ROMÂNIA

UNIVERSITATEA DIN BUCUREŞTI

GRĂDINA BOTANICĂ „D. BRANDZA”

ACTA HORTI BOTANICI

BUCURESTIENSIS
49

2023
 EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief
Anastasiu Paulina
Deputy/ Managing Editor
Camen-Comănescu Petronela
Editorial Advisory Board
Cristea Vasile, University „Babeş - Bolyai”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Janauer Georg, University of Wien, Austria
Popescu Ioana, Drury University, Springfield, United States of America
Shevera Myroslav, M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Tănase Cătălin, University „Al. I. Cuza”, Iaşi, Romania
Uludag Ahmet, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi, Turkey
Vladimirov Vladimir, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Sofia, Bulgaria
Editors
Plant morphology & anatomy: Sârbu Anca
Systematic botany & vegetation: Anastasiu Paulina
Plants, algae and fungi biodiversity: Şesan Tatiana Eugenia, Anastasiu Paulina
Plant physiology and biochemistry: Lazăr Daniela
Plant genetics and biotechnology: Simon-Gruiţă Alexandra, Stoica Ileana
Plant pathology: Şesan Tatiana Eugenia
Horticulture: Iliescu Ana-Felicia

Journal Secretary
Urziceanu Mihaela, University of Bucharest, Romania
Sîrbu Ioana Minodora, University of Bucharest, Romania

Technical Editors
Pogonariu Meri, University of Bucharest, Romania

Publisher: Editura Universităţii din Bucureşti

Acta Horti Botanici Bucurestiensis (text and summaries in English) is published once a
year by the Botanic Garden “D. Brandza”, University of Bucharest (Şoseaua Cotroceni
32, 060114, Bucureşti, România) and it is available for exchange. The current volume is
also available online at: http://ahbb.unibuc.ro

ISSN 2359-7089 (online)

ISSN –L 1453-8830
 CONTENTS

Scientific and data papers

Dumitrașcu M., Sârbu A., Cîșlariu A.G. – The anatomical structure of

Symphyotrichum squamatum, an alien plant in Romanian Flora ................. 5
Kheloufi A. – First record of Colchicum triphyllum (Colchicaceae) from high
altitude in Northeastern Algeria ................................................................... 17
Răduțoiu D., Niculescu M. – Polypogon monspeliensis from Oltenia, Romania .. 25
Sîrbu C., Oprea A. – A new registration in the vascular flora of Moldova
(Eastern Romania): Allium inaequale ......................................................... 33
Sîrbu C. – Acalypha rhomboidea in the vascular flora of Romania ...................... 39
Camen-Comănescu P., Mihai D.C., Raicu M., Sîrbu C., Oprea A.,
Anastasiu P., – Alien Flora from Buzău County – Romania ..................... 49
Nagodă E., Hovaneț M.V., Urziceanu M. – Alien plants species in Giurgiu
County: Romania: an inventory and distribution analysis ........................... 77

Instructions to the authors ................................................................................... 111

 Acta Horti Bot. Bucurest. 2023, 49: 5-16

THE ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE OF SYMPHYOTRICHUM SQUAMATUM,

AN ALIEN PLANT IN ROMANIAN FLORA

DUMITRAŞCU Mioara1*, SÂRBU Anca1, CÎŞLARIU Alina Georgiana1

Abstract: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in alien plant species because
of their substantial impact on biological diversity, ecosystems, and economy. These
species are often characterized by their capacity to rapidly colonize diverse habitats.
Symphyotrichum squamatum, an alien species for Romanian flora, displays invasive
tendencies in various European countries, showing adaptability to a wide range of
habitats, particularly those with high soil moisture. While previous research has focused
on aspects of its invasiveness, limited information is available regarding the anatomical
structure of its vegetative organs. Our study aims to identify the structural characteristics
that may explain the species’ environmental preferences and adaptability to various
habitat types. The results showed the presence of aeriferous tissues in the root and stem
suggesting an affinity for humid conditions, while the lamina’s structure enhances light
capturing efficiency and adaptability to salinity. These anatomical investigations provide
valuable insights into understanding species’ environmental requirements and resilience,
contributing to a better understanding of its adaptability to various habitats and potential
impact on local ecosystems.
Keywords: invasive species, anatomy, structural adaptations, environmental requirements

Received: 08 November 2023 / Accepted: 26 November 2023

Introduction
In the last two decades, the interest in alien species has grown considerably,
driven by research findings that have highlighted their substantial impact on biological
diversity, ecosystem functioning, and the economy (Mack et al. 2000; Mooney &
Hobbs 2000; Pyšek & Richardson 2006; Hulme et al. 2008; Vilà et al. 2009). These
studies aimed to identify the major invasive species, analyze invasion patterns and
dynamics in large regions, assess the impact of invaders, and develop management
strategies for invaded ecosystems (Pyšek et al. 1995; Daehler & Carino 2000; Lloret et
al. 2004; Křivánek & Pyšek 2006; Richardson & Pyšek 2006).
The invasive plants are typically defined as naturalized species capable of
producing a large number of reproductive offspring over considerable distances from their
parent plants, enabling them to spread rapidly across extensive areas (Pyšek & Richardson
2006). Identifying the traits associated with invasiveness is a challenging task that requires
comprehensive comparative studies based on extensive data (Alpert et al. 2000; Pyšek &
Richardson 2006). Among these traits, one of the most important factor correlated with a
plant’s ability to colonize new habitats is its reproductive characteristics, particularly those
related to seed production (e.g size and number of seeds) and their dispersal (Moravcova

1
University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, Department of Botany and Microbiology, 1-3 Intr. Portocalelor,
Bucharest, Romania
*Correspondance: mioara.dumitrascu@bio.unibuc.ro
6 DUMITRAȘCU M., SÂRBU A., CÎȘLARIU A.G.

et al. 2010). Furthermore, the species’ ability to establish in diverse environments was
considered as an indicator of its invasive potential (Arianoutsou et al. 2010).
Symphyotrichum squamatum (Spreng.) G.L. Nesom was first reported as an alien
species in the Romanian flora in 2016 (Camen-Comănescu et al. 2016). This species
belongs to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family and is native to South America (Nesom
1994, Greuter 2003, Nesom 2005, Hind 2011). Currently, Symphyotrichum squamatum
is widely naturalized in the Mediterranean region and is recognized as invasive in many
European countries, including Italy, France, Portugal, Slovenia, Greece, Malta (Pace &
Tammaro 2001; Bernez et al. 2006; Celesti-Grapow et al. 2009, Zelnik 2012, Stešević
& Caković 2013, EPPO 2016).
The species’ native distribution includes subtropical regions, often in proximity
to beaches, ballast dumps (Nesom 2005), and salt marshes (Šajna et al. 2014). Nesom
(2005) documented the species’s native habitats as typically moist to wet, rarely saline.
In the areas where it has been introduced, Symphyotrichum squamatum has been
observed in a variety of environments, including semi-natural habitats such as halophyte
communities, marshlands, and degraded streams, particularly near coastlines. However,
it has been predominantly reported from disturbed areas such as wet crops, waste
grounds, the bases of walls, roadsides, abandoned gardens, ruins, harbors, ditches, rice
fields, heaps, coastal grasslands, or arable land located farther from the sea (Fenwick
2001; Nesom 2005; Green 2007; Šajna et al. 2014; Invasive Plants in Portugal 2016).
Symphyotrichum squamatum is a ubiquitous, weedy species with a high salt
tolerance, capable of thriving in various habitats and soil types (loamy soil, peaty sand,
deep white sand, granite, laterite, basalt), as long as soil moisture is assured (Schembri
& Laufranco 1996; Invasive Plants in Portugal 2016; https://florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/).
The analyzed species has a prolonged flowering period from June to October,
with fruiting extending until November. A single plant exceeding 110 cm in height, can
produce up to 70,000 seeds (Šajna et al. 2014), which, along with its substantial salt
tolerance and adaptability to nutrient-poor soils (low in nitrogen and phosphorus), most
likely contribute to its ability to colonize a wide range of habitats (Šajna et al. 2014,
Tripathi & Sharma 2019).
While many research and projects at the European level have focused on the
study of the alien species Symphyotrichum squamatum (Pace & Tammaro 2001; Bernez
et al. 2006; Celesti-Grapow et al. 2009; Zelnik 2012; Stešević & Caković 2013; EPPO
2016), including investigations on its reproductive potential (Šajna et al. 2014), there is
limited information regarding the structure of its vegetative organs. Therefore, this
paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the vegetative body structure of
Symphyotrichum squamatum in order to identify the histo-anatomical characteristics
that may explain its environmental preferences and adaptability to various habitat types.

Material and methods

Study species. Symphyotrichum squamatum (Spreng.) G.L. Nesom is an annual
or perennial herbaceous plant species, with a height of up to 1.5 meters. It has a
glabrous, branched, erect stem. The leaves are sessile, alternate, with dark green
spatulate leaves on the lower part and linear-lanceolate leaves on the floral branches
(Camen-Comănescu et al. 2016).
The inflorescences are elongated, with a corymbiform to thyrsiform arrangement
of heads and compound branching. They have sharply delimited apical green areas, and
The anatomical structure of Symphyotrichum squamatum, an alien plant in Romanian Flora 7

numerous ray florets (21-28(-38)) with filiform, erect (non- coiling) corollas, which are
shorter (1.3-2 mm long) than the mature pappus (Nesom 2005).
The fruits are pubescent, 3-5-nerved achenes with a 1-seriate, accrescent pappus.
The pappus hairs can reach lengths of 4-5 mm, being longer than the ray corollas
(Camen-Comănescu et al. 2016).
Methodology. The biological material consisted of roots, stems and leaves from
Symphyotrichum squamatum plants collected in 2022 from Bucharest (Șos. Cotroceni,
nr. 32) and preserved in 70% alcohol during handling.
For the structural analysis, the vegetative organs were manually cross-sectioned
at different levels: the root was sectioned in the median third, the stem in the lower, and
superior third, and the lamina in the median third.
The cross sections were treated with two differential stains: Iodine Green and
Carmine Alum, following the double staining technique as described by Şerbănescu-
Jitariu et al. (1983). Additionally, for the analysis of stomata, paradermal sections were
prepared from the leaves.
To examine and document the histo-anatomical features of Symphyotrichum
squamatum’s vegetative organs, microscopic analysis and micro-photographs were
conducted using the DOCUVAL optical microscope.

Results and discussion

Root. The root of Symphyotrichum squamatum exhibits a secondary structure
resulting from the activity of the two secondary meristems: cambium and phellogen.
The phellogen is located beneath the epidermis and produces a few layers of cork
outward, and phelloderm inward. The cambium is located within the vascular cylinder,
generating secondary xylem and phloem.
In cross section, the root discloses the following structural components:
epidermis (rhizodermis) on the outermost layer (with root hairs on the external surface),
a cortex and a vascular cylinder (Fig. 1).
The cortex contains aeriferous parenchyma with large isodiametric cells, forming
channels that represent approximately 60% of the root’s cortex (Fig. 2). The outermost
cell layer of the cortex is represented by endodermis formed by tangentially elongated
cells with Caspary thickening in the radial walls (Fig. 3).
The pericycle, composed of tangentially elongated cells, forms the first layer of the
vascular cylinder and is located right below the endodermis (Fig. 3). The secondary
structure shows an uneven distribution of the vascular tissues: the phloem forms a narrow
ring on the outer side, beneath the pericycle while the xylem appears as a compact body,
filling the main part of the vascular cylinder (30% of the root’s structure).
The wood vessels have different diameters and are dispersed through lignified
wood parenchyma and wood fibers. Notably, the primary xylem is located in the central
area of the vascular cylinder, resulting in the absence of the pith (Fig. 3).
The histo-anatomical observations of Symphyotrichum squamatum’s root
structure suggest potential adaptability to various environmental conditions, which may
contribute to its resilience and competitive ability in different habitats. Notably, the
secondary structure of the root contributes to the plant’s robustness, allowing it to resist
in diverse habitats. A particular finding is the presence of aeriferous tissue within the root,
a feature typically associated with hydrophyte and hygrophyte species as an adaptation to
high humidity environments (Sârbu 1999; Toma & Gostin 2000; Ciocârlan 2009). This
feature suggests the affinity of Symphyotrichum squamatum for such humid conditions.
8 DUMITRAȘCU M., SÂRBU A., CÎȘLARIU A.G.

Stem. The cross sections performed at the two levels of the stem (lower and
upper third) showed a secondary structure characterized by an annual growth ring in the
lower part and a fasciculate disposition in the upper part (Fig. 4).
The stem’s epidermis is unistratified, with isodiametric cells, and a cuticle that
differentiates cuticular ridges. A few stomata (anomocytic) were noticed between the
epidermal cells. The structure of the cortex exhibits variation at different stem levels. In
the lower part, the cortex is parenchymatous, lacking the palisade tissue, while in the
upper parts, assimilative parenchyma is present with a discontinuous disposition
(Fig. 5). Similar to the root, the aeriferous parenchyma with large channels is well
differentiated along the stem. The surface of the cortical aerenchyma decreases slightly
from the lower to the upper part of the stem.
The vascular cylinder lacks a pericycle. The vascular bundles are open collateral
and have a circular disposition, with phloem outward, covered by a cap of lignified
sclerenchymatous fibers (Fig. 4, 5). A total number of 17-18 vascular bundles of
different sizes, marked by medullary rays, were observed in the cross sections. The
surface of the secondary xylem decreases from the base of the stem to the top. The
center of the vascular cylinder is filled with a parenchymatous, meatic pith formed of
large, polygonal cells (Fig. 4).

Fig. 1. Cross section of Symphyotrichum squamatum root, highlighting the epidermis,

cortex, and vascular cylinder (colorants: Iodine Green and Carmine Alum):
c - cortex, e - epidermis, rh - root hairs, vc - vascular cylinder.
The anatomical structure of Symphyotrichum squamatum, an alien plant in Romanian Flora 9

Fig. 2. Cross section of Symphyotrichum squamatum root, highlighting the aeriferous

parenchyma (colorants: Iodine Green and Carmine Alum):
ac - aeriferous channels, c - cortex, e - epidermis.

Fig. 3. Cross section of Symphyotrichum squamatum root, highlighting the vascular

tissues (colorants: Iodine Green and Carmine Alum):
en - endodermis, p - pericycle, px - primary xylem, sp - secondary phloem,
sx - secondary xylem, vc - vascular cylinder.
10 DUMITRAȘCU M., SÂRBU A., CÎȘLARIU A.G.

Fig. 4. Cross sections of Symphyotrichum squamatum stem, highlighting the different

anatomical areas (colorants: Iodine Green and Carmine Alum):
1 - lower third; 2 - upper third; c - cortex, e - epidermis, vc - vascular cylinder.

Fig. 5. Cross sections of Symphyotrichum squamatum stem, highlighting the different

anatomical areas (colorants: Iodine Green and Carmine Alum): 1 - lower third;
2 - upper third; ac - aeriferous channels, c - cortex, e - epidermis, pt - palisade tissue,
sc - sclerenchymatous cap, sx - secondary xylem, vb - vascular bundle.

Similar to the root structure, the histo-anatomical observations of

Symphyotrichum squamatum’s stem showed a secondary structure that contributes to
The anatomical structure of Symphyotrichum squamatum, an alien plant in Romanian Flora 11

the plant’s overall robustness and competivity with other plant species. The presence of
well-differentiated aeriferous tissues in the stem, similar to those observed in the root,
highlights the plant’s adaptability to various wet environmental conditions.
The lamina of Symphyotrichum squamatum is bifacial with an ecvifacial
structure. In cross section, the lamina features a semi-circular contour with a flat adaxial
face and a more rounded, proeminent abaxial face, particularly noticeable around the
midbrid (Fig. 6). Both faces are covered by a cuticle which differentiates cuticular
ridges (Fig. 7).

Fig. 6. Cross section of Symphyotrichum squamatum lamina, highlighting the median

vascular bundle (colorants: Iodine Green and Carmine Alum):
ab - abaxial face, ad - adaxial face, an - angular collenchyma, e - epidermis,
m - midbrid, p - phloem, vb - vascular bundle, x - xylem.

The epidermis consists of isodiametric cells, with thicker cell walls on the outer
surface. The lamina is amphystomatic, with stomata located at a higher level than the
epidermal cells. In paradermal sections, it has been observed that the epidermis features
an anomocytic type of stomata and an occasional paracytic type of stomata (Fig. 8).
The mesophyll comprises 2-3 layers of palisade cells located under both the
upper and lower epidermis. In the central area, a dense lacunose tissue containing two
layers of isodiametric cells with small gaps is present (Fig. 9).
The vascular tissues are organized into closed collateral vascular bundles with a
primary structure. The vascular bundle from the median level of the lamina is larger
than the others and is supported by a mechanical tissue consisting of an angular
collenchyma (Fig. 6).
12 DUMITRAȘCU M., SÂRBU A., CÎȘLARIU A.G.

