiivsky National Nature Park, Kyiv, Ukraine. Methods: field observation Nomenclature:https://powo.science.kew.org/, https://www.indexfungorum.org/, https://zoobank.org/, Virchenko & Nyporko 2022 Results: The data on changes in biodiversity, natural regeneration and dynamics of dead wood in natural ecosystems of oak-hornbeam forests in the Vita River Valley of the Holosiivskyi National Nature Park are given. A total of 231 species of biota have been recorded on the monitoring plot (2.400 m2), including 8 species of trees, 3 species of shrubs, 39 species of herbaceous plants, 30 species of bryophytes, 93 species of fungi and slime molds, 44 species of lichens and 14 species of vertebrates. Among the detected bio¬diversity, 25 species of bryophytes and 7 species of lichens use dead wood as a substrate, 60 species of fungi are xylotrophs, 6 species of vertebrates feed on xylophage insects, and 3 species of vertebrates use dead wood as shelter. In the oak-hornbeam forest habitats of the park, Quercus robur and Fraxinus excelsior are in decline, with Acer campestre, Carpinus betulus and Tilia cordata predominating in the stand. The environmental factors that have been identified as crucial in determining the preservation, growth and development of the self-seeding and undergrowth of Q. robur include low light levels, dense undergrowth and the influence of wild boars, which have been shown to destroy the litter with germinating acorns. A rapid accumulation of dead¬wood reserves has been observed in the oak-hornbeam forest habitats of the Kyiv metropolis over the past five years, primarily attributable to the demise of Acer platanoides, F. excelsior, C. betulus and T. cordata. In contrast, the reserves of wood detritus of Quercus robur in the monitoring area have remained constant. The total stock of dead wood increased from 92.2 m3/ha in 2018 to 156.82 m3/ha in 2023, indicating the continuation of natural pro¬cesses in this area of the forest and its approximation to native parameters following conservation in 1989.
Green Algae (Chlorophyta, Charophyta) of the Water Bodies of Slobozhanskyi National Nature Park
Question: What is the species diversity and taxonomic structure of green algae in the water bodies of Slobozhanskyi National Nature Park (Ukraine)? Locations: "Slobozhanskyi" National Nature Park, Kharkiv region, Ukraine Methods: Field collection, laboratory identification, floristic and ecological analysis Nomenclature: Tsarenko et al. 2024, www.algaebase.org Results: The algal flora of the Slobozhansky National Nature Park comprises 176 species of chlorophyte and charophyte algae, classified into 2 divisions, 6 classes, 16 orders, 32 families, and 71 genera. Among these, charophyte algae are the most numerous, a distribution attributed to the typology of the park's water bodies, particularly the dominance of swamps as the primary waterbody type. A taxonomic analysis confirmed the prevalence of Charophyta, which account for 100 species (56.8 %) and hold leading positions across all taxonomic levels. Chlorophyta comprised 76 species, accounting for 43.2% of the total. The species distribution across water bodies was uneven, ranging from 1 to 78 species. This variability is primarily influenced by the morphometric features and water levels of the respective bodies. Charophyte algae were predominant in most bodies, as evidenced by their higher occurrence coefficient values. Ecological analyses provided further insights into the habitat preferences of the algae. Water acidity assessments revealed a predominance of indifferent species and acidophiles. Salinity analyses indicated a dominance of indifferent species. Saprobity indices, with most species classified as oligosaprobic and beta-mesosaprobic, placed the water quality of the park's bodies within classes II–III, corresponding to clean and moderately clean waters. Notably, the study identified several rare species for Ukraine's algal flora, seven new records for the Kharkiv region, and two species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine: Bambusina borrei and Roya anglica.