Fig. 7. Cross section of Fig. 8. Paradermal section of Symphyotrichum

Symphyotrichum squamatum lamina, squamatum lamina, highlighting the stomata:
highlighting the cuticular ridges an - anomocytic stomata: ps - paracytic
(colorants: Iodine Green and stomata.
Carmine Alum):
cr - cuticular ridges, e - epidermis.

Fig. 9. Cross section of Symphyotrichum squamatum lamina,

highlighting the mesophyll structure (colorants: Iodine Green and Carmine Alum):
ab - abaxial face, ac - aquiferouscells, ad - adaxial face, e - epidermis,
lt - lacunose tissue, pt - palisade tissue
The anatomical structure of Symphyotrichum squamatum, an alien plant in Romanian Flora 13

The vascular bundles are enclosed by parenchymatous perifascicular sheaths

consisting of aquiferous cells (Figs 6, 9).
Our observations on the anatomical features of the lamina indicate the species’
adaptability and resilience in various environments. The ecvifacial structure of the leaf
enhances its light-capturing efficiency, contributing to its ability to thrive in a wide
range of habitats. Furthermore, the lamina’s structure also supports the tolerance of this
species to soil salinity through the presence of perifascicular sheaths which are
dedicated to water storage (aquiferous structures). This structural adaptation (the
presence of the aquiferous structures) aligns with the existing research, corroborating
the species’ well-documented tolerance to salinity (Schembri & Laufranco 1996).
Currently, there is no available comparative data or reference regarding the anatomical
features of Symphyotrichum squamatum’s vegetative organs, as this aspect has not been
addressed in previous studies. However, prior research conducted in Romania has
examined the structure of the vegetative organs of another species within the
Symphyotrichum genus, Symphyotrichum ciliatum. This species, reported from Romania
in 1967 (Sîrbu & Oprea 2011), exhibits structural similarities to Symphyotrichum
squamatum. Symphyotrichum ciliatum is already an invasive alien plant, well-established
in various regions of Romania, particularly on relatively wet and slightly salted soils
(Sârbu & Smarandache 2015).
The structural resemblance between Symphyotrichum squamatum and
Symphyotrichum ciliatum suggests that Symphyotrichum squamatum might also possess
the potential to establish itself as an invasive species in favorable environmental
conditions in the near future.

Conclusions
The adaptive traits identified in Symphyotrichum squamatum highlight its
ecological resilience and versatility in thriving across diverse habitats. The robust
vegetative body highlights the taxon’s ability to withstand environmental variations and
underscores its potential for widespread colonization. The presence of aerenchyma from
root and stem, further supports the species’ ability to grow in humid habitats, as
documented for native plants in the literature. Although its current distribution in
Romania does not include wet habitats, the species has the structural potential to thrive
in such environments.
The current work contributes to a better understanding of the adaptive capacity
of this species to colonize various habitats, with significant implications for the
management of ecosystems affected by this alien plant species. The histo-anatomical
characteristics of Symphyotrichum squamatum’s vegetative organs can serve as a
valuable tool for assessing its adaptability and potential invasiveness. Nevertheless,
further research and monitoring are very important in determining the impact of this
potentially invasive species on local ecosystems.

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Toma, C. & Gostin, I. (2000). Histologie vegetală. Iaşi: Edit. Junimea.
Tripathi, A.K & Sharma, J.K (2019). Occurrence of Symphyotrichum squamatum
(Spreng.) G.L. Nesom in Uttar Pradesh, India: a new record. Modern
Phytomorphology. 13, 26-29.
16 DUMITRAȘCU M., SÂRBU A., CÎȘLARIU A.G.

Vilà, M., Basnou, C., Pyšek, P., Josefsson, M., Genovesi, P., Gollasch, S., Nentwig, W.,
Olenin, S., Roques, A., Roy, D., Hulme, P.E., DAISIE partners (2009). How
well do we understand the impacts of alien species on ecosystem services? A pan
European cross-taxa assessment. Front Ecol Environ 8, 135-144
Zelnik, I. (2012). The presence of invasive alien plant species in different habitats: case
study from Slovenia. Acta Biol. Slov., 55, 25-38.
*Taxon Profile of Symphyotrichum squamatum (Spreng.) G.L.Nesom | Florabase
(dbca.wa.gov.au)
 Acta Horti Bot. Bucurest. 2023, 49: 17-24

FIRST RECORD OF COLCHICUM TRIPHYLLUM (COLCHICACEAE) FROM

HIGH ALTITUDE IN NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA

KHELOUFI Abdenour1*

Abstract: We report the first sighting of Colchicum triphyllum Kunze, from the Belezma
National Park (BNP, Batna, Northeastern Algeria) at 1802 m a.s.l. (Latitude 35°33′ N,
Longitude 5°58′ E). C. triphyllum is known to be present in the North of Algeria, but its
presence had not been confirmed at high altitudes. The observation of a population of 139
flowering individuals and 47 individuals at vegetative growth had taken place in April
2023 while conducting ecological surveys. The species is suggested to be distributed at
elevations ranging from sea level to 1500 m a.s.l. This finding of a population of
C. triphyllum at 1802 m a.s.l. in the BNP represents a new high-altitude register for this
species. The paper describes its distribution, biology, morphology, ecology, phenology,
and also its medicinal properties. Conservation efforts may be necessary to protect and
increase the population size of this rare species.
Keywords: Colchicum triphyllum, Belezma National Park, Distribution, Ecology, Conservation

Received: 29 May 2023 / Accepted: 13 October 2023

Introduction
Colchicum belongs to the family Colchicaceae and is a genus consisting of
perennial plants. These particular plants are widely recognized as autumn crocuses,
meadow saffrons, or naked ladies. The genus encompasses approximately 160 species,
naturally occurring in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Certain species of Colchicum
have additionally been introduced to various regions outside their native range,
including North America, South America, and Australia, where they may have
established themselves as naturalized plants (Chacón et al. 2014).
Among the Liliales, the Colchicaceae family holds the position of being the third
largest family, following the Liliaceae and Smilacaceae families (Vinnersten &
Manning 2007). The genus Colchicum is renowned for its notable anti-inflammatory
and analgesic properties, which are primarily attributed to the presence of the alkaloid
colchicine (Vinnersten & Larsson 2010). Colchicum has a long history of traditional use
as a remedy for gout, effectively reducing the frequency and severity of gout attacks.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that the genus contains various toxic alkaloids,
including colchicine. Ingesting large quantities of these alkaloids can lead to severe
poisoning (Nuki 2008, Larsson & Ronsted, 2014, Mykhailenko et al. 2022). Despite the
inherent toxicity, certain species of Colchicum are cultivated for their ornamental value
due to their captivating flowers, which exhibit a range of attractive colors.
The genus is most diverse in the eastern Mediterranean region, where the highest
number of species is found. According to the Catalogue of Life (2023), a
comprehensive online database of all known species, there are currently 35 species of
Colchicum that are native to the Mediterranean region, with 16 species listed in North

1
Department of Ecology and Environment, University of Batna 2, 05078 Batna, Algeria
* Correspondence: a.kheloufi@univ-batna2.dz
18 KHELOUFI A.

Africa (Dobignard & Chatelain (2010). However, it is important to acknowledge that

the taxonomy of the genus Colchicum is intricate and continually undergoing revision.
Consequently, the number of recognized species and their distribution may undergo
changes as new research findings emerge.
According to Quézel & Santa (1962), and Dobignard & Chatelain (2010), the
genus Colchicum is represented in Algeria by several species viz. C. neapolitanum,
C. lusitanum, C. cupanii, C. bivonae, C. triphyllum, C. filifolium, and C. wyssianum.
Colchicum triphyllum Kunze is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region,
including Algeria. Despite its abundance in Algeria, information on the species is rare,
particularly regarding its distribution and ecology. This study provides the first
confirmed record of C. triphyllum occurrence at high altitudes from the National Park of
Belezma (Batna, northeastern Algeria).
The identification of a new population of C. triphyllum at high altitudes
contributes to the taxonomic understanding of this plant species, and newly discovered
information regarding the potential medicinal properties of this species. The discovery
of a new population of C. triphyllum also presents opportunities for further scientific
research. Researchers can investigate the genetic variation, reproductive biology, and
adaptability of this population, which can enhance our understanding of plant evolution
and adaptation to different environments.

Material and methods

The Belezma National Park (BNP) is located in Batna (Northern East of Algeria)
and it covers an area of about 262 km2. It has an arid climate with dry-hot summers and
wet-cold winters. The annual average precipitations over the last 10 years (2013-2022)
vary between 162.82 and 361.67 mm with an average of 252.9 ± 135.1 mm. Mean
temperatures were 16.1. ± 0.62 °C with a maximum of 23.8 ± 0.92 °C and a minimum
of 8.26 ± 0.42 °C (Tutiempo 2023). The BNP extends over high and medium altitudinal
zones: Tichaou Mountain (Djebel, Dj.) with 2136 m, Dj. Touggour 2090 m, Dj.
Kasserou 1641 m and Dj. Maaguel 1500 m. These peaks are characterized by a very
rugged terrain, with narrow valleys and amount to 2136 m in Dj. Tichaou and over 2178
m in Dj. Rafâa. Snowfall is also common during the winter, particularly in the higher
elevations of the park.

Fig. 1. Geographical location of the recorded population of Colchicum triphyllum

(red point) and its habitat in the National Park of Belzma (NE-Algeria)

The observation of the population of C. triphyllum had taken place while

conducting ecological surveys at high altitude in the BNP (Fig. 1). Plant material was
First record of Colchicum triphyllum (Colchicaceae) from high altitude in Northeastern Algeria 19

photographed and a number of 10 flowering individuals were randomly selected for

measurement and the herbarium collection. The morphological characters were
measured. The plant standing height, leaf sheath length, leaf sheath diameter, root
length, bulb length, and bulb diameter were evaluated in the laboratory using a
measuring tape (0.01 cm) or digital caliper (0.01 mm), and the number of plant flowers
and roots were counted by visual observation. The plant standing height was measured
from the basal part of the leaf sheath (i.e. also the top of the bulb) to the tip of the
longest leaf. Leaf sheath length was recorded from the basal part of the leaf sheath to
the beginning of the first leaf. The largest diameter of the leaf sheath (nearly 1 cm above
the top of the bulb) was recorded as the leaf sheath diameter.
The soil was also analyzed for some chemical characteristics. The geographical
coordinates were recorded using a Magellan eXplorist 200 GPS Receiver. The
taxonomy and nomenclature of species follow Dobignard & Chatelain (2010).

Results and discussion

Taxonomy. Colchicum triphyllum Kunze (1846) belongs to the plant family
Colchicaceae and the genus Colchicum. The species was first described by the French
Botanist Louis Claude Richard in 1808. Taxonomically, C. triphyllum has undergone
several revisions and taxonomic changes over the years. Some sources consider it a
synonym of Colchicum bornmuelleri, while others recognize it as a distinct species.
According to Dobignard and Chatelain (2010), the synonyms of C. triphyllum are:
Fouha bulbocodioides Pomel (1860), Colchicum bulbocodioides Kunth and Colchicum
montanum auct. The common names autumn crocus, meadow saffron, and naked lady
may be applied to the whole Colchicum genus or many of its species. The voucher
specimen (K000464108) by the Royal Botanic Garden Kew is illustrated in Figure 2.

Fig. 2. Voucher specimen (K000464108). Royal Botanic Garden Kew

20 KHELOUFI A.

Distribution. Geophyte plants are typically classified within botanical families

such as Liliaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Ranunculaceae, Iridaceae, Primulaceae, Araceae,
Geraniaceae, and Orchidaceae, and many of them possess economic and medicinal
value. The distribution of C. triphyllum encompasses various regions, including the arid
and cold areas of the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest, southeastern Europe (Turkey
and Greece), northern Africa, and Asia Minor. This species is known to thrive across
altitudes ranging from sea level to approximately 1500 meters above sea level (Nualart
et al. 2017). It typically flourishes in dry meadows, open grasslands growing on rocky,
somewhat arid, calcareous substrates, in high mountain regions, and predominantly on
limestone-based soils (Malo & Shuka 2013). The discovery of a C. triphyllum
population at an elevation of 1802 m within the Belezma National Park (BNP)
(NE-Algeria) represents a noteworthy addition to the known altitudinal range for this
species, marking a new high-altitude record.
Population size and morphology. The population of 139 individuals and 47
individuals at vegetative growth of C. triphyllum was recorded on the 14th of April 2023
in the BNP at 1802 m a.s.l. (Latitude 35°33′ N, Longitude 5°58′ E) (Fig. 1). The
population was recorded at the flowering stage in only one area that not exceeding 50
m2. The size and structure of the population may be influenced by several factors such
as habitat fragmentation, overgrazing, and the collection of the plant for medicinal
purposes. The population of C. triphyllum found in the Belezma National Park
represents a new record for the species in high-altitude areas in Algeria. The small
population size and restricted distribution of C. triphyllum in the BNP highlight the
need for conservation efforts to protect and increase the population size of the species.
The study recommends measures such as habitat restoration, the implementation of
regulations to limit the collection of the plant for medicinal purposes, and the creation
of a conservation program to monitor the population and its response to environmental
changes.
The morphological characteristics of ten flowering individuals of C. triphyllum
that were sampled from the BNP (NE-Algeria) are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Morphological characteristics of Colchicum triphyllum at flowering phase (n=10)

Parameters Mean SD min-max CV (%)
Standing height (cm) 8.72 1.21 7.22-10.82 14.41
Root length (cm) 4.91 0.36 4.36-5.23 7.26
Leaf-sheath length (cm) 4.47 1.16 3.24-6.53 26.02
Leaf-sheath diameter (cm) 0.43 0.05 0.36-0.51 12.53
Bulb length (cm) 1.98 0.38 1.67-2.66 18.99
Bulb diameter (cm) 1.26 0.08 1.12-1.34 6.45
Flower number 1.6 0.7 1-3 43.71
Root number 30.6 10.74 14-42 35.11
Abbreviations: SD - standard deviation: CV - coefficient of variation

According to Quézel & Santa (1962), species of the genus Colchicum

(Colchicaceae) are perennial, bulbous plants. Depending on the species, Colchicum
plants either have flowers and leaves that develop simultaneously (synanthous plants) or
leaves and fruits that develop in autumn (hysteranthous plants). The leaves are all basal
and surrounded by a spathe-like sheath along with the flowers. The inflorescence of C.
triphyllum consists of 1-3 flowers that are borne on a long peduncle (Fig. 3). The
First record of Colchicum triphyllum (Colchicaceae) from high altitude in Northeastern Algeria 21

perianth is petaloid, fused at the base into a pedunculate tube and spread at the top into 6
divisions, forming a funnel-shaped structure. The flowers are usually pale pink or white,
although they can also be tinged with purple. Each flower has six petals that are fused at
the base to form a narrow tube, which opens into a wide, flat corolla with a diameter of
2-4 cm. The flowers have a characteristic sweet fragrance and are pollinated by insects.
There are 6 stamens with dorsifixed anthers. The ovary has 3 multiovulate chambers.
The capsule is septicidal. The fruit of C. triphyllum is a three-chambered capsule that
contains numerous small, black seeds. The seeds are dispersed by ants and small
mammals. The seeds are numerous and subglobose. It has two linear or linear-lanceolate
leaves. The leaf blade is divided and measures 12-25 mm in length, with only 5-7 veins.
The anthers are linear. The capsule has carpels contracted into a short beak. The bulb
has brown tunics. It blooms from October to December in clearings, sandy areas,
pastures, and alluvial zones.

Fig. 3. Individuals of Colchicum triphyllum from the Belezma National Park

(NE-Algeria)

Ecology and reproductive biology. C. triphyllum is characterized as a perennial

herbaceous plant that blooms in both spring and autumn. It is commonly found in rocky
and stony environments, often occupying slopes and hillsides within Mediterranean
maquis and forest ecosystems. C. triphyllum demonstrates a well-adapted nature to the
Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The
plant's survival strategy involves growth from a corm, enabling it to enter a dormant
22 KHELOUFI A.

state during the dry season. The flowering period of C. triphyllum typically spans from
February to April, contingent upon location and elevation. During this time, the plant
produces one to three flowers that rely on insect pollination. In Mediterranean
ecosystems, C. triphyllum holds significant ecological importance by providing
sustenance and habitat for insects and other small animals. Its presence contributes to
the diversity and stability of these ecosystems (Lentini & Raimondo 1984, Düşen &
Sümbül 2007).
The phenology of C. triphyllum displays variability based on its specific location
and environmental conditions. As a general pattern, the plant initiates growth in late
winter or early spring, typically between the months of February and March. However,
the precise timing of growth initiation is subject to variation, influenced by factors such
as the plant's geographical location and elevation (Malo & Shuka 2013). C. triphyllum
exhibits a distinct flowering period spanning from September to March. The plant's
leaves emerge during the spring season and undergo withering as summer approaches.
C. triphyllum develops fruit capsules that mature and disperse their seeds in late spring
or early summer. During the hot and dry summer months, the plant enters a dormant
state, with the corms remaining underground until the subsequent growing season
(Samaniego & Velasco-Negueruela 1984).
In Algeria, studies have shown that the phenology of C. triphyllum is influenced
by local environmental conditions, such as temperature and rainfall. For example, in the
Tlemcen (NW-Algeria), the plant has been observed to grow and flower earlier in years
with higher spring rainfall (Babali et al. 2018). The plant has a preference for soils that
are rich in organic matter, and it has been reported to grow in soils with a pH range of
6.5 to 7.5. At the sampling site where C. triphyllum was found, the chemical
characteristics of the soil were as follows: pH (1:1 water) 7.36, electrical conductivity
(1:5 soil/water) 232.1 µS.cm−1. This soil is calcareous (48.4% total limestone) and very
rich in organic matter (8.52%).
Medicinal properties. Plants within the Colchicaceae family are primarily
employed in pharmaceutical applications due to their therapeutic properties, including
anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. These beneficial effects are attributed to the
presence of colchicinoids, a group of alkaloids that includes colchicine and demecolcine
(Alali et al. 2007, Cocco et al. 2010, Toplan et al. 2016). C. triphyllum holds a history
of utilization in traditional medicine for diverse purposes, such as addressing gout,
rheumatism, and edema. It is recognized that C. triphyllum contains multiple alkaloids,
including colchicine and its derivatives, which possess toxicity towards both humans
and animals (Terkeltaub et al. 2010). These compounds are thought to serve as
protective mechanisms for the plant, shielding it against herbivores and pathogens.
Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry utilizes these alkaloids to develop drugs
aimed at treating conditions such as gout, rheumatism, and cancer (Siddiqui et al. 2022).
According to Senizza et al. (2020), in vitro studies have demonstrated that C.
triphyllum leaf extracts exhibit robust antioxidant capacity. Additionally, each
methanolic extract of C. triphyllum tested exhibited activity against the enzyme
tyrosinase. Significant correlations were observed between the plant's phytochemical
profiles, primarily lignans and tyrosol equivalents, and the observed activities. Despite
the presence of toxic alkaloids, such as colchicine, this research supports the use of
various extraction methods to produce extracts that are rich in (poly)phenols and
alkaloids. These extracts contribute significantly to antioxidant properties and other
First record of Colchicum triphyllum (Colchicaceae) from high altitude in Northeastern Algeria 23

pharmacological effects, making C. triphyllum a promising source for drug development

and whitening agents in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Conclusions
Colchicum triphyllum has previously been documented in North Africa and
several parts of Europe. However, the present study marks a significant milestone as it
offers the first recorded instance of Colchicum triphyllum Kunze thriving at high
altitudes in Northeastern Algeria. This groundbreaking discovery underscores the
importance of conducting further research on this species to gain deeper insights into its
distribution and ecology within the country. In contrast to other known populations of
C. triphyllum in Algeria and across the globe, it becomes evident that the population
discovered within the Belezma National Park is relatively small in size. This
observation raises questions about the factors influencing its structure and ecological
dynamics, especially when compared to more established populations in other regions.

Acknowledgements. The author is very grateful to Dr. Errol Vela (University of

Montpellier in conjunction with CIRAD, International Agricultural Research Centre for
Development, Paris, France) and Pr. Farid Bekdouche (University of Batna 2, Algeria),
for their assistance in confirming the identification of Colchicum triphyllum.

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 Acta Horti Bot. Bucurest. 2023, 49: 25-32

POLYPOGON MONSPELIENSIS FROM OLTENIA, ROMANIA

RĂDUŢOIU Daniel1,2*, NICULESCU Mariana2

Abstract: Characterised by numerous microclimates that are present from the plain area
and up to the alpine region, the territory of Oltenia previously offered and still manages to
offer surprises from a floristic point of view, as well as from other perspectives.
The recent climate changes have altered the typical habitats of some plants, resulting in
their discovery in areas where, according to the data in the specialized literature, were not
previously known to exist. Among the many species of Poaceae that are present in the
spontaneous flora of Oltenia, there are certain species of sozological and
phytogeographical interest. This is also the case with the species presented in the current
paper, i.e. Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf.
Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. is an Atlantic-Mediterranean coastal species, found
especially on the western and southern European coastal sands. It is native to northern
Africa, southern and western Europe, western and northern Asia, Japan and the Indian
subcontinent (India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). The species has been widely
naturalized in southern and eastern Australia, in South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, the
USA, Central and South America, as well as in Hawaii. In Romania, it is known from the
south-eastern part of the country: Tulcea and Constanța counties. In Poiana Brașov and
Vaideeni (Vâlcea County), the species is mentioned as an adventive plant.
The present paper contributes with information regarding the chorology and ecology of
this species.
Keywords: chorology, vulnerable, spontaneous flora, Oltenia, Romania

Received: 16 October 2023 / Accepted: 18 November 2023

Introduction
The genus Polypogon belongs to the Poaceae family; in Europe, it is represented
by three species: Polypogon viridis (Gouan) Breistr., P. monspeliensis (L.) Desf. and
P. maritimus Willd (Tutin 1980). The first of these species is perennial, while the last
two are annual plants.
In the spontaneous flora of Romania, Polypogon monspeliensis is the only
species that belongs to the Polypogon genus (Ciocârlan 2000, 2009; Sârbu et al. 2013).
The Romanian botanical literature presents it as a rare plant (Beldie 1979;
Ciocârlan 2000, 2009; Oprea 2005; Sârbu et al. 2013). Certain authors consider that it is
a taxon with uncertain status (Sârbu & Oprea 2011).
In Romania, the species is known from the south-eastern part of the country, i.e.
from Tulcea and Constanța counties (Panțu et al. 1935; Morariu 1957, 1965; Șerbănescu
1972; Dihoru & Negrean 1975; Făgăraș & Gomoiu 2002; Oprea 2005). From Poiana
Brașov, it is mentioned as an adventive species (Dihoru & Negrean 2009; Sârbu et al. 2013).

1
University of Craiova, Faculty of Horticulture, Craiova, Romania
2
University of Craiova, Faculty of Agronomy, Craiova, Romania
* Correspondence: radutoiudaniel@yahoo.com
26 RĂDUȚOIU D., NICULESCU M.

For the territory of Oltenia, the species was firstly mentioned by the co-author of
the present paper, within the Upper Catchment of the Luncavăț river (Niculescu 2009).
Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. FI. Atl. 1: 67 (1798). (Poaceae) (Şerbănescu
1972, Tutin 1980). [HMR 769 - Săvulescu 1939; FEGL 43 -Todor 1959]. It represents a
vulnerable, coastal, Atlantic-Mediterranean species (Ciocârlan 2009), which is found
especially on the western and southern European coastal sands. According to some
authors, it is considered indigenous on the shores of the Black Sea (Brândză 1898;
Morariu 1965; Șerbănescu, in Săvulescu 1972; Oprea 2005) and in the Danube Delta
(Panțu et al. 1935; Morariu 1965; Șerbănescu, in Săvulescu 1972; Ciocârlan 1994; Sanda
et al. 2008). It is native to northern Africa, southern and western Europe, western and
northern Asia, Japan and the Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
The species has been widely naturalized in southern and eastern Australia, in South
Africa, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Central and South America, as well as in
Hawaii. It is a taxon situated at the north-eastern limit of the typical area (Dihoru &
Negrean 2009).
In the south-eastern part of Romania, where this species has a good
representation, it creates a well-assembled vegetal layer, which is classified by certain
botanists in the association Polypogonetum monspeliensis Morariu 1957 (Morariu 1965;
Sanda et al. 2008). It is also mentioned as an accompanying species, in the
phytocoenoses of the associations Hyppophaë-Salicetum elaeagni Br.-Bl. et Volk 1940
from the Danube Delta (Hanganu et al. 2002), Potentillo supinae – Petunietum
parviflorae Dihoru & Negrean 1975 (Dihoru & Negrean 1976), on Grindul Lupilor
[Sandbank of the Wolves] in Bolboschoenetum maritimi Eggler 1933 (Sârbu et al.
2000) and on Saele – Istria Sandbank in Bassietum hirsutae Șerbănescu 1965 (Ștefan
et al. 2001).
Through this work, we contribute to the knowledge of the chorology of the
Polypogon monspeliensis species, based on data collected from the field, in conjunction
with those existing in herbaria in the country and phytosociological literature.

Material and methods

Characterised by numerous microclimates that are present from the plain area
and up to the alpine region (Fig. 1), the territory of Oltenia offered and still manages to
offer surprises from a floristic point of view, as well as from other perspectives.
The climate changes occurred in recent years have modified the typical space of
some plants, which were also identified in other areas than those mentioned in the
specialized literature. Among the numerous species of Poaceae that are present in the
spontaneous flora of Oltenia, there are certain species of sozological and
phytogeographical interest.
From a methodological viewpoint, in order to carry out the present work, the
authors conducted numerous field trips from April to October, with the aim of
identifying a material that would allow for a correct determination.
Then the main herbaria in the country were consulted: Iași (”Alexandru Ioan
Cuza” University Herbarium - I), Cluj-Napoca (“Babeş-Bolyai” University Herbarium
in Cluj-Napoca - CL), Bucharest (Herbarium of the Institute of Biology of the
Romanian Academy - BUCA; Herbarium of the “D. Brândză” Botanical Garden in
Bucharest - BUC), Craiova (Herbarium of the University of Craiova - CRA), Galați
Polypogon monspeliensis from Oltenia, Romania 27

(Herbarium of the Galați Museum of Natural Sciences – GLHM). The acronyms of

consulted herbaria are in accordance with Index Herbariorum (Thiers 2022+).
The plant material found in different settlements within Oltenia was
photographed in situ and then collected (in few specimens), herborized and included in
the herbarium of the University of Craiova (CRA). Field and laboratory research was
carried out during the 2019 – 2022 interval. The plant material was determined by using
the specialized Romanian and foreign literature (Tutin et al. 1980; Beldie 1979;
Ciocârlan 2000, 2009; Sârbu et al. 2013).

Fig. 1. Location and main physical-geographical characteristics of Oltenia

(GIS processing after Topographical Map, 1:25,000. Elevation: SRTM, 30 m)

Results and discussion

Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. is a tetraploid species (2n=24), which can be
easily distinguished from the other genera of the Poaceae family by several
morphological characters that are visible both on fresh and on herborized plant material:
obtuse glumes that are rounded or shortly emarginate, but awned in both cases and with
the awn being two to three times longer (Tutin et al. 1980).
The specialized literature mentions it from:
Brașov: “Poiana Brașovului, on the side of the road (M. Danciu)”.
Constanța: Saele-Istria Sandbank; “Constanța at Mamaia, Eforie, Techirghiol,
between Lake Agigea and the Zoological Research Station”; Istria, VIII 1963, G. Negrean
[HGN], Mamaia, 5.VII.1969, G. Negrean [HGN]; Constanța, 26.X.1936, T. Săvulescu
[BUCM 11.818] and Trei Papuci Beach, 44°10'08"N, 28°39'2"E, alt. -0.5 m, 18.VIII.1984,
G. Negrean [BUCM 84.799]; “Ad marginem lacus salsis Techirghiol et stationem viae
ferreae Eforie, alt. ca. 1 m, 3.VIII.1955, I. Todor” [FEGL 43]; Comorova Forest,
30.VI.1963, G. Negrean [HGN]; north of Mangalia, 6.VII.1969, G. Negrean [HGN].
28 RĂDUȚOIU D., NICULESCU M.

Tulcea: Sulina, 28.IX.1963, O. Constantinescu [BUCM 11.819], (Dihoru &

Negrean 1975); Cardon, Letea, Caraorman, Littoral, Sf. Gheorghe, Ciotic, Perişor,
Portiţa, 27.VI.1978, G. Negrean, [BUCM 52.723]. TL/CT: Grindul Lupilor [Sandbank
of the Wolves].
Buzău: the Buzău river meadow (Oprea 2005). It was also identified from the
localities Ciuta, Pârscov, Rătești and Săpoca (Buzău County) by PhD. Biol. Oprea A.
(oral communication).
Olt: Gura Padinii - herbarium material collected by Popescu G. and Uță I. (1988).
During the four years of field research, the species was identified in sandy places
on a small island of the Jiu River, near Teasc settlement (Fig. 2, 3), as well as in the Jieț
river meadow, on the outskirts of Ostroveni settlement (Fig. 4).
It grows on sandy soils (Prodan 1914, 1935, 1939), as a pioneer species or
where the coverage is very light, as was the case on the islet on the outskirts of Teasc
settlement, or it coexists with Agrostis stolonifera, Medicago sativa, Cynodon dactylon,
Xanthium orientale subsp. italicum, Aster tripolium subsp. pannonicus, Apera spica-
venti, Hordeum geniculatum, Trifolium fragiferum, and T. repens in the meadow of the
Jieț river, at Ostroveni. In the sites where it was identified, there are no phytocoenoses
that can be classified as Polypogonetum monspeliensis Morariu 1957, as it is mentioned
from the south-east of Romania (Morariu 1965; Sanda et al. 2008).

Fig. 2. Polypogon monspeliensis in a Fig. 3. Polypogon monspeliensis –

sandy habitat located on an islet of the Jiu habitus (orig.)
river, near Teasc settlement (orig.)
Polypogon monspeliensis from Oltenia, Romania 29

Fig. 4. Polypogon monspeliensis from the grassland of the Jieț river,

on the outskirts of Ostroveni settlement (orig.)

Due to the climatic conditions in which it grows, this plant can be successfully used for
ornamental purposes, especially in the settlements located in the southern areas of Romania.
The distribution maps were achieved by using the Corolog 2010 program, which
is a product of the Institute of Biology - Bucharest (RoBioAtlas 2003).
The program uses an Access database, with information originating in the
specialized literature, in herbaria and in the field, as well as two types of maps, i.e. the
map of average annual temperatures in Romania (Fig. 5) and the map of average annual
precipitation in Romania (Fig. 6).

Conclusions
The present research contributes with significant information regarding the
chorology of the species Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. in Romania.
If we consider the extensive areas of sandy lands to the left of the Jiu River, it's
possible that the habitat of this species may expand in the near future. However, when
we analyse the significant impact of zoo-anthropogenic factor in the areas where the
species was found, especially on the sandy lands, along with the recent decrease in
precipitation in this region, it's evident that the species' state is not favourable. This is
why we consider it's essential to protect this species in Romania.
If we consider the fact that the sites where the plant was found belong to the
natural protected area ROSCI0045 Coridorul Jiului, we consider that the presence of the
Polypogon monspeliensis species in this part of the country could be a longstanding one.
30 RĂDUȚOIU D., NICULESCU M.

Fig. 5. Distribution of the species Polypogon monspeliensis in Romania,

correlated with the average annual temperature.

Fig. 6. Distribution of the species Polypogon monspeliensis in Romania,

correlated with the average annual precipitation.

Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the following projects of the

University of Craiova: “Revision of the Management Plan of the Protected Natural
Areas ROSCI0045 Corridorul Jiului, ROSPA0023 the Jiu – the Danube Confluence,
Polypogon monspeliensis from Oltenia, Romania 31

ROSPA0010 Bistreț and the nature reserves Locul Fosilifer Drănic - 2391 and Pădurea
Zăval [Zăval Forest] - IV.33".
At the same time we want to thank our colleagues Mihai Pușcaș (Babeș Bolyai
University, Cluj Napoca), Irina Irimia (“Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Iași) and
Sorin Ștefănuț (Institute of Biology of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest), for their
support in providing the herbarium information.