Fungi of the genus Epicoccum (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) as a component of seed-borne infection in agricultural crops in Ukraine
Question: What is the species composition and occurrence of Epicoccum fungi on crop seeds in Western Ukraine? Location: Ukraine. Materials and methods: culture methods combined with genetic marker analysis. Nomenclature: https://www.indexfungorum.org/ The genus Epicoccum belongs to the group of Phoma-like fungi and is characterized by unique morphological and cultural features. Its representatives are widespread saprotrophs and facultative endophytes frequently found on the seeds of agricultural crops. Due to considerable morphological variability and the presence of twin species, accurate identification of Epicoccum isolates requires the use of molecular-genetic methods. Such studies had not been conducted in Ukraine until now. The aim of this study was to clarify the species composition of Epicoccum fungi associated with seeds of wheat, barley, and soybean grown in the western regions of Ukraine, and to analyze their frequency of occurrence. The research began in 2019 at the V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University but was interrupted by the onset of full-scale war. The investigation was resumed in 2023–2024 in the Research Department of Continental Farmers Group company in Ternopil region. Seed samples used in the study were collected from Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi regions. For iden-tification of the isolates, culture-based methods and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA were employed. The results showed that the vast majority of isolates belonged to Epicoccum nigrum sensu stricto. One isolate was identified as Epicoccum tobaicum (= E. layuense), marking the first confirmed report of this species in Ukraine. Its identification was verified at the labora-tory of Professor Pedro W. Crous (Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, the Netherlands). It was established that in 2024, the average contamination level of wheat seeds with Epicoccum spp. was 2.7 %, and 2.3 % for soybean seeds, although in some samples these values reached up to 16.8 % and 12.3 %, respectively. The presence of Epicoccum spp. in seed samples may complicate phytosanitary assessments and lead to misdiagnosis of seedborne diseases such as Fusarium infections. The results of this study may help refine seed mycological testing protocols and enhance the accuracy of seed quality assessment.
Teucrium scorodonia (Lamiaceae) – a neglected species of the Ukrainian flora
Question: What are the morphological, chorological, ecological and coenotic features of the newly discovered localities of Teucrium scorodonia in Ukraine? Location: Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park and its outskirts, Khust district, Zakarpattia oblast, Ukraine. Methods: morphological description, field survey, phytoindicative assessment Nomenclature: vascular plants – POWO, syntaxa – FloraVeg.EU, Pladias Results: On August, 2024, we discovered a species that has not been previously reported in the main fundamental publications on the flora of Ukraine – Teucrium scorodonia. The representatives of this species were found on the southern megaslope of the Velykyi Dil ridge. On August 2025 we confirmed the above locality and revealed two new localities of the species in the same national nature park. A detailed analysis of literature and herbarium materials showed that this species has existed in the flora of Ukraine for at least the last 80 years, but these facts were not taken into account when preparing fundamental floristic publications on the territory of Ukraine. Therefore, T. scorodonia received de facto status as a neglected species of the Ukrainian flora. Teucrium scorodonia is a European species with a sub-Atlantic distribution, scattered in Southern, Western, and Central Europe, with the northern limit of its continuous distribution reaching south Sweden and Norway, and the eastern limit includes isolated localities in Poland and east Hungary on the border with Ukraine. Most of the newly discovered populations of the species in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, are considered anthropogenic. In neighboring Slovakia and Czechia, however, the species is under protection. The communities where the species was recorded in Ukraine belong to three different associations of classes Calluno-Ulicetea, Nardetea, and Epilobietea. The localities we found belong to the R1M and R54 habitat types. The phytoindicative assessment of the habitats according to the Ellenberg Indicator Values showed that compared to the optimal conditions of the communities described in Slovakia and Spain, the localities of the species in Ukraine are characterized by cooler, wetter, and more acidic conditions. Conclusions: Our findings of Teucrium scorodonia on the territory of the Zacha-rovanyi Krai National Nature Park can be considered the currently confirmed easternmost localities of the species in Eastern Europe. Considering the relatively low level of anthropogenic, in particular, tourist impact on the studied localities, the natural expansion of T. scorodonia to this territory is quite probable. Further observations of the discovered localities, as well as searching for new localities of the species in Ukraine, may shed light on its ecological and coenotic preferences and origin.