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Bucureşti: Edit. Academiei Române.
Brândză, D. (1898). Flora Dobrogei. Bucureşti, Inst. Arte Graf. Carol Göbl.
Ciocârlan,V. (1994). Flora Deltei Dunării. Bucureşti: Edit. Ceres.
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(ed. II). Bucureşti: Edit. Ceres.
Ciocârlan, V. (2009). Flora ilustrată a României. Pteridophyta et Spermatophyta
(ed. III). Edit. Ceres, Bucureşti.
Dihoru, G. & Negrean, G. (1975). Cenotaxoni noi din Al. Polygonion avicularis. St.
Cerc. Biol. Ser. Biol. Veget., 27(1), 3-8.
Dihoru, G. & Negrean, G. (1976). Sintaxoni specifici Deltei Dunării. Peuce. Muz. Deltei
Dunării. Tulcea, 5, 101-118.
Dihoru, G. & Negrean, G. (2009). Cartea roşie a plantelor vasculare din România.
Bucureşti: Edit. Academiei Române.
Făgăraș, M. & Gomoiu, M.T. (2002). The conspectus of vascular flora from Romanian
Black Sea shore. “Ovidius” University from Constanța. Annals of Natural
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Hanganu, J., Grigoraş, I., Stefan, N., Sârbu, I., Dubyna, D., Zhmud, E., Menke, U. &
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Transboundary Vegetation Map. RIZA raport 2002.049.
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Secț. Biol.-Șt. Agr. (Ser. Bot.). Acad. Română, 9 (4), 361-382.
Morariu, I. (1965). Câteva aspecte din flora litoralului Mării Negre. Agigea, Eforie N,
Eforie S. Stud. Com. Biol., Ser. Bot., 17(4-5), 503-509.
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“Al. I. Cuza”.
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Sect. Şti,. Acad. Rom., ser. III, 11(2), 1-57.
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Prodan, I.(1939). Flora pentru determinarea şi descrierea plantelor ce cresc în
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Sanda, V., Öllerer, K. & Burescu, P. (2008). Fitocenozele din România. Sintaxonomie,
structură, dinamică şi evoluţie. București: Edit. Ars Docenti.
Sârbu I., Ştefan N., Oprea A. & Zamfirescu O. (2000). Flora şi vegetaţia rezervaţiei naturale
Grindul Lupilor (Rezervaţia Biosferei Delta Dunării). Bul. Grăd. Bot. Iaşi, 9, 91-124.
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 Acta Horti Bot. Bucurest. 2023, 49: 33-38

A NEW REGISTRATION IN THE VASCULAR FLORA OF MOLDOVA

(EASTERN ROMANIA): ALLIUM INAEQUALE

SÎRBU Culiță1*, OPREA Adrian2

Abstract: The presence of species Allium inaequale in the flora of Moldova (eastern
Romania), has been reported in this paper, based on specimens collected by authors on the
field, as well as on specimens stored in public herbaria. The species has been identified in
arid grasslands of two nature reserves from the Central Moldavian Plateau (Vaslui
County), namely: “Coasta Rupturile” Tanacu and “Movila lui Burcel” Miclești. This is a
very rare plant species in Romania, found at the most western limit of its general range,
and should be included, as vulnerable, in the Romanian Red List of Vascular Plants. We
have also found that the registration of the species A. moschatum in the flora of Moldova
was due to misidentification. Based on the current data, A. moschatum, should be replaced
in the flora of this historical province by A. inaequale.
Keywords: Coasta Rupturile, Movila lui Burcel, Red List of Vascular Plants, section
Scorodon

Received: 10 January 2023 / Accepted: 6 October 2023

Introduction
Allium inaequale Janka, Linnaea 30, 603 (1860), is a Central Asian - West
Pontic plant species (Vvedenskii 1968). It is distributed in the Aralo-Caspian basin
(Central Asia) (Vvedenskii 1968; Fedorov 1979), the Southern and Central European
Russia (Vvedenskii 1968; Fedorov 1979; Didukh et al. 2018), Ukraine (Donetsk,
Crimea) (Prokudin et al. 1987), the Republic of Moldova (Fedorov 1979; Negru 2007;
Ghendov & Ciocârlan 2015; Pînzaru & Sîrbu 2016; Cassir et al. 2020) and Romania
(Ciocârlan 1994, 2009; Sârbu et al. 2013).
Towards the western limit of its natural area, A. inaequale is more and more rare
and, as a consequence of isolated populations and the destruction of habitats,
increasingly vulnerable (Ghendov 2014; Ghendov & Ciocârlan 2015). Accordingly, it
has been listed in the IUCN Red List categories of vascular plant species of the
Ukrainian flora: Least-concern (LC) (Onyshchenko et al. 2022); the Red Book of the
Republic of Moldova: Vulnerable (VU) (Ghendov 2014; Ghendov & Ciocârlan 2015;
Cassir et al. 2020), and the European Red List of Vascular Plants: Data deficient (DD)
(Bilz et al. 2011).
Regarding ecological preferences, A. inaequale is known (Sârbu et al. 2013) as
heliophilous, thermophilous, xerophilous and saxicolous (calciphilous) – L9T8U1R8 (see
also Ciocârlan 1994).
Beyond the eastern border of Romania, this species grows on dry rocky steppe
grasslands (on limestone, chalk, and sands) (Vvedenskii 1968; Fedorov 1979; Ghendov
2014; Ghendov & Ciocârlan 2015), as well as in steppe areas with loess soils (Ghendov

1
University of Life Sciences “Ion Ionescu de la Brad”, Iaşi, Romania;
2
University “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” of Iaşi, Botanical Garden “Anastasie Fătu”, Iaşi, Romania.
*
Correspondence: csirbu@uaiasi.ro
34 SÎRBU C., OPREA A.

2014; Ghendov & Ciocârlan 2015; Cassir et al. 2020). Within the areas of Don and
Volga River basins, A. inaequale is a diagnostic species for the EUNIS Habitat type
R15 – Continental dry rocky steppic grassland and dwarf scrub on chalk outcrops
(Chytrý et al. 2020), with usually open vegetation of the ord. Thymo cretacei-Hyssopetalia
cretacei Didukh 1989 (see Didukh et al. 2018).
In Romania, A. inaequale has been known so far on stony, calcareous places,
from only a few localities in Dobrogea (Constanța and Tulcea Counties) and Muntenia
(Prahova County). Although Zahariadi (1966) stated that it is possible for A. inaequale
to be present in Romania (Dobrogea), evidences were brought only since 1994, when
Ciocârlan first reported A. inaequale in the country, from Baltăgești (Constanța
County), on the Alah Bair Hill (Herb. Inst. Agron. București, no. 22711). According to
the cited author, in this locality A. inaequale is accompanied by other saxicolous species
such as A. saxatile, Agropyron brandzae, Hedysarum grandiflorum, etc. Subsequently,
Negrean (2011) reported A. inaequale in three other localities as follows: Tulcea
County, at Greci (Herb. GN, Măcin Mountains, in saxosis, 08.1963, legit. et det.
G. Negrean, as A. moschatum) and north of Baia (Herb. GN no. 3136, cariera vetusta,
in saxosis calcareis, legit. et det. G. Negrean, 23.08.2002); Prahova County, at Stânca
Tohanilor (Herb. GN, in saxosis calcareis, legit. et det. G. Negrean, as A. moschatum,
03.10.1966 and 06.08.1967). According to Sârbu et al. (2013), in Romania,
A. inaequale is diagnostic for the alliance Pimpinello-Thymion zygioides Dihoru et
Doniță 1970, which includes xerophilous rocky steppic dwarf-shrub rich grasslands on
steep calcareous slopes of Dobrogea and north-eastern Bulgaria (see Coldea 2012 and
Mucina et al. 2016).
Among the 25 indigenous species of Allium reported from Romania so far (Sârbu
et al. 2013), A. inaequale is most similar to A. moschatum L. (a species with a native
range in the Mediterranean region) (Zahariadi 1966; Vvedenskii 1968; Stearn 1980;
Ciocârlan 1994), with which it was actually misidentified, in some cases, as already
shown by Negrean (2011). Related to this, it is worth noting that, according to
Vvedenskii (1968), “The typical A. inaequale occurs beyond the Volga. The form
growing to the west in the southern part of the European USSR displays characteristics
of transition towards A. moschatum, although still closer to A. inaequale". The two
species are the only representatives of sect. Scorodon Koch in the flora of Romania
(Stearn 1980).
The botanical description of both species and the differences between them are
presented (including by identification keys), in numerous relevant references, such as:
Vvedenskii (1968); Fedorov (1979); Stearn (1980); Prokudin et al. (1987); Ciocârlan
(1994, 2009); Sârbu et al. (2013). According to these authors, A. inaequale is
characterized by pedicels of 10-30 (-40) mm, very unequal, (2) 3-6 (-10) times as long
as perianth; tepals of 4-5 (-6) mm long; stamens ca. 2/3-3/4 as long as tepals; leaves
wilting before anthesis (versus pedicels of 10-15 mm, ± equal, up to 2 times longer than
perianth; tepals of 6.5-7.5 mm long; stamens ca. 1/2-2/3 as long as tepals; leaves
persistent nearly to fruiting, in A. moschatum).
The purpose of this paper is to document the presence of A. inaequale in
Moldova (eastern Romania), and to demonstrate that this species has been previously
reported as A. moschatum within THE NAME OF province.
A new registration in the vascular flora of Moldova (Eastern Romania): Allium inaequale 35

Material and methods

Species has been identified by analysing herbarium specimens collected during
our own field work (2018), but also of existing specimens in public herbaria in
Romania: I, IAGB, IASI, CL, BUC, BUCA (abbreviations according to Holmgren et al.
1990).
The geographic coordinates were recorded on the field using the OsmAnd
application, available at https://osmand.net/.
Species identification and nomenclature followed main references on the genus
Allium, such as: Vvedenskii (1968); Fedorov (1979); Stearn (1980); Prokudin et al.
(1987); Ciocârlan (2009); Sârbu et al. (2013).
Voucher specimens were deposited in the Herbarium of the University of Life
Science “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” of Iaşi (IASI).

Results and discussion

As a result of field research carried out in 2018, we identified the species
A. inaequale Janka in two nature reserves in the Central Moldavian Plateau, Vaslui
County, namely:
- “Coasta Rupturile”, east of the Tanacu Village (N 46.66698, E 27.85064):
xerophilous grassland, on arid southerly slope (Herb. IASI, no. 18050, legit. et det.
C. Sîrbu, 10.08.2018);
- “Movila lui Burcel”, northwest of the Miclești Village (N 46.84154,
E 27.80215): xerophilous grassland, on arid, steep, westerly – north-westerly slope
(Herb. IASI, no. 18049, legit. et det. C. Sîrbu, 19.08.2018).
All specimens collected by us have characteristics that undoubtedly fit within the
variability range of the species A. inaequale. Even though pedicels are somewhat
shorter (max. 17 mm, versus max. 30 (-40) mm), these are very unequal (the variation
coefficient calculated for 5 specimens = 32.3%) and exceed the length of the perianth up

Fig. 1. Umbels of: a) Allium inaequale (“Movila lui Burcel” Nature Reserve, Herb.
IASI, no. 18049, legit. et det. C. Sîrbu, 19.08.2018); b) A. moschatum (Ghiaur
Suiciuc-Caliacra, Herb. I, no. 89889; legit. et det. P. Enculescu, 09.09.1934).
Scales are expressed in mm. Photos: C. Sîrbu.
36 SÎRBU C., OPREA A.

to 3.8 times; tepals of 4.3-4.5 mm long; stamens of ca. 3/4 as long as tepals (Fig. 1a);
leaves dried up at flowering. An umbel of A. moschatum is shown for comparison in
Fig. 1b.
Within the above mentioned two nature reserves, the species is represented by
small populations (several tens of individuals), scattered in arid grasslands of ass.
Taraxaco serotini-Festucetum valesiacae (Răvăruț et al. 1956) Sârbu et al. 1999 subass.
bothriochloetosum ischaemi Chifu et al. 2006 (all. Jurineo arachnoideae-Euphorbion
steposae Dobrescu (1971) Coldea & Sârbu 2012; see Coldea 2012), on steep slopes,
with eroded chernozems and exposed loessoid deposits (Habitat type – Nature 2000:
62C0* Ponto-Sarmatic steppes; see Gafta & Mountford 2008).
From the same localities, the closely related species A. moschatum L. was
previously reported, as follows: “Tanacu on the «Coasta Rupturile», in the grassland
with Bothriochloa ischaemum" (Ghișa & Vițălariu 1969); “in stony, strongly eroded
ecotopes, on the south-eastern promontory of the «Movila lui Burcel» Nature Reserve"
(Dobrescu & Leocov 1982). Beldie (1979) also reported A. moschatum from two other
localities, namely Unțești and Satu Nou-Solești (Vaslui County), the second one located
in the vicinity of the “Movila lui Burcel” Nature Reserve.
However, Ciocârlan (2009) suggested the possibility that in the cited localities
from the Vaslui County there is rather A. inaequale instead of A. moschatum. Following
this suggestion, during the year of 2022, we undertook a study in public herbaria
(I, IAGB, IASI, CL, BUC, BUCA), in order to identify possible specimens of A.
moschatum collected from the Vaslui County, and to verify whether the respective
specimens do not actually belong to the species A. inaequale. As a result of this study,
we found a total of five herbarium sheets, with several specimens collected from
“Coasta Rupturile” and “Movila lui Burcel” Nature Reserves, all labelled as A.
moschatum L. All these specimens have the same characteristics as those collected by
us (see above) and consequently undoubtedly fit to A. inaequale. The five herbarium
sheets are as follows:
- Herb. CL, no. 507648: Tanacu (Vaslui County), dry, arid slopes (legit. et det.
Gh. Vițălariu & E. Ghișa, 18.08.1967, as A. moschatum L.; rev. C. Sîrbu, 25.11.2022);
- Herb. I, no. 69029 and 69036: Miclești (Vaslui County), “Movila lui Burcel”
Nature Reserve (legit. et det. C. Dobrescu, 02.08.1972, as A. moschatum L.; rev. C.
Sîrbu, 05.10.2022);
- Herb. I, no. 69017: idem (legit. et det. C. Dobrescu, 04.08.1972, as A.
moschatum L.; rev. C. Sîrbu, 05.10.2022);
- Herb. IAGB, no. 18477: idem (legit. I. Căpălnășan, det. I. Sârbu, 09.08.1973, as
A. moschatum L.; rev. C. Sîrbu & A. Oprea, 05.10.2022).
No specimen of Allium collected from the two localities mentioned by Beldie
(1979) has been identified in the mentioned herbaria. Considering the above, we assume
that Beldie's data must be reported rather to A. inaequale instead of A. moschatum.
Considering the rarity of the species A. inaequale in Romania, at the western
limit of its general range of distribution, the small, isolated populations and the
vulnerable habitats, we consider that it should be included in the Red List/ Book of
vascular plants in Romania, as Vulnerable (VU).
Note. We also found A. inaequale to the west of Palazu Mic Village, Constanța
County (N 44.44375, E 28.51748): xerophilous grassland, on eastern slope, with
calcareous substrate (Herb. IASI, nr. 18051; legit. et det. C. Sîrbu & A. Oprea,
08.08.2021).
A new registration in the vascular flora of Moldova (Eastern Romania): Allium inaequale 37

Conclusions
Based on our own field research and the review of some specimens stored in
public herbaria in Romania, we report in this paper the species A. inaequale for the first
time in the vascular flora of Moldova (eastern Romania).
This is a very rare plant, found here at the western limit of its general range of
distribution, and should be included, as vulnerable, in the Red List of vascular plants in
Romania.
Based on the current data, the species A. moschatum, which has been previously
reported from Moldova as a result of misidentification, must be changed in the flora of
this historical province by A. inaequale.