Acidophilous forest-edge communities (Melampyrion pratensis) on Kyiv Polissia
Question: What is the syntaxonomical position of the acidophilous forest edges on Kyiv Polissia? Location: Kyiv city; Buchanskyi and Vyshhorodskyi administrative districts of Kyiv Region, Ukraine. Methods: A local dataset of 14 vegetation plots stored in the database created by Turboveg software and analyzed using the modified TWINSPAN algorithm within JUICE 7.1 software, is used. For comparison, a shortened synoptic table containing an additional 105 phytosociological relevés from 6 literature sources was performed. Ecological conditions of the distinguished communities were estimated using Ellenberg Indicator Values. Nomenclature: https://europlusmed.org, Hodgetts et al. 2020, https://indexfungorum.org), Mucina et al. 2016. Results. On Kyiv Polissya, acidophilous forest edges pose a significant share of Euro-Siberian and East-European psammophytic xeromesophytic taxa (Cytisus ruthenicus var. zingeri, Psephellus sumensis, Veronica spicata var. pseudoorchidea). At the same time, these communities are built mainly by wide-range mesotrophic and oligotrophic subacidophilic species, common also with subatlantic forest edges (Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Hieracium umbellatum, Melampyrum pratense, Peucedanum oreoselinum, Veronica officinalis). In the study area, a new association Veronico spicatae-Melampyretum pratensis is described, connected with the margins and glades of subcontinental preboreal pine forests on sandy acidic soils. On the edges of acidophilous oak forests in the southern part of the region, the community Hieracium murorum-Agrostis capillaris is distinguished. In the study, we postulate and prove that such forest-edge communities belong to the Melampyrion pratensis alliance. Conclusion. The results of the study complement the understanding of the diversity of Trifolio-Geranietea sanguinei class in Ukraine and clarify views on the geographical distribution of the Melampyrion pratensis alliance in Eastern Europe.
Ukrainian flora checklist. 15: family Salicaceae (Malpighiales, Angiosperms)
Materials and methods: herbarium collections, literature data, field observations. Nomenclature: POWO 2025, Euro+Med Plant Base 2025, Hassler 1994–2025. Results: In the flora of Ukraine, the Salicaceae family is represented by two genera: Populus and Salix. The genus Populus includes 4 autochthonous species (one of which is hybridogenic) and 8 frequently cultivated species (two of which are hybridogenic). In addition, many other species and forms are cultivated in botanical gardens and arboretums. A synonym of P. alba, which varies greatly in the size and shape of the leaves, is the name P. bolleana, which was previously used to denote a separate species. The name P. candicans is a synonym of P. balsamifera, which is widely cultivated in most of the country, mainly in the forest-steppe and steppe, and often goes wild. Populus canadensis is given under two names for Ukraine: P. canadensis and as P. deltoides (the latter does not grow in Ukraine). The genus Salix in Ukraine is represented by 23 autochthonous species and many hybrid forms are also known. The growth of such species as: S. hastata (for the Carpathians), S. reticulata (for the Carpathians), S. repens (for the western regions) has not been confirmed in Ukraine. There is not a single authentic specimen of these species in the herbariums of Ukraine. All data on the growth of S. repens in Ukraine actually refer to S. rosmarinofolia, from which S. repens differs in having wider lanceolate or elliptic leaves, with a curved apex and curved edges, and short cylindrical carpels. Until now, the growth of S. xerophila in Ukraine has not been confirmed, the name of which according to modern nomenclature is considered a synonym of S. bebbiana. This is a species with a wide discontinuous range, which covers North America, North-Eastern Europe, Western Siberia and South-Eastern Asia and does not enter Ukraine. There are also many nomen¬clatural changes in the genus Salix. In particular, a synonym of the typical S. babylonica is the name S. matsudana, which was previously erroneously recognized as a separate species with smaller leaves. The names S. × elegantissima and S. × blanda are synonyms of the typical nothoform S. × pendulina nothof. pendulina, which is widely cultivated in Ukraine. The species S. rhaetica for Ukraine (Carpathians) was given by mistake, instead of S. phylicifolia. Many other species and hybrid forms of the genus Salix are also cultivated in Ukraine. Analysis of literature data shows that the replacement of the species name S. fragilis with S. euxina, as well as the replacement of the name of the hybrid S. rubens (S. alba × S. fragilis) with S. × fragilis (S. alba × S. euxina) are incorrect and should be rejected.