References
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 Acta Horti Bot. Bucurest. 2023, 49: 39-47

ACALYPHA RHOMBOIDEA IN THE VASCULAR FLORA OF ROMANIA

SÎRBU Culiță1*

Abstract: In this paper, Acalypha rhomboidea (Euphorbiaceae) is reported for the first
time, as a neophyte, in the vascular flora of Romania. We have identified small
populations of this species native to North America, in the central area of the Iași city
(north-eastern Romania), as a weed in a garden of ornamental plants, near the Palace of
Culture. Most likely it has been introduced here accidentally, by importing contaminated
growing medium for gardens. It produces viable seeds and seems to survive here for more
than 10 years despite regular weed control. The morphology of this species is described
based on field and herbarium specimens, and checked on literature data. The paper also
includes some data on general distribution and favourite habitats of this species, as well as
two identification keys.
Keywords: Acalyphoideae, alien plants, Euphorbiaceae, identification keys, neophytes

Received: 10 January 2023 / Accepted: 6 October 2023

Introduction
The genus Acalypha L. (Sp. Pl. 2: 1003. 1753) belongs to the family
Euphorbiaceae Juss., subfam. Acalyphoideae Asch., tribe Acalypheae Dumort., subtribe
Acalyphinae Griseb. (Webster 1975, 1994). With ca. 500 species, Acalypha is the third
largest genus of Euphorbiaceae, after Euphorbia L. and Croton L. (Cardiel & Rodriguez
2015; Cardiel et al. 2022; Montero-Muñoz et al. 2021).
The species of Acalypha are distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions
worldwide, with New World as home to around two thirds of them, but some species
are found in temperate regions (Mohlenbrock 1931; Webster 1994; Gordillo et al. 2002;
Cardiel & Rodriguez 2015; Levin 2016; Cardiel et al. 2022).
According to Webster (1994) the combination of characters by which Acalypha
differs from other Euphorbiaceae is as follows: latex absent; leaves alternate, unlobed,
stipulate; inflorescences usually spicate, bisexual or unisexual (when bisexual, pistillate
flowers proximal and staminate distal, rarely vice versa); foliaceous bracts subtending
the pistillate flowers usually enlarged in fruit; staminate flowers with 4 distinct tepals
and 4-8 distinct stamens, with anther sacs pendulous and vermiform and pollen grains
porate, rugulose; pistillate flowers with 3 (-5) distinct tepals, ovary (2-) 3 - locular, with
1 ovule per locule, styles distinct or connate basally, multifid or laciniate (rarely entire);
fruit capsular; seeds ± carunculate. In addition to normal pistillate flowers, some species
produce allomorphic flowers, usually long-pedicelate, ebracteate, with fewer carpels
(usually 1), and the axis of the ovary turned almost 180º so that the style is sub-basal
(Radcliffe-Smith 1973).
Six species of Acalypha have been reported as alien plants in Europe so far, all
of them being monoecious annual herbs, namely:

1
University of Life Sciences “Ion Ionescu de la Brad”, Iaşi, Romania;
*Correspondence: csirbu@uaiasi.ro
40 SÎRBU C.

- Acalypha australis L. – native to eastern Asia (Hauxing & Gilbert 2008; Levin
2016): Caucasus (naturalised) (Poyarkova 1974), Ukraine (naturalised) (Poyarkova
1974; Shevera & Kish 2018), Italy (naturalised) (Conti et al. 2005; Celesti-Grapow et
al. 2009, 2010; Galasso et al. 2018a,b), Switzerland (naturalised?) (Mangili et al. 2016),
Bulgaria (naturalised; formerly mistakenly reported as A. virginica) (Petrova 2017), and
Austria (Pilsl 2022); the species has been also reported from Turkey (Duman &
Terzioğlu 2009; Uludağ et al. 2017);
- Acalypha indica L. – native to tropical Asia and Africa (Hauxing & Gilbert
2008; Radcliffe-Smith 2011): ?Caucasus (according to Poyarkova 1974, records from
this area are probably incorrect since all the examined specimens determined as A.
indica should be referred to A. australis); Belgium (casual) (Verloove 2006);
- Acalypha mexicana Müll. Arg. – native from central Mexico to Guatemala
(Steinmann & Felger 1997; Levin 2016): France (naturalized) (Thellung 1912);
however, not mentioned in the Flora Europaea (Tutin 1968);
- Acalypha ostryifolia Riddell – native to North America (Levin 2016): Italy
(casual) (Celesti-Grapow et al. 2009, 2010; Galasso et al. 2018b);
- Acalypha rhomboidea Raf., native to North America (Levin 2016): Portugal
(naturalized) (Almeida & Matos 2006) and Italy (naturalized) (Di Pietro et al. 2021);
- Acalypha virginica L. – native to North America (Levin 2016): France
(naturalized) (Thellung 1912), Italy (naturalized to invasive) (Tutin 1968; Conti et al.
2005; Celesti-Grapow et al. 2009, 2010; Galasso et al. 2018b), Switzerland
(naturalized) (Tutin 1968; Wittenberg 2005), Austria (naturalized) (Tutin 1968; Essl &
Rabitsch 2002; Fischer 2018); however, according to Euro+Med (2006+) this species is
present only in Madeira archipelago, as casual.
Based on data from the literature (Mohlenbrock 1931; Correll & Johhnston 1970;
Poyarkova 1974; Steinmann & Felger 1997; Rhoads & Block 2007; Hauxing & Gilbert
2008; Radcliffe-Smith 2011; Levin 2016), these six species can be distinguished as
follows:
1a. Blade base cordate; inflorescences unisexual ........................................ A. ostryifolia
1b. Blade base cuneate to obtuse; inflorescences bisexual ............................................. 2
2a. Pistillate bracts margins shallowly incised (crenate or repand-dentate) .................... 3
2b. Pistillate bracts margins deeply incised, at least 1/3 of the bract length (lobed) ...... 5
3a. Pistillate bracts usually 1 or 2, (10-) 14-25 mm long, ovate-cordate; allomorphic
pistillate flower usually absent (if present, 2-carpellate); capsule ca. 4 mm in diam.;
seeds smooth ............................................................................................. A. australis
3b. Pistillate bracts 3-9, 5-10 mm long, ovate-cordate or suborbicular; allomorphic
pistillate flowers present, 1 - carpellate, at the inflorescence apex; capsule ca. 2 mm
in diam.; seeds minutely puncticulate ........................................................................ 4
4a. Pistillate bracts ca. 5 mm, margins repand-dentate (teeth not rounded at the apex)
........................................................................................................................ A. indica
4b. Pistillate bracts ca. 10 mm, crenate (teeth rounded at the apex) ............. A. mexicana
5a. Stems hirsute with spreading hairs. Leaves narrowly rhombic to broadly lanceolate.
Pistillate bract abaxial surfaces hirsute, and sometimes stipitate-glandular, with (9-)
10-14 (-16) lobes triangular, 1/4 - 1/2 of bract length; allomorphic pistillate flowers
absent ........................................................................................................ A. virginica
5b. Stems glabrous or with incurved hairs. Leaves ovate to broadly rhombic. Pistillate
bract abaxial surfaces sparsely pubescent, stipitate-glandular, with (5-) 7-9 (-11)
Acalypha rhomboidea in the vascular flora of Romania 41

lobes lanceolate to triangular, 1/3 - 3/4 of bract length; allomorphic pistillate flowers
rare, solitary in axils near base of stem ............................................... A. rhomboidea
None of the Acalypha species has been reported from Romania so far (see
Prodan 1953; Oprea 2005; Ciocârlan 2009; Sârbu et al. 2013). In this paper we report A.
rhomboidea as a new record in the vascular flora of the country.

Material and methods

Species has been identified as a result of our field works (2021 - 2022), in north-
eastern Romania. The geographic coordinates were recorded on the field using the
OsmAnd application, available at https://osmand.net/. Species has been identified based
on descriptions and identification keys published, for North America, by Mohlenbrock
(1931), Correll & Johhnston (1970), Levin (1999, 2016) and Rhoads & Block (2007).
We also checked it in many other references concerning the genus Acalypha, from other
world regions, as indicated below: Africa (Cardiel & Montero-Muñoz 2018); Asia
(Poyarkova 1974; Hauxing & Gilbert 2008; Sagun et al. 2010; Radcliffe-Smith 2011;
Welzen & Chayamarit 2020); Australia (Forster 1994); Europe (Tutin 1968; Poyarkova
1974); South America (Cardiel Sanz 1994; Cardiel & Rodriguez 2015; Cardiel et al.
2022; Cordeiro de Sousa et al. 2016); Western Indian Ocean Region (Montero-Muñoz
et al. 2018, 2020, 2021). Voucher specimens were deposited in the Herbarium of the
University of Life Science “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” of Iaşi (IASI) (abbreviation
according to Holmgren et al. 1990). The nomenclature of the plant taxa follows Levin
(1999, 2016), for Acalypha, and Sârbu et al. (2013), for accompanying species.

Results and discussion

Acalypha rhomboidea Raf., New Fl. 1: 45. 1836 (Acalypha virginica
L. var. rhomboidea (Raf.) Cooperr. in Michigan Bot. 23: 165. 1984) – rhombic threeseeded
mercury (Fig. 1).
Botanical description (based on the specimens collected on the field): annual
herb, 15-40 cm tall; stem erect, branched, pubescent with upward curved hairs; leaves
alternate; stipules present, very small, triangular-lanceolate; petiole at least 1/3 as long
as the blade, pubescence like on the stem; blade up to 4.5 × 2.2 cm, 3 - nerved at base,
rhombic-ovate, base subcuneate, margins crenate-serrate, apex subacute, glabrous or
covered with sparse stiff, ± adpressed hairs; inflorescences axillary, spiciform, bisexual,
up to 10 mm long, the pistillate flowers proximal, staminate crowded distal; bracts
subtending pistillate flowers 1 - 3 (each with 1 - 3 flowers), crowded, wider than long
(10 - 12 × 5 - 6.5 mm), enlarging in fruit, abaxial surface sparsely pubescent and
stipitate-glandular, cut about 1/3 to 1/2 of their length into 5 - 9 (-11) lobes oblong-
lanceolate; pistillate flowers with 3 distinct tepals and 3 united carpels, styles multifid;
the axis below the staminate flowers with ± appressed hairs; staminate flowers with
4 distinct tepals and 8 stamens, pollen sacs distinct, vermiform and pendulous; capsule
3 - seeded, pubescent with stiff hairs (the apical ones with purple bulbous base) and few
glandular hairs towards the top; seeds yellowish brown, with small brown spots (from
the underlying layer?), minutely pitted, ovoid, 1.5 mm long, with a small caruncle.
42 SÎRBU C.

The above features fit very well with descriptions of A. rhomboidea published
by Mohlenbrock (1931), Correll & Johhnston (1970), Levin (2016) and Rhoads &
Block (2007).

Fig. 1. Acalypha rhomboidea, Iași (north-eastern Romania). Pistillate bracts

deeply incised (5-9 lobed) with the abaxial surface stipitate-glandular are seen
(Photo: C. Sîrbu)

As shown by Levin (2016), allomorphic pistillate flowers and fruits may be

present in A. rhomboidea, but no such flowers and fruits were observed on our
specimens.
Origin, general distribution and habitats. A. rhomboidea is a native to North
America (south-eastern USA), where it grows in a wide range of habitats, both natural
(woods, moist depressions, swampy areas, bluffs, riverbanks, moist to dry sandy sites)
and anthropogenic (roadsides, agricultural fields, waste ground) (Mohlenbrock 1931;
Correll & Johhnston 1970; Rhoads & Block 2007; Levin 2016).
As it was already shown, the first report of this species in Europe was made by
Almeida & Matos (2006). According to the cited authors, A. rhomboidea was
introduced by culture in the Botanical Garden of Coimbra (Portugal), from where it has
been escaping, becoming a naturalized alien weed in ruderal communities of gardens
and roadsides. More recently, the species has been reported by Di Pietro et al. (2021) in
Italy (Lazio), as a naturalized weed, introduced accidentally, inside and outside of a
nursery garden, where it survived for at least 4 years despite various attempts of
complete eradication.
Acalypha rhomboidea in the vascular flora of Romania 43

Distribution and habitats in Romania. We first observed this species in

August 2021, in the central area of the Iași city (north-eastern Romania), as a weed in
the garden of ornamental shrubs and trees, from the park of a shopping center, near the
Palace of Culture (N 47.15661, E 27.58802), but we managed to identify it barely a year
later (2022) (examined specimens: Herb. IASI, no. 18047, 18048, legit. et det. C. Sîrbu,
20.08.2022; 02.10.2022). This is the first record of the genus Acalypha for Romania.
Among the accompanying weeds in the mentioned place, we registered the
following ones: Convolvulus arvensis, Digitaria sanguinalis, Euphorbia peplus,
Eragrostis minor, Portulaca oleracea, Setaria viridis, Stellaria media (native), Erigeron
canadensis, Euphorbia prostrata, E. serpens, Eclipta prostrata, Oxalis corniculata
(alien plants, some of which have been already reported from the same garden, by Sîrbu
& Șușnia 2018, and Oprea et al. 2021).
Possible introduction way and current status in Romania. Since
A. rhomboidea has not been cultivated in Romania until now, we suppose that it was
accidentally introduced in the garden near the Palace of Culture of Iași by growing
medium imported (2010-2012) from Italy (together with various ornamental plants),
which possibly has been contaminated with weed seeds. A similar introduction in the
same place was assumed for Euphorbia serpens by Sîrbu & Șușnia (2018), but could
also be considered for other neophytes recently recorded here (e.g. Euphorbia prostrata,
E. serpens, Eclipta prostrata).
In the mentioned place, A. rhomboidea grows in small populations (up to 17
individuals each) and produce viable seeds which germinate in several stages during the
second part of summer and early fall, which enables it to survive (possibly for over 10
years?) despite regular weed control. Thus, it seems to be somehow naturalized in
Romania, but further investigations are necessary to a better assessment of its status.
Useful resources for the species identification. Characters often used to
separate A. rhomboidea from other congeneric similar species from North America
(i.e. A. deamii (Weath.) H.E. Ahles; A. gracilens A. Gray; A. monococca (Engelm. ex A.
Gray) Lill. W. Mill. & Gandhi; A. virginica L., all these being designated as the
“Acalypha virginica group”), were summarised and commented by Levin (1999, 2016).
Identification keys which include A. rhomboidea were published by
Mohlenbrock (1931), Correll & Johhnston (1970), Rhoads & Block (2007) and Levin
(1999, 2016).
Valuable iconography for A. rhomboidea is provided by Mohlenbrock (1931),
Rhoads & Block (2007) and Alonge, in Levin (2016).
Comprehensive information on the taxonomy and biogeography of Acalypha is
provided by the website “Acalypha Taxonomic Information System” developed by
Cardiel et al. (http://www.acalypha.es/).
Acalypha among other Euphorbiaceae in Romania. Three genera of
Euphorbiaceae have been known in the vascular flora of Romania so far, namely
(Prodan 1953; Ciocârlan 2009; Sârbu et al. 2013): Euphorbia L., Ricinus L. and
Mercurialis L. Acalypha differs from these genera as follows (key mainly based on the
data of Webster 1994):
1a. Plants with latex; inflorescence a pleiochasium of cyathia; each cyathium consists in
a cup shaped involucre (more or less deeply lobed, with 4-5 glands to the top,
outside) which encloses a single, central, pistillate flower (3-carpellate, with
gynophore), and several staminate flowers (of a single stamen); perianth absent
.................................................................................................................... Euphorbia
44 SÎRBU C.

1b. Plants without latex; inflorescences spiciform or paniculate; the staminate flowers
with at least 4 stamens, the pistillate ones with 2-3 carpels; perianth present ........... 2
2a. Leaves palmate lobed; stipules connate into a sheath, deciduous; inflorescence
terminal, paniculate, with cymules of staminate flowers proximal, and pistillate
flowers distal; stamens many, filaments connate into branching fascicles; capsules
large, 13-15 mm; seeds carunculate ................................................................ Ricinus
2b. Leaves not lobed; stipules free, persistent; inflorescences axillary, unisexual or
bisexual, spiciform; stamens not connate into fascicles; capsules much smaller;
seeds carunculate or not ............................................................................................. 3
3a. Plants dioecious; leaves opposite; staminate flowers with 3 tepals and 8-12 stamens;
pistillate flowers 2-carpellate, with 3 tepals, and 2 subulate nectaries, not-subtending
by foliaceous bracts enlarging in fruit; anther-sacs not vermiform; pollen colporate;
seeds carunculate ...................................................................................... Mercurialis
3b. Plants monoecious (as in A. rhomboidea) or dioecious; leaves alternate; staminate
flowers with 4 tepals and 4-8 stamens; pistillate flowers (1-2-)3-carpellate, with 3 tepals
(nectaries absent), subtending by foliaceous bracts enlarging in fruit; anther-sacs
vermiform and pendulous; pollen porate; caruncle minute or absent .....……
………………………………………………………………………………Acalypha

Conclusions
Acalypha rhomboidea, native to North America, is reported here for the first
time in the spontaneous flora of Romania, based on field and herbarium specimens.
It has been identified in the central area of the Iași city (north-eastern Romania),
as a weed in a garden of ornamental plants, near the Palace of Culture.
We suppose that this neophyte was accidentally introduced in north-eastern
Romania through growing medium for ornamental plants from import, contaminated
with weed seeds.

Acknowledgements. This work was supported by the project MySMIS: 2014+

120008 “Adequate management of invasive species in Romania, in accordance with EU
Regulation 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and
spread of invasive alien species”. The author thanks Mr. A. Oprea for revision of the
first variant of the manuscript and useful suggestions for improving the text.