Ergasiophytes of old cemeteries of the Right-Bank of Dnipro Grass Steppe District (Ukraine)
Questions: What is the species richness, diversity of life forms of ergasiophytes of old cemeteries of the Right-Bank of Dnipro Grass Steppe District? How does the species richness and diversity of life forms of ergasiophytes vary depending on their location in an urbanized environment? Locations: Right-Bank of Dnipro Grass Steppe District (Ukraine) Materials and methods: field observations and herbarium collections Nomenclature: A checklist of vascular plants, bryobionts, and lichens of Ukraine for storing vegetation plots in TURBOVEG (Vynokurov et al. 2025) Results: Every year, the number of ergasiophytes is significantly increases at cultural heritage sites and old cemeteries. The results of comprehensive study on ergasiophytes in the alien fraction of the flora of old cemeteries of the Right-Bank of Dnipro Grass Steppe District are presented. Ergasiophytes include 119 species from 101 genera and 48 families of vascular plants, which is 17.3 % of the spontaneous flora of old cemeteries. The group of ergasiophytes is the most numerous group in terms of the degree of naturalization in the alien flora of old cemeter-ies. A high proportion of ergasiophytes is a characteristic feature of the flora of old cemeteries compared to other cultural heritage sites, including kurgans and ancient settlements. The largest representation of ergasiophytes is observed in old cemeteries located in cities (17.2 %), slightly inferior to them in this indicator are rural cemeteries (16.3 %), while cemeteries located far outside of settlements are characterized by a small participation of ergasiophytes (7.3 %). In addition, old cemeteries closed for burial have twice the percentage of ergasiophytes (8.3 %) compared to active cemeteries (16.8 %). In the spectrum of life forms among ergasiophytes, there is a very high proportion of phanerophytes (39.5 %), especially when compared to natural zonal flora. The sponta-neous spread of trees and shrubs from cultivation sites leads to the dis-placement of steppe plants in cemeteries and outside them, so it is neces-sary to control their spread.
Euneophytes of the urban flora of the Kyiv urban area: new findings, additions and clarifications
Locations: Kyiv urban agglomeration, 13534 км². Methods: field observations, critical analysis of literature data, and analysis of the iNaturalist platform. Nomenclature: https://powo.science.kew.org Results: The newest addition to the species composition of the flora of the Kyiv urban area, registered during 2000–2024, is considered. Information is provided for the following 47 species and hybrids: Acer monspessulanum, Allium nutans, A. rosenorum, Cardamine hirsuta, C. occulta, Castanea sativa, Chaerophyllum nodosum, Chrozophora tinctoria, Coreopsis tinctoria, Cosmos sulphureus, Сotoneaster acutifolius, Crataegus submollis, Cydonia oblonga, Cymbalaria muralis, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Eriochloa villosa, Equisetum ×moorei, E. ramosissimum, Exochorda racemosa, Fumaria rostellata, Galatella sedifolia subsp. dracunculoides, Gymnocarpium robertianum, Hedera canariensis, Helleborus orientalis, H. purpurascens, H. caucasicus ×H. purpurascens, Hesperis matronalis, Hylotelephium spectabile ×H. telephium s. l. 'Herbstfreude', Kickxia spuria, Knautia macedonica, Koelreuteria paniculata, Lepidium campestre, Limonium sinuatum, Lonicera caprifolium, L. maackii, Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, Muscari armeniacum, Oenothera pilosella, Phedimus aizoon, Prunus persica, Rubus hirtus, Rumex kioviensis, Sedum album, Smyrnium olusatrum, ×Sorbaronia fallax, Stellaria neglecta and Taxus × media. The South European Knautia macedonica is reported for the first time for the Kyiv urban agglomeration flora; two North American anthropophytes are reported: Coreopsis tinctoria, Cosmos sulphureus; tropical Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, previously omitted Equisetum ramosissimum and locations for 9 species were supplemented. According to the attributive categories, eunеophytes are within the framework typical for the spontaneous flora of alien species of the Kyiv urban agglomeration. This is confirmed, for example, by the presence of 5 interspecific and 1 intergeneric hybrid combinations among the newest eunеophytes.
Rare lichens and lichenicolous fungi from the Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park
Question: What rare lichens have been found recently in Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park? Location: Zakarpattia region, Ukraine Materials and methods: field research, microscope technique Nomenclature: Index Fungorum Results: Thirteen rare lichen species Absconditella sphagnorum, Arthonia granitophila, Dendrographa latebrarum, Enterographa zonata, Halecania viridescens, Ionaspis lacustris, Fellhanera subtilis, Gyrographa gyrocarpa, Haematomma ochroleucum, Stereocaulon dactylophyllum, S. pileatum, Trapelia corticola, Zamenhofia pseudohibernica, along with two species of lichenicolous fungi, Taeniolella friesii and Zyzygomyces physciacearum, have been newly recorded for the Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park. These species were known only from a scattered localities in Ukraine, mainly in the Carpathians. The species Dendrographa latebrarum is reported here for the first time from the Ukrainian Carpathians. Arthonia granitophila, Halecania viridescens and Taeniolella friesii were previously known only from a single location in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Ionaspis lacustris and Stereocaulon dactylophyllum each previously known from just one locality in Ukraine, have now been rediscovered in the Volcanic Carpathians after 73 and 93 years, respectively. Detatiled data on the localities and occurrences of all species within Ukraine is provided.
Osmunda regalis (Osmundaceae) – a new species to the flora of Ukraine
Question: Is there Osmunda regalis in the flora of Ukraine? What is the current spatial distribution and state of O. regalis populations in Ukraine? Location: Tsumanska Pushcha Kivertsivskyi National Nature Park, Volyn Region, Ukraine. Materials and methods: field surveys, morphological description, phytoindication. Nomenclature: POWO 2025 Results: Osmunda regalis is a fern distributed in Atlantic and sub-Atlantic parts of Europe, Mediterranean, the Balkan Peninsula, and the Caucasus. In Central and Eastern Europe, this species occurs more rarely. According to the last checklists and other publications, O. regalis is absent in the flora of Ukraine. Nevertheless, the nearest population of this fern is quite close to Ukraine and is less than 0.5 km away from the border. Some authors assumed that O. regalis could potentially grow in adjacent territories of Ukraine, but previous investigations were resultless. In 2023, the first individual of O. regalis was revealed in Tsumanska Pushcha National Nature Park in Kivertsi (Kivertsivskyi District, Volyn Region). In 2024, the second one was found in the surroundings. Today, the population is represented by two individuals. Both of them are fertile and can produce spores. The population was discovered in a 30-years-old pine-birch secondary forest with low phytodiversity richness. The species was revealed in the plant community with narrow amplitudes of ecological tolerance. The habitat has wet soil conditions, acidic and poor on mineral nutrients (including nitrogen) sod-podzolic soils. Ombroregime is sub-aridic and the climate continentality regime is between hemi-oceanic and sub-continental. Among studied factors, soil acidity, nitrogen content in the soil, and climate humidity (ombroregime) were extremely limiting factors for that plant community. Such conditions indicate the revealed population is vulnerable because the plants grow on their ecological tolerance limit. Today, only one population, consisting of two individuals, is known to Ukraine. Considering that, O. regalis is recognised as a critically endangered (CR; B2ac(iii, iv) + D) plant species to the flora of Ukraine and should be included in the next edition of the Red Data Book. Because the studied species is the new one to the flora of Ukraine, there are morphological description of O. regalis and the key to identification in the article.