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 Acta Horti Bot. Bucurest. 2023, 49: 49-76

ALIEN FLORA FROM BUZĂU COUNTY – ROMANIA

CAMEN-COMĂNESCU Petronela1*, MIHAI Daniela Clara2,

RAICU Maria1,3, SÎRBU Culiță4, OPREA Adrian5,
ANASTASIU Paulina1,2

Abstract: In this paper, we provided the first checklist of alien flora of Buzău County
(Romania). Our study revealed the positive invasion trend during recent years. 110 alien
taxa were recorded, who belong to 36 families of vascular plants, 52 of them being
invasive. The Americas, Asia and the Mediterranean area are the main regions of origin of
the taxa of the inventory. Three species are of European Union concern: Ailanthus
altissima, Asclepias syriaca and Elodea nuttallii. The most alien plant species were
recorded for Buzău and Râmnicu-Sărat cities.
Keywords: allogenous plant species, invasive, Buzău, Romania

Received: 5 October 2023 / Accepted: 23 November 2023

Introduction
Biological invasions are a global phenomenon and comparison of geographically
distant regions and their introduced biota is a crucial for elucidation of the determinants
of invasiveness and invasibility (Reichard & White 2003; Pyšek et al. 2004).
European researchers (Pyśek et al. 2012) emphasize the research importance of
the regional alien flora for better understanding the invasion process and for the control
and management of alien species (Wu et al. 2008; Baranovski et al. 2016; Spampinato
et al. 2022). Once introduced and established in a new region, invasive plant species are
extremely difficult to eradicate or control (Andreu & Vilà 2010). This suggests an
urgent need for information regarding the presence and degree of spread of alien
species. Datasets on the floristic state, biological attributes, and the geographic
distribution of alien species are significant tools in plant invasions management (Pyšek
et al. 2002, 2004; Haq et al. 2021). Analysis of alien flora composition and dynamics
are essential elements for assessing infestation degree of different taxa (Pyśek 2003).
The goals of this study are to provide an inventory and background information
on alien plants from Buzău County (South-Eastern Romania). Data on the alien plants
from this area are sporadically reported in a few papers (Sîrbu et al. 2011, 2014; Oprea
et al. 2012a, b). This new and updated data should contribute to filling the knowledge
gap on alien species distribution in Romania.

Material and methods

Investigated area. Buzău is a county in the South-East of Romania who
connects the Carpathian Arch and the Danube Plain (Consiliul Județean Buzău 2023).

1
University of Bucharest, Botanic Garden “D. Brandza”, Șos. Cotroceni 32, 060114-București, România.
2
University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, 1-3 Aleea Portocalelor, Bucharest – 060110, Romania.
3
University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Bucharest, Romania.
4
University of Life Sciences “Ion Ionescu de la Brad”, Iaşi, Romania.
5
University "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" of Iaşi, Botanical Garden "Anastasie Fătu", Iaşi, Romania.
* Correspondence: petronela.camen-comanescu@unibuc.ro
50 CAMEN-COMĂNESCU P., MIHAI D.C., RAICU M., SÎRBU C., OPREA A., ANASTASIU P.

The total area of the county is 6,102.6 square kilometers (2.6% of the country's
territory) and over 40% of the total area is arable land. The county occupies the largest
part of the hydrographic basin of the Buzău river, harmoniously encompassing all forms
of relief: mountains in the north, plains in the south, between which lies the
subcarpathian hilly area.
The vegetation presents specific elements for each of the three types of relief: the
steppe and silvosteppe type in the plains, forests in Subcarpathian hills and mountain
area and extensive meadows with grasses and bushes in the subalpine area.
In the steppe, vegetation has been replaced over large areas by cultivated plants.
The lands, except for marshes, valleys and salt marshes, are cultivated with cereals,
sunflowers, legumes and, to a lesser extent, with fruit trees and vines.
In the forest-steppe, in addition to the lands occupied by crops, in smaller areas
there are forests, remnants of the forests from the past.
The area of the subcarpathian hills and the mountain area is covered by forests
(oak forest, beech forest, coniferous forest), woody shrub community and subalpine
meadows.
Methods. This study is based on the authors’field investigations from May to
October inbetween 2019 and 2022. The inventory was done in 130 localities of Buzău
County, covering the entire surface of the county. The data were collected from
abandoned lands, railway station, cemeteries, dumping site, roadsides and some rivers,
cultivated lands and protected areas. The collected data were compared with
information about alien species found in previous research about flora from Buzău
County, published in various scientific papers (Ciocârlan 1966, 1968; Dihoru 1975;
Ştefan 1980, 1993; Mititelu et al. 1980; Anastasiu et al. 2008; Sava et al. 2010;
Georgescu et al. 2015).
A database with alien plants from Buzău County has been done. Archaeophytes
(aliens introduced before 1500 AD), neophytes and cryptogenic taxa (taxa for which the
period of introduction is not known or not very well documented) were considered in
the analyses. Senecio inaequidens is not included in analyses, it was discovered in
November 2023, when the paper was in reviewing process.
The nomenclature of species is according to Plants of the World Online database
(POWO 2023) and Sârbu et al. (2013). In the list of alien flora (Appendix 1), taxa were
listed in alphabetic order. For each taxon we registered and analized: family, life span,
life form (according to Sârbu et al. 2013), origin (according to Erhardt et al. 2008,
Sârbu et al. 2013), way of introduction, residence time, invasive status (according to
Anastasiu et al. 2019) and relative abundance (Aymerich & Sáez 2019). The
terminology used to establish the status of alien plants in our country has been adapted
from Richardson et al. (2000) and Pyšek et al. (2004).
Abbreviations: Life form: Ch – Chamaephytae; G – Geophyte; H – Hemicryptophyte;
HH – Helohydrophyte; PhLi – Liana; PhM – Macrophanerophyte; PhN –
Nanophanerophyte; T – Therophyte; Ht – Hemitherophyte. Origin: Af – Africa; Am –
America; As – Asia; Eu – Europe; Trop – Tropical; Med – Mediterranean; N – North; E
– East; S – South; W – West; C – Centre (central). Way of introduction: a – accidental;
d – deliberate. Residence time: arh – archaeophyte; neo – neophyte; cry – cryptogenic
taxa. Invasive status: c = casual; n = naturalized; i = invasive. Relative abundance:
Rare (R): less than 5 points; Scattered (S): few points (typically <20) and locally scarce;
Alien Flora from Buzău County – Romania 51

Locally abundant (L): few points but locally abundant; Common (C): widespread and
often locally abundant.
Results
Abutilon theophrasti Medik.: Băile Sărata-Monteoru (45.10081°N, 26.70158°E);
Buzău (45.14269°N, 26.84434°E).
Acer negundo L.: Aldeni; Băile Sărata-Monteoru; Beciu; Boldu; Buzău (Crâng
Park, Industriei Boulevard, railway station, Transilvaniei Street); Merei; Râmnicelu;
Râmnicu Sărat (Eternitatea Cemetery, railway station); Săhăteni; Sărata-Monteoru;
Valea Părului; Vintilă Vodă.
Aesculus hippocastanum L.: Băile Sărata-Monteoru (45.14951°N, 26.63066°E).
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle: Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt);
Bălăneşti; Beciu; Boldu; Bozioru; Buda Crăciuneşti; Buzău (Alexandru Marghiloman
Street, Colonel Ion Buzoianu Street, Depoului Street, Industriei Boulevard, Panait
Moşoiu Street, railway station, Transilvaniei Street); Cândeşti; Caragele; Cârlomăneşti;
Cilibia; Ciobănoaia; Ciuta; Cocârceni; Colţi; Costeşti; Dogari; Izvoru Dulce; Largu;
Leiculeşti; Lunca; Merei; Ojasca; Oreavu; Pănătău; Pătârlagele; Pietroasele; Pogoanele;
Policiori, Vulcanii Noroioşi Pâclele Mici; Poşta Câlnău; Răduceşti; Râmnicu Sărat
(Eternitatea Cemetery, Drăgaicii Street, railway station); Ruşeţu; Săhăteni; Săpoca;
Săruleşti; Sătuc; Sibiciu de Sus; Soreşti; Topliceni; Valera Părului; Valea Salciei;
Verneşti; Vintilă Vodă; Vipireşti; Zoreşti.
Alcea rosea L.: Buzău (Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery, Sf. Constantin and Elena
Cemetery); Merei (45.134048°N, 26.662441°E); Topliceni (45.426163°N, 27.004843°E).
Amaranthus albus L.: Buzău (Industriei Boulevard); Râmnicu Sărat (railway
station) (45.37920°N, 27.05817°N).
Amaranthus blitum subsp. emarginatus (Salzm. ex Uline & Bray) Carretero,
Munoz Garm. & Pedrol (Amaranthus emarginatus Salzm. ex Uline & Bray): Gura
Teghii (45.486611°N, 26.423478°E).
Amaranthus caudatus L.: Pogoanele (44.916732°N, 26.990855°E).
Amaranthus cruentus L.: Buzău (Saturn Street 45.141449°N, 26.818844°E);
Muceşti-Dănuleşti (45.513161°N, 26.920114°E).
Amaranthus deflexus L.: Buzău (Marghiloman Park, Alexandru Marghiloman
Street, Colonel Ion Buzioanu Street, Ostrovului Street, Panait Moşoiu Street, Poştei
Street); Râmnicu-Sărat (Drăgaicii Street); Săhăteni.
Amaranthus hybridus L.: Muceşti-Dănuleşti (45.513161°N, 26.920114°E);
Policiori (45.357281°N, 26.679632°E); Podu Muncii (45.434185°N, 26.735361°E).
Amaranthus powellii S. Wats.: Buzău (railway station 45.14269°N,
26.84434°E); Merei (45.124985°N, 26.686115°E); Râmnicelu (45.28673°N,
27.05894°E); Râmnicu Sărat (railway station 45.378700°N, 27.059140°E).
Amaranthus retroflexus L.: Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt); Balta Tocila;
Beceni; Beciu; Boldu; Buzău (Depoului Street, Industriei Boulevard, railway station,
Saturn Street, Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery; Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery);
Cândeşti; Cârlomăneşti; Cernăteşti; Cilibia; Cioranca; Cislău; Colţi; Deduleşti; Gura
Câlnăului; Gura Teghii; Instriţa de Jos; Joseni; Leiculeşti; Merei; Mierea; Nehoiu;
Niscov; Ojasca; Păltineni; Păltiniş; Pârscov; Pătârlagele; Pietroasele; Podu Muncii;
Pogoanele; Poşta Câlnău; Potoceni; Râmnicelu; Râmnicu Sărat (Eternitatea Cemetery,
52 CAMEN-COMĂNESCU P., MIHAI D.C., RAICU M., SÎRBU C., OPREA A., ANASTASIU P.

railway station); Sătuc; Scărişoara (cemetery); Sibicu de Sus; Soreşti; Stâlpu; Topliceni;
Valea Nucului; Valea Salciei (cemetery); Valea Sibicului; Verneşti; Zoreşti.
Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.: Aldeni; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt); Balta Tocila;
Bălănești; Beceni; Beciu; Boldu; Buda Crăciuneşti; Buzău (Industriei Boulevard, Privat
Cemetery, railway station, Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery); Cândeşti; Chirleşti; Ciuta;
Dogaru; Gura Teghii; Istriţa de Jos; Joseni; Largu; Limpeziş; Lunca Priporului; Măgura;
Merei; Muceşti-Dănuleşti; Oreavu; Pătârlagele; Pogoanele; Poşta Câlnău; Potârnicheşti;
Râmnicelu; Râmnicu Sărat (railway station); Ruşeţu; Sărata; Siriu; Spătaru; Tisău;
Valea Puţului; Valea Salciei (cemetery); Verneşti; Zărneştii de Slănic.
Amorpha fruticosa L.: Buzău (Crâng Park, Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery);
Cheile Buzăului; Joseni; Lacul Siriu; Lunca Jariştea (downstream of the Siriu lake
dam); Sărata; Săruleşti; Valea Lupului; Stânca Teherău (viaduct); Vipereşti.
Antirrhinum majus L.: Buzău (Panait Moşoiu Street 45.136166°N,
26.830355°E, Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery 45.160266°N, 26.785224°E).
Armoracia rusticana G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.: Beceni; Beciu; Buzău
(Industriei Boulevard, Dumitru Filipescu Street); Clondiru de Sus; Cozieni; Greceanca;
Izvoru Dulce; Joseni; Măgura; Merei; Muceşti-Dănuleşti; Ojasca; Păltiniş; Pleşcoi;
Poşta; Săruleşti; Topliceni; Valea Salciei; Vipereşti.
Artemisia annua L.: Băile; Beceni; Buzău (Industriei Boulevard); Cernăteşti;
Pătârlagele; Săpoca.
Asclepias syriaca L.: Lunca Priporului (45.448704°N, 26.295744°E); Scărişoara
(cemetery 45.226198°N, 26.389007°E).
Atriplex hortensis L.: Buda (45.501072°N, 26.911335°E); Valea Salciei
(45.497581°N, 26.836414°E).
Avena sativa L.: Râmnicu Sărat (railway station 45.33427°N, 27.05894°E).
Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J.Scott: Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt); Boldu;
Brădeanca; Buzău (Depoului Street, Industriei Boulevard, railway station); Cândeşti;
Cilibia; Cislău; Colţi; Colţu Pietrii; Fulga; Gura Câlnăului; Istriţa de Jos; Nehoiu;
Niscov; Păltinerni; Păltiniş; Pătârlagele; Poşta Câinău; Potârnicheşti; Râmnicu Sărat
(railway station); Valea Sibicului; Verneşti; Zărneştii de Slănic.
Bassia scoparia var. trichophylla (Voss) S.L.Welsh: Blăjani; Buzău (Depoului
Street); Potoceni; Siriu; Topliceni; Valea Sibiciului.
Bidens frondosa L.: Pătârlagele (45.32296°N, 26.36352°E).
Brassica rapa L.: Buzău, (railway station 45.14306°N, 26.83059°E); Râmnicu
Sărat (railway station 45.31004°N, 27.05894°E).
Bromus diandrus Roth: Buzău (railway station 45.14268°N, 26.83123°E).
Calendula officinalis L.: Buzău (Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery, Sf. Constantin
and Elena Cemetery); Lunca Jariştei (cemetery); Râmnicu Sărat (Eternitatea Cemetery).
Campsis radicans (L.) Bureau: Buzău (Marghiloman Park 45.14716°N,
26.84534°E); Pădurenii (45.182907°N, 26.541039°E).
Cannabis sativa L.: Băbeni; Bozioru; Buzău (Industriei Boulevard, railway
station); Cârlomăneşti; Cioranca; Greceanca; Potârnicheşti; Topliceni; Verneşti.
Catalpa bignonioides Walter: Buzău (Obor Street 45.155197°N, 26.8242°E).
Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet: Lunca Jariştei (cemetery 45.483505°N,
26.257868°E).
Alien Flora from Buzău County – Romania 53