Comparative-structural analysis of the coenofloras of ruderal vegetation of Ukraine. ІI. Biomorphological structure
Question: What is the biomorphological structure of flora of the classes of the ruderal vegetation of Ukraine? Locations: Ukraine. Materials and methods: field research, comparative-structural analysis, detailed route geobotanical. Nomenclature: Mosyakin & Fedoronchuk 1999, Dubyna et al. 2019. Results: The analyzed biomorphological structure of the coenoflora of the ruderal vegetation of Ukraine according to Raunkiær’s life form system, represented by the classes Stellarietea mediae, Artemisietea vulgaris, Bidentetea, Galio-Urticetea, Plantaginetea majoris, Polygono-Poëtea annuae, Robinietea, Epilobietea angustifolii, has 1475 species of vascular plants belonging to 570 genera and 116 families, which includes hemicryptophytes 705 species (47.8 %), therophytes 355 (24.1 %), cryptophytes 253 (17.1 %), phanerophytes 135 (9.2 %), chamaephytes 28 (1.9 %). It was established, that ten leading families make up 60 % of the entire flora of ruderal vegetation. They are represented by hemicryptophytes – 478 species, or 55.8 % of their total number, therophytes – 346 (23.4 %), cryptophytes – 126 (8.5 %), phanerophytes – 45 (3.1 %) and chamaephytes – 12 (0.8 %). A comparison of the number of species of different life forms in the classes of ruderal vegetation is given. The highest percentage of phanerophytes was in the Robinietea class, chamaephytes – Stellarietea mediae, hemicryptophytes – Plantaginetea majoris, cryptophytes – Bidentetea, therophytes – Polygono-Poëtea annuae. The dendrogram of the similarity/dissimilarity of species of the considered classes by life forms consists of 3 groups of clasters formed by ecotopes of coenoflora of the classes Stellarietea mediae and Artemisietea vulgaris (first group), Galio-Urticetea and Robinietea (second), Polygono-Poëtea annuae and Plantaginetea majoris, Bidentetea and Epilobietea angustifolii (form two subgroups in the third group). Among the particularly dangerous invasive alien species of plants found in the coenoflora of ruderal vegetation are 8 phanerophytes, 5 hemicryptophytes, 3 cryptophytes, and 15 therophytes. The most widespread species of alien invasive plants in the ruderal coenoflora include 8 phanerophytes, 3 hemicryptophytes, 1 cryptophyte, and 6 therophytes. There are 12 rare species in the ruderal coenoflora, among them one phanerophyte (Tamarix gracilis), eight hemicryptophytes (Linaria biebersteinii, Vincetoxicum rossicum, Senecio borysthenicus, Otites artemisetorum, Chrysopogon gryllus, Stipa capillata, S. lessingiana, S. pulcherrima), two cryptophytes (Agropyron cimmericum, Orchis picta), and one therophyte (Tragopogon borysthenicus).