Cosmos bipinnatus Cav.: Furtuneşti (45.45802°N, 26.3944°E); Lopătari (the

road to the Focurile Vii 2 45.483968°N, 26.575685°E); Scărişoara (cemetery
45.226198°N, 26.389007°E); Valea Salciei (cemetery 45.500858°N, 26.815359°E).
Cucumis melo L.: Muceşti-Dănuleşti (45.513161°N, 26.920114°E).
Cuscuta campestris Yunck.: Băbeni; Beceni; Boldu; Buzău (Industriei
Boulevard); Lunca Frumoasă; Oreavu; Râmnicu Sărat (railway station); Verneşti.
Cyclachaena xanthiifolia (Nutt.) Fresen. (Iva xanthiifolia Nutt.): Buzău
(Industriei Boulevard 45.133978°N, 26.825178°E); Dogari (45.418064°N, 26.749273°E);
Râmnicu Sărat (railway station 45.378623°N, 27.058196°E); Răduceşti (45.432629°N,
26.999054°E).
Datura stramonium L.: Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt); Bâsca Rozilei;
Buzău (Industriei Boulevard, railway station, Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery); Caragele;
Chirleşti; Costeşti; Gura Dimienii; Gura Teghii; Izvoru Dulce; Joseni; Lunca; Măteşti;
Păltiniş; Pogoanele; Poşta Câlnău; Ruşeţu.
Datura wrightii Regel: Băile; Buzău (Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery, Industriei
Boulevard); Cioranca; Poşta; Spătaru; Topliceni.
Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (Chenopodium
ambrosioides): Buzău (Industriei Boulevard 45.133793°N, 26.822111°E).
Elaeagnus angustifolia L.: Aldeni; Atârnaţi; Băile Sărata-Monteoru; Balta Albă;
Beciu (Vulcanii Noroioşi); Bentu; between Largu and Luciu; between Policiori and
Beciu; Boldu; Buzău (Crâng Park, Industriei Boulevard, the entrance of locality);
Cândeşti; Caragele; Cilibia; Ciuta; Gura Câlnăului; Gura Dimienii; Izvoru Dulce;
Joseni; Mărgăriţi; Mărunţişu; Merei; Oreavu; Policiori (Vulcanii Noroioşi Pâclele
Mici); Râmnicu Sărat (railway station); Sătuc; Scorţoasa.
Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.: Buzău (railway station 45.14269°N, 26.84434°E).
Elodea canadensis Michx.: Buzău (Crâng Park 45.1455°N, 26.79624°E).
Elodea nuttallii (Planch.) H.St.John: Buzău (Crâng Park 45.1455°N,
26.79624°E).
Erigeron annuus (L.) Desf: Alunişu; Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru; Bălăneşti;
Balta Tocila; Bâsca Rozilei; Beceni; Beciu (Vulcanii Noroioşi); Bentu; Berca; Boldu;
Bozioru; between Policiori and Beciu; Buda; Buda Crăciuneşti; Buzău (Privat
Cemetery, Industriei Boulevard, Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery); Cârlomăneşti;
Cheile Buzăului; Chirleşti; Cislău; Ciuta; Cocârceni; Colţi; Colţu Pietrii; Deduleşti;
Furtuneşti; Grăjdana; Greceanca; Gura Bâscei; Gura Dimienii; Gura Siriului; Gura
Teghii; Joseni; Leiculeşti; Lopătari; Lunca; Lunca Jariştea (cemetery); Lunca
Priporului; Măgura; Mărunţişu; Măteşti; Mierea; Muceşti-Dănuleşti; Nehoiu; Nemetea;
Niculeşti; Niscov; Ojasca; Păltineni; Păltiniş; Pănătău; Pârscov; Pătârlagele; Pleşcoi;
Podu Muncii; Poienile; Policiori (Vulcanii Noroioşi Pâclele Mici); Râmnicelu; Râmnicu
Sărat (Eternitatea Cemetery, railway station); Săpoca; Sătuc; Scărişoara (cemetery);
Scorţoasa; Sibiciu de Sus; Spătaru; Stâlpu; Tisău; Topliceni; Unguriu; Valea Lupului;
Valea Salciei (cemetery); Valea Sălciilor; Valea Sibiciului; Varlaam (cemetery);
Verneşti; Stânca Teherău (viaduct); Vintilă Vodă; Vipireşti; Zoreşti.
Erigeron canadensis L.: Aldeni; Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru; Balta Tocila;
Bălănești; Beceni; Beciu; Bentu; Boldu; Buzău (Alexandru Marghiloman Street,
Industriei Boulevard, Marghiloman Park, Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery, Sf. Constantin
and Elena Cemetery, railway station, Transilvaniei Street); Cândeşti; Cârlomăneşti;
54 CAMEN-COMĂNESCU P., MIHAI D.C., RAICU M., SÎRBU C., OPREA A., ANASTASIU P.

Cocârceni; Colţi; Costeşti; Cozieni; Dogaru; Fulga; Grăjdana; Gura Câlnăului; Gura
Teghii; Izvoru Dulce; Leiculeşti; Lopătari; Lunca; Mierea; Muceşti-Dănuleşti; Niscov;
Pădureni; Păltineni; Pănătău; Poru Muncii; Pogoanele, Poşta; Poşta Câlnău; Râmnicelu;
Râmnicu Sărat (Drăgaicii Street, Eternitate cemetery, railway station); Ruşeţu; Şarânga;
Scărişoara (cemetery); Sibiciu de Sus; Soreşti; Spătaru, Spătaru forest; Stâlpu; Valea
Părului; Valea Sălciilor; Verneşti.
Erigeron sumatrensis Retz.: Buzău (railway station 45.14290°N, 26.82873°E).
Euphorbia davidii Subils: Buzău (railway station 45.14269°N, 26.84434°E).
Euphorbia glyptosperma Engelm: Râmnicu Sărat (the north part of the locality
45.39778°N, 27.04790°E).
Euphorbia maculata L.: Buzău (Marghiloman Park 45.14716°N, 26.84534°E,
Privat Cemetery 45.159203°N, 26.783609°E, Transilvaniei Street 45.154545°N,
26.819881°E, railway station 45.14269°N, 26.82354°E).
Euphorbia marginata Pursh: Buzău (Panait Moşoiu Street 45.138542°N,
26.832609°E, Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery 45.160266°N, 26.785224°E; Gura
Teghii (cemetery 45,486611°N, 26,423478°E); Topliceni (45.426163°N, 27.004843°E).
Fallopia aubertii (L. Henry) Holub: between Ziduri and Valea Râmnicului
(45.311825°N, 27.067606°E); Buzău (railway station 45.14269°N, 26.82354°E).
Fraxinus americana L.: Buzău (Colonel Ion Buzoianu Street 45.146774°N,
26.819748°E, Ostrovului Street 45.155087°N, 26.818291°E); Oreavul (45.360512°N,
27.012686°E).
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall: Băile; Balta Albă; between Buzău and
Spătaru; between Policiori and Beciu; Boldu; Buzău (Colonel Ion Buzoianu Street,
railway station); Cilibia; Gura Câlnăului; Mânzăleşti; Policiori (Vulcanii Noroioşi
Pâclele Mici); Râmnicelu; Râmnicu Sărat (railway station).
Gaillardia pulchella Foug.: Buzău (Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery, Sf. Constantin
and Elena Cemetery; Râmnicu Sărat, Eternitate Cemetery); Scărişoara (cemetery);
Valea Nucului.
Galinsoga parviflora Cav.: Beciu (45.37589°N, 26.70709°E); Leiculeşti
(45.18245°N, 26.58228°E); Sibiciu de Sus (45.38806°N, 26.35922°E).
Galinsoga quadriradiata Ruiz & Pav.: Bălănești; Bozioru (45.38166°N,
26.491241°E); Gura Teghii (45.494503°N, 26.433077°E); Păltiniş (45.45396°N,
26.37897°E).
Gleditsia triacanthos L.: Aldeni; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt); Balta Albă;
Bozioru; Buzău (Crâng Park, railway station, Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery); Istriţa de
Jos; Limpeziş; Oreavu; Pietroasele; Râmnicu Sărat (railway station); Săhăteni;
Scorţoasa; Soreşti; Stâlpu; Valea Părului; Verneşti.
Helianthus annuus L.: Buzău (railway station 45.14269°N, 26.84434°E);
Râmnicu Sărat (railway station 45.378920°N, 27.058140°E).
Helianthus decapetalus L.: between Vipereşti and Cislău (45.228901°N,
26.423611°E); Mărunţişu (45.286018°N, 26.353696°E).
Helianthus tuberosus L.: Berca; between Pârjoleşti and Lunca Frumoasă;
Bozioru; Buda Crăciuneşti; Buzău (Panait Moşoiu Street, Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery,
Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery); Caragele; Cernăteşti; Cocârceni; Cozieni;
Furtuneşti; Gura Dimienii; Haleş; Izvoru Dulce; Leiculeşti; Lopătari; Lunca Frumoasă;
Mânzăleşti; Păltiniş; Pârscov; Pogoanele; Poşta; Răduceşti; Săpoca; Sărata-Monteoru;
Alien Flora from Buzău County – Romania 55

Scărişoara; Scorţoasa; Sibiciu de Sus; Valea Părului; Valea Salciei (cemetery);

Verneşti.
Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L.: Băile Sărata-Monteoru; Bâsca Rozilei; Buzău (Sf.
Constantin and Elena Cemetery); Ciobănoaia; Cislău; Cocârceni; Gura Siriului; Gura
Teghii (cemetery); Joseni; Lunca; Lunca Jariştei (cemetery); Lunca Priporului; Merei;
Nehoiu; Niculeşti; Râmnicu Sărat (Eternitate Cemetery); Sărata-Monteoru; Sătuc;
Scărişoara (cemetery); Stâlpu; Unguriu; Valea Salciei (cemetery); Valea Sălciilor;
Valea Sibicului; Vipereşti.
Impatiens parviflora DC.: Varlaam (45.4952°N, 26.435624°E).
Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth.: Buzău (Industriei Boulevard, Sf. Apostol Andrei
Cemetery, Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery); Râmnicu Sărat (Eternitatea cemetery);
Sibiciu de Sus.
Juglans regia L.: Alunişu; Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt); Bâsca Rozilei;
Beciu; Bentu; Berca; between Policiori and Beciu; Buzău (railway station); Chirleşti;
Colţi; Colţu Pietrii; Costeşti; Furtuneşti; Grăjdana; Leiculeşti; Lunca; Lunca Jariştea;
Lunca Priporului; Mărunţişu; Nehoiu; Ojasca; Păltineni; Pătiniş; Pănătău; Policiori;
Râmnicu Sărat (railway station); Scorţoasa; Sibiciu de Sus; Spătaru (the edge of the
forest); Valea Sibiciului; Vipereşti.
Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.: Băile Sărata-Monteoru; Beceni; between Buzău
and Spătaru; Buzău (Depoului Street, railway station); Nehoiu; Săruleşti.
Lepidium densiflorum Schrad.: Buzău (railway station 45.14269°N,
26.84434°E); Leiculeşti (45.18245°N, 26.58228°E); Râmnicu Sărat (railway station
45.33427°N, 27.05817°E).
Lepidium oblongum Small: Râmnicu Sărat (railway station 45.37918°N,
27.05817°E).
Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl.: Gura Teghii (cemetery 45.486611°N, 26.423478°E);
Lunca Jariştea (cemetery 45.483505°N, 26.257868°E); Varlaam (45.501062°N,
26.437818°E).
Lycium barbarum L.: Atârnaţi; Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt); Bălăneşti;
Balta Albă; Beceni; Beciu; Berca; Blăjani; Boldu; Buzău (Marghiloman Park, railway
station); Cândeşti; Caragele; Cârlomăneşti; Cilibia; Ciobănoaia; Dogari; Gălbinşi; Gura
Câlnăului; Gura Dimienii; Istriţa de Jos; Izvoru Dulce; Joseni; Limpeziş; Luciu;
Manasia; Mânzu; Mărunţişu; Merei; Mierea; Munceşti-Dănuleşti; Niscov; Oreavu;
Păltineni; Pătârlagele; Pietroasele; Podu Muncii; Pogoanele; Policiori; Poşta Câlnău;
Potârnicheşti; Râmnicelu; Râmnicu Sărat (Eternitatea Cemetery, railway station);
Ruşeţu; Săhăteni; Săpoca; Scorţoasa; Soreşti; Topliceni; Unguriu; Valea Părului; Valea
Salciei; Verneşti; Vintilă Vodă; Zoreşti.
Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh.: Râmnicu Sărat (railway station 45.33427°N,
27.05894°E).
Matricaria discoidea DC.: Râmnicu Sărat (railway station 45.37918°N,
27.05817°E); Varlaam (45.4952°N, 26.435624°E).
Medicago sativa L.: Boldu; Buzău (Marghiloman Park, railway station); Gura
Teghii; Leiculeşti; Păltiniş; Râmnicelu; Râmnicu Sărat (railway station); Sibiciu de Sus;
Valea Lupului.
Morus alba L.: Atârnaţi; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt); Bălănești; Beceni; Beciu;
Berca; Boldu; Buzău (railway station); Cislău; Ciuta; Costeşti; Gura Teghii; Lunca;
56 CAMEN-COMĂNESCU P., MIHAI D.C., RAICU M., SÎRBU C., OPREA A., ANASTASIU P.

Pătârlagele; Policiori (Vulcanii noroioşi, Pâclele Mici); Râmnicu Sărat (railway station);
Săpoca; Valea Părului.
Morus nigra L.: Buzău (Marghiloman Park); Fluieraşi; Gura Teghii; Mierea;
Nehoiu; Policiori (Vulcanii noroioşi, Pâclele Mici); Râmnicu Sărat (railway station);
Sibiciu de Sus; Spătaru (the edge of the forest).
Nicotiana alata Link & Otto: Băbeni (45.443275°N, 26.979601°E).
Oenothera biennis L.: Cozieni (45.32576°N, 26.495592°E); Băile Sărata-Monteoru
(45.17034°N, 26.6273°E); Grăjdeana (45.21294°N, 26.63668°E); Gura Teghii (45.48396°N,
26.42029°E); Leiculeşti (45.18245°N, 26.58228°E); Merei (45.13065°N, 26.68018°E).
Oenothera glazioviana Micheli: Băbeni; Bâsca Rozilei; Berca; between
Policiori and Beciu; Bozioru; Buda; Buzău (Panait Moşoiu Street, Sf. Apostol Andrei
Cemetery); Cândeşti; Cernăteşti; Colţi; Fulga; Grajdana; Gura Câlnăului; Gura Teghii;
Lunca Jariştea (cemetery); Mărunţişu; Merei; Niscov; Pătârlagele; Pleşcoi; Râmnicu
Sărat (Eternitatea cemetery); Scărişoara (cemetery); Sibiciu de Sus; Siriu (dam);
Strezeni; Valea Salciei (cemetery); Valea Sibicului; Varlaam (cemetery).
Oenothera macrocarpa subsp. macrocarpa (Oenothera missouriensis Sims):
Scărişoara, cemetery (45.226198°N, 26.389007°E); Varlaam, cemetery (45.501062°N,
26.437818°E).
Oxalis corniculata L.: Buzău, Alexandru Marghiloman Street, Marghiloman
Park, Poştei Street; Gura Teghii, cemetery; Râmnicu Sărat, Drăgaicii Street, Eternitatea
Cemetery; Scărişoara, cemetery.
Oxalis dillenii Jacq.: Bălănești; Buzău (Crâng Park 45.1455°N, 26.79624°E,
railway station 45.14288°N, 26.82737°E).
Oxalis stricta L.: Pătârlagele (45.32301°N, 26.36458°E), Râmnicu Sărat
(45.38554°N, 27.055056°E).
Parthenocissus inserta (A. Kern.) Fritsch: Bălăneşti; Buzău (Industriei
Boulevard, Marghiloman Park, Obor Street, Panait Moşoiu Street, railway station, Sf.
Apostol Andrei Cemetery, Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery, the entrance of the city);
Costeşti; Dogari; Fulga; Gura Dimienii; Gura Teghii; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt);
Izvoru Dulce; Luciu; Lunca Priporului; Măgura; Manasia; Merei; Mierea; Nehoiu;
Păltiniş; Pârscov; Pătârlagele; Pogoanele; Râmnicu Sărat (Eternitatea cemetery,
Drăgaicii Street, railway station); Ruşeţu; Săhăteni; Săruleşti; Valea Sibiciului; Verneşti.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.: Pogoanele (44.916732°N, 26.990855°E).
Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch.: Buzău (Obor Street
45.155197°N, 26.8242°E).
Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud.: Râmnicu Sărat (railway station
45.33427°N, 27.05894°E).
Persicaria orientalis (L.) Spach: Mărăcineni (45.175751°N, 26.823992°E).
Petrosedum ochroleucum (Chaix) Nierderle: Buzău (railway station, Sf.
Apostol Andrei Cemetery, Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery); Gura Teghii
(cemetery); Râmnicu Sărat (Eternitatea Cemetery).
Petunia integrifolia (Hooker) Schinz & Thell.: Buzău (Alexandru
Marghiloman Street 45.14677°N, 26.839054°E, Depoului Street 45.141178°N,
26.836353°E, Saturn Street 45.141449°N, 26.818844°E); Potârnicheşti (45.221481°N,
26.862766°E).
Alien Flora from Buzău County – Romania 57

Phedimus spurium (M. Bieb.) `t Hart: Buzău (Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery
45.158981°N, 26.788837°E, Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery 45.160266°N,
26.785224°E); Gura Teghii (cemetery 45.486611°N, 26.423478°E); Râmnicu Sărat
(Eternitatea Cemetery 45.385834°N, 27.055744°E)
Phytolacca americana L.: Atârnaţi; Buzău (Sf. Apostol Andrei Cemetery);
Clondiru de Sus, Greceanca; Măteşti; Scărişoara (cemetery); Stâlpu.
Populus deltoides subsp. deltoides (Populus carolinensis Moench): Râmnicu
Sărat (railway station 45.33427°N, 27.05894°E).
Portulaca oleracea L.: Buzău (Alexandru Marghiloman Street 45.14677°N,
26.839054°E, Industriei Boulevard 45.133793°N, 26.822111°E, railway station
45.142637°N, 26.826056°E).
Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.: Băile; Băile Sarata Monteoru (halt); Bălănești;
Bâlhacu; Balta Albă; Bâsca Rozilei; Beciu; Bentu; between Buzău and Spătaru;
between Policiori and Beciu; Boldu; Buzău (Alexandru Marghiloman Street, Crâng
Park, Industriei Boulevard, Marghiloman Park); Cândeşti; Chirleşti; Cilibia; Colţi;
Colţu Petrii; Costeşti; Furtuneşti; Gălbinaşi; Grăjdana; Gura Bâscei; Joseni; Leiculeşti;
Lunca; Lunca Proporului; Măgura; Mărunţişu; Mierea; Nehoiu; Nemertea; Niscov,
Păltineni; Păltiniş; Pănătău; Pătârlagele; Poienile; Policiori; Râmnicelu; Râmnicu Sărat
(railway station); Sătuc; Scorţoasa; Sibiciu de Sus; Spătaru; Stâlpu; Valea Sibiciului.
Prunus cerasus (Mill.) A.Gray: Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru; Beciu; Berca;
Buzău (railway station); Cândeşti; Chirleşti; Cilibia; Cislău; Gura Bâscei; Gura Teghii;
Joseni; Leiculeşti; Măgura; Mânzu; Mărunţişu; Merei; Niscov; Ojasca; Pătârlagele;
Poienile; Scorţoasa; Sibiciul de Sus; Valea Lupului; Valea Sălciilor.
Reynoutria × bohemica Chetek & Chrtková: Gura Teghii (45.487411°N,
26.425549°E); Furtuneşti (45.45802°N, 26.3944°E); Păltiniş (45.45595°N, 26.37442°E).
Reynoutria japonica Houtt.: Aldeni; Aluniş; Balta Tocila; Bâsca Rozilei;
Beceni; Beciu; Buzău (Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery); Gura Dimienii; Leiculeşti;
Manasia; Nehoiaşu; Siriu; Varlaam.
Rhus typhina L.: Buzău (Depoului Street); Ciuta; Fulga; Grăjdana; Izvoru
Dulce; Joseni; Leiculeşti; Niscov; Pietroasele; Râmnicu Sărat; Săpoca; Săruleşti; Sătuc;
Valea Părului; Varlaam; Vipereşti.
Robinia pseudoacacia L.: Aldeni; Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru; Bălăneşti;
Bâlhacu; Balta Albă; Bâsca Rozilei; Beciu (Vulcanii Noroioşi); Bentu; between
Policiori and Beciu; Berca; Blăjani; Boldu; Bozioru; Buda; Buzău (Sf. Apostol Andrei
Cemetery, the entrance of the city, railway station); Cândeşti; Caragele; Chirleşti;
Cilibia; Ciobănoaia; Cislău; Ciuta; Cocârceni; Colţi; Colţu Pietrii; Costeşti; Deduleşti;
Fluieraşi; Furtuneşti; Gălbinaşi; Grăjdana; Greceanca; Gura Bâscei; Gura Siriului; Gura
Teghii; Izvoru Dulce; Joseni; Leiculeşti; Limpeziş; Lunca; Lunca Jariştea (downstream
of the Siriu lake dam); Lunca Priporului; Măgura; Mânzu; Mărgăriţi; Mărunţişu; Merei;
Mierea; Nehoiu; Nemertea; Niscov; Ojasca; Oreavu; Păltineni; Păltiniş; Pătârlagele;
Pogoanele; Poienile; Policiori (Vulcanii noroioşi, Pâclele Mici); Răduceşti; Râmnicelu;
Râmnicu Sărat (railway station); Săhăteni; Săpoca; Sărata; Sărata-Monteoru; Sătuc;
Scărişoara (cemetery); Sibiciu de Sus; Soreşti; Stâlpu; Stânca Teherău (viaduct); Valea
Lupului; Valea Salciei; Valea Sălciilor; Valea Sibiciului; Varlaam (cemetery); Vintilă
Vodă; Vipireşti; Vizireni; Zoreşti.
58 CAMEN-COMĂNESCU P., MIHAI D.C., RAICU M., SÎRBU C., OPREA A., ANASTASIU P.

Robinia viscosa Michx. ex Vent.: Varlaam (cemetery 45.48569°N,

26.42818°E).
Rudbeckia hirta L.: Varlaam (cemetery 45.501062°N, 26.437818°E).
Rudbeckia laciniata L.: Lunca Jariştea (cemetery 45.483505°N, 26.257868°E);
Pădurenii (45.182907°N, 26.541039°E).
Senecio inaequidens DC.: Mânzălești, on Meledic Plateau (45.496062°N,
26.620423°E).
Solanum lycopersicum L.: Buzău (railway station 45.142637°N, 26.826056°E);
Cârlomăneşti (45.221855°N, 26.672293°E); Muceşti-Dănuleşti (45.513161°N,
26.920114°E); Pătârlagele (45.32301°N, 26.36458°E); Râmnicu Sărat (railway station
45.33427°N, 27.05894°E); Râmnicu Sărat (railway station 45.378700°N, 27.059140°E).
Solanum tuberosum L.: Păltiniş (45.45396°N, 26.37897°E).
Solidago canadensis L.: Buzău (Sf. Constantin and Elena Cemetery); Ciobănoaia;
Pietroasele; Râmnicu Sărat (Eternitatea Cemetery); Vipereşti; Zărneştii de Slănic; Zoreşti.
Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.: Aldeni; Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt);
Bălăneşti; Bâlhacu; Balta Albă; Beceni; Bentu; between Buzău and Spătaru; Boldu;
Buzău (Alexandru Marghiloman Street, Dumitru Filipescu Street, Industriei Boulevard,
Marghiloman Park, railway station, the entrance of the city, Sf. Apostol Andrei
Cemetery); Cândeşti; Chirleşti; Cilibia; Ciobănoaia; Cioranca; Ciuta; Costeşti; Cozieni;
Fulga; Grăjdana; Greceanca; Gura Câlnăului; Gura Dimienii; Izvoru Dulce; Limpeziş;
Măgura; Mânzu; Mărgăriţi; Merei; Mierea; Niscov; Ojasca; Oreavu; Oreavul; Pârscov;
Pietrosele; Podu Muncii; Pogoanele; Poşta; Potârnicheşti; Râmnicelu; Râmnicu Sărat
(Eternitatea Cemetery, railway station); Ruşeţu; Săhăteni; Săpoca; Sătuc; Soreşti;
Spătaru; Stâlpu; Topliceni; Valea Sălciilor; Verneşti; Zărneştii de Slanic; Zoreşti.
Tagetes erecta L.: Gura Teghii (cemetery 45.486686°N, 26.422961°E); Lunca
Jariştei (cemetery 45.483505°N, 26.257868°E); Scărişoara (cemetery 45.226198°N,
26.389007°E); Valea Salciei (cemetery 45.500858°N, 26.815359°E); Varlaam
(cemetery 45.501062°N, 26.437818°E).
Tradescantia virginiana L.: Greceanca (45.074463°N, 26.545359°E);
Pătârlagele (45.318741°N, 26.360176°E).
Triticum aestivum L.: Râmnicu Sărat (railway station 45.37918°N,
27.05817°E).
Ulmus pumila L.: Buzău (railway station 45.14269°N, 26.84434°E).
Xanthium orientale subsp. italicum (Moretti) Greuter: Aldeni; Bălăneşti;
Băile; Băile Sărata-Monteoru (halt); Balta Tocila; Bâsca Rozilei; Beceni; Beciu;
between Pârjoleşti and Lunca Frumoasă; between Policiori and Beciu; Boldu; Bozioru;
Buzău (Industriei Boulevard); Cândeşti; Caragele; Cilibia; Ciobănoaia; Cislău;
Cocârceni; Ciuta; Colţi; Colţu Pietrii; Costeşti; Gura Dimienii; Gura Teghii; Istriţa de
Jos; Izvoru Dulce; Joseni; Leiculeşti; Limpeziş; Lunca Jariştea (downstream of the Siriu
lake dam); Măteşti; Mierea; Muceşti-Dănuleşti; Niscov; Pădurenii; Păltineni; Păltiniş;
Pănătău; Pătârlagele; Pleşcoi; Pogoanele; Policiori (Vulcanii noroioşi, Pâclele Mici);
Poşta Câlnău; Potârnicheşti; Râmnicelu; Râmnicu Sărat (Eternitatea cemetery, railway
station); Ruşeţu; Săhăteni; Săruleşti; Siriu; Soreşti; Spătaru; Stâlpu; Topliceni; Valea
Salciei; Verneşti.
Alien Flora from Buzău County – Romania 59

Xanthium spinosum L.: Beciu (45.379456°N, 26.698874°E); Gura Dimienii

(45.398529°N, 26.760878°E); Muceşti-Dănuleşti (45.513161°N, 26.920114°E);
Pătârlagele (45.32296°N, 26.36352°E); Ruşeţu (44.965633°N, 27.224133°E).
Discussion
To compile the inventory of alien species from Buzău County, 1640 records
were analyzed. We identified 110 alien plants taxa (Appendix 1) which represents
16.39% of the total species reported for Romania (Sîrbu & Oprea 2011). High aliens’
abundance can be attributed by combination of regional factors (a complex
geomorphologic structure and suitable climatic conditions), as well as an active
anthropogenic transformation (Baranovski et al. 2016).
Combining these results with data collected from the literature resulted in an
inventory of 184 taxa. Of these, 74 taxa were not identified by us during the inventory
(Appendix 2) and 57 taxa having the first report for the area. Among the newly reported
ones 30 taxa are ornamental, planted and escaped from cultivation in cemeteries or/and
on the side of the roads, in front of the yards.
The inventoried taxa belong to 36 families and 78 genera (Appendix 1). The
families with the most representatives are Asteraceae (16 taxa - 20.77%); Fabaceae,
Poaceae and Solanaceae with 5 taxa; Amaranthaceae (4 taxa - 5.19%); Brassicaceae,
Polygonaceae and Sapindaceae with 3 taxa (Fig. 1). This group of 8 families were
dominant, embracing together more than 40% of the total alien species number. The rest
of the 28 families are represented by only two or one taxa.
The genus with the highest number of alien taxa is Amaranthus (8 species). The
rest of the genera are represented by 4 species (Euphorbia), 3 species (5 genera), two
species (13 genera) and by a single species (57 genera).

Fig. 1. Spectrum of the families of alien plant species from

Buzău County with more than one or two taxa
60 CAMEN-COMĂNESCU P., MIHAI D.C., RAICU M., SÎRBU C., OPREA A., ANASTASIU P.

The analysis of life span shows a close proportion between annuals – 53 species
(48.62%) and perennials – 52 species (47.27%). Biennals are represented by 2 species
(2.46%). Among the identified taxa there are also 3 annual species with a tendency to
perennialize: Antirrhinum majus, Oxalis dillenii and Oxalis stricta.
Although the dominance of annuals is a trend observed in numerous research of
regional flora in the country and abroad (Lambdon et al. 2008; Baranovski et al. 2016;
Burdușel et al. 2020; Răduțoiu & Stan 2013), in this case the presence of a large
number of perennial species is given by the large number of species of introduced for
ornamental purposes. Thus, among the 28 phanerophytes, 23 species are ornamental.
As ornamental trees and shrubs we can list Ailanthus altissima, Catalpa
bignonioides, Fraxinus americana, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Koelreuteria paniculata,
Paulownia tomentosa, Rhus typhina and Robinia viscosa.
Among the 20 perennials hemicryptophytes (Fig. 2), also a high number (16
species) are ornamental and were observed especially in the studied cemeteries. Among
these we mention Asclepias syriaca, Coreopsis lanceolata, Gaillardia pulchella,
Hemerocallis fulva, Lupinus polyphyllus, Rudbeckia hirta.
Perennial hydrophytes are represented by two species: Elodea nuttalii and
Elodea canadensis, invasive plants recorded in a water basin in “Crâng” Park from
Buzău town. The species was probably introduced together with exotic ornamental
water lily species.
The geophytes and chamaephytes have just one representative.
As annual species there are some weeds associated with roadsides or cultivated
land, especially considering that of the total area of the county, over 40% is arable land
(Amaranthus spp., Datura stramonium, Erigeron annuus, Portulaca oleracea, Xanthium
orientale subsp. italicum, Xanthium spinosum).

Fig. 2. Biological form spectrum of alien plant species from

Buzău County in correlation with life span
Alien Flora from Buzău County – Romania 61

Sources of annuals are also railway platforms and waste lands associated to the
railways. We mention from here Erigeron sumatrensis, Euphorbia davidii, Lepidium
densiflorum, Lepidium oblongum, some of them found in the county just in Buzău train station.
The greatest contribution to the regional alien flora was made by species
originating from the Americas (67 taxa, 60.90%), among which most originate from
North America (57 taxa) (Fig. 3). The next most frequent areas of origin are: Asia
(26 taxa) and the Mediterranean basin (6 taxa). Three taxa are from South- East Europe
and West Asia. African taxa have just 2 representatives.
Of the total alien taxa, the majority is represented by neophytes (97 taxa –
88.18%) (Appendix 1) and only 9.09%, is represented by archaeophytes. Only two
cryptogenic taxa were found (Abutilon theophrasti, Armoracia rusticana).
Considering the way of introductions, 74 taxa (67.88%) from total taxa were
introduced deliberately and 36 (32.72%) accidentally.
Regarding the introduction pathways of alien flora, ornamental and alimentary
use results to be the main causes of introduction. 56 taxa were introduced as ornamental
plants, horticulture being a major factor of continuous increase in the number of alien
taxa. These represent 21.21% of the total of alien species introduced (264 taxa) for
ornamental purposes in Romania (Urziceanu et al. 2020).
Cemeteries were the main places where some of them were identified: Asclepias
syriaca, Calendula officinalis, Coreopsis lanceolata, Gaillardia pulchella, Hemerocallis
fulva, Lupinus polyphyllus, Oenothera macrocarpa subsp. macrocarpa, Rudbeckia
hirta, Petrosedum ochroleucum, Phedimus spurius, Tagetes erecta. As well, the
presence of a large number of alien plants (37 species) in these places proves that they
are hotspots of potentially invasive plants species.

Fig. 3. Origin spectrum of alien plant species from Buzău County

62 CAMEN-COMĂNESCU P., MIHAI D.C., RAICU M., SÎRBU C., OPREA A., ANASTASIU P.

Regarding the degree of naturalization, almost half of the taxa are invasive (53),
40 are casual aliens and 17 are naturalised. The established aliens (naturalised +
invasive) are 70 (63.63%) of the recorded taxa.
Of this, Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca and Elodea nuttallii are included
in the updated list of invasive alien species of EU concern (The European Commission
2019). The first species is widely spread over the surface of the county, but the other
two species were identified in one or two localities. The number of Asclepias syriaca
individuals is very low but in case of Elodea nuttallii we mention a very large number
of individuals in the lake in “Crâng” Park, where the water surface of the lake was
invaded.

Fig. 4. The degree of naturalization of alien plant species from Buzău County

Also, from the invasive taxa, 47 are included in the list of the 150 most
widespread alien plant species in Europe (Lambdon et al. 2008).
Analysis of relative abundance of alien plant species from Buzău County show
that species with rare status (53) have the highest presence and were identified in less
than 5 points where the inventory was made. Of these, 24 species are casual, 17 invasive
and 12 naturalized. This shows that a large part of the total alien species registered
(53 species) are in the initial stage of spreading in this county.
27 taxa are common species, having a wide regional distribution and a large
number of individuals). Most of these are invasive plants, widely spread throughout the
country as Ailanthus altissima, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Datura stramonium, Erigeron
annuus, Erigeron canadensis and Helianthus tuberosus.
18 taxa are considered scattered (because were identified in less than 20 points
and are locally scarce), casual species predominating: Alcea rosea, Calendula
officinalis, Petrosedum ochroleucum, Phedimus spurius, Tagetes erecta. These species
are decorative plants present especially in the studied cemeteries. Interesting is the weak
presence of the invasive species Solidago canadensis and Artemisia annua.
Alien Flora from Buzău County – Romania 63

Just 12 taxa are locally abundant (restricted to a few places), mostly in railways
stations and cemeteries, important points for introduction of alien species.
Overall, taxa that have achieved a major implantation in the territory (common +
locally abundant) are 28.39% from total taxa and those that show little colonization
success (rare + scarce) are 70.37 %.
The inventory was made in 130 localities of Buzău County, the greatest number
of alien species being registered in the largest cities of the county, Buzău (77 taxa) and
Râmnicu Sărat (48).

Conclusions
The result of the studies indicates an active invasion of alien plants into the flora
of Buzău County with a dominance of neophytes (97 taxa – 88.18%) and 47 taxa
included in the list of the 150 most widespread alien plant species in Europe. Also, 3
taxa (Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca and Elodea nuttallii) are included in the
updated list of invasive alien species of EU concern.
Of the 110 reported taxa, 57 taxa have the first report for Buzău County. Most of
the new taxa inventoried in this county are represented by plants that have escaped from
cultivation in cemeteries, confirming the important role of horticulture in the
introduction of alien plants, some of them with invasive potential.

Aknowledgements. This work was supported by the projects “Adequate