Ukrainian flora checklist. 14: family Violaceae (Malpighiales, Angiosperms)
Materials and methods: herbarium collections, literature data, field observations. Nomenclature: Euro+Med Plant Base 2025, Hassler 2025, POWO 2025. Results: Violaceae in the flora of Ukraine is represented by one genus Viola, which includes 36 autochthonous species and two subspecies (without type), three ergasiophygophytes, and also a number of hybrid forms, some of which are described in the status of notospecies. The name of the species V. montana is rejected (nomen rejiciendum), so it is replaced by V. elatior. Synonyms of V. hymettia are V. cretacea (cited for the southern Donetsk Forest-Steppe), V. lavrenkoana (southern Forest-Steppe and Steppe) and V. nemausensis sensu Klokov, non Jord. (Odesa region, Crimea). The species name V. nemausensis Jord. is synonymous with the type species V. tricolor (V. tricolor subsp. tricolor). The species V. rupestris in Ukraine is represented by two subspecies: the typical V. rupestris subsp. rupestris and V. rupestris subsp. glaberrima. Synonyms of the type species/subspecies V. rupestris are V. arenaria and V. rupestris subsp. glabrescens. The name V. nemoralis is synonymous with V. ruppii. In the POWO database, V. ruppii is mistakenly considered as a subspecies – V. canina L. subsp. ruppii (All.) Schübl. & G. Martens, but this combination is illegal (nomen illegitimum). The synonyms of V. saxatilis are V. elisabethae (described from the Mountainous Crimea) and V. vespertina (described from the Caucasus), which do not differ from V. saxatilis in morphological characters. In the POWO database, the names V. elisabethae and V. vespertina are given as synonyms of the subspecies V. tricolor subsp. subalpina Gaudin, but this name is illegal (nomen illegitimum). The data on the growth of V. caspia in Crimea is erroneous and refers to V. sieheana. The synonyms of V. stagnina are V. commutata sensu Klokov, non Waisb. and V. persicifolia Hegetschw. (the latter name is illegal – nomen illegiticum). Synonyms of V. suavis are V. donetzkiensis, V. jagellonica, V. pontica and V. cyanea, which were listed as separate species for Ukraine. The species V. tricolor L. s. str. (V. tricolor subsp. tricolor) is common in northern forest areas and its citation for Crimea is erroneous. In Crimea, only V. saxatilis grows in the group of V. tricolor aggr. species, which differs in the colour of its flowers, with a predominance of yellow ones.
Astrodaucus littoralis (Apiaceae) on the territory of the Regional Landscape Park «Tyligulsky» (Mykolaiv region, Ukraine)
Questions: Are the conditions Astrodaucus littoralis on the territory of the protected area is favorauble for this species? Locations: Regional landscape park “Tyligulsky” (Mykolayiv region). Methods: field studies of habitats of rare species Astrodaucus littoralis. Nomenclature: POWO (2025), Dubyna et al. (2019) Results: During the expeditions of 2023–2024, the distribution and habitat conditions of Astrodaucus littoralis were studied within the territory of the Tyligulsky Regional Landscape Park (Mykolaiv region). We found five local populations of A. littoralis, which are located on different spits of the estuary: Velyka Ukrainska, Mala Ukrainska and Anatolivska. The populations are quite distant from each other and somewhat coenotically and populationally different. Three local populations were studied on the Velyka Ukrainska Spit. In local population 1, the growth of 26 individuals of this species with well-developed ground shoots and inflorescences was recorded. The species grows on the area of the littoral wall of the Tyligulsky estuary with well-developed plant cover (total cover is 60 %). Local population 2 – A. littoralis was found in sparse grass stands, closer to the surf zone (total cover is 30 %). The presence of 10 developed individuals was recorded (of which: 4 – vegetative and 6 – generative). Local population 3 revealed in the surf zone, closer to the “tip” of the spit. Herb cover is almost absent (total cover is 10 %). 9 individuals were found in this locality (2 – vegetative and 7 – generative). Local popu-lation 4 was recorded on the Mala Ukrainska Spit. A. littoralis grows along the southern coast of the spit in the surf zone (total cover is 30 %). The presence of 11 individuals of A. littoralis on 25 m2 was noted. All plants were well-developed (9 – generative with fruits, 2 – generative with inflo-rescences). Local population 5 occurs on the Anatolivska Spit. We noted the presence of 13 individuals of A. littoralis in sparse plant cover (total cover is 30 %). All plants are well-developed (9 – generative, 4 – vegetative). Conclusions: A study of the current state of Astrodaucus littoralis habitats on the territory of the Tyligulsky Regional Landscape Park was conducted. Despite significant recreational pressure, the population of A. littoralis is characterized by a significant number of individuals of different ontogenetic stages with a predominance of mature generative ones, especially on the territory of the Mala Ukrainska Spit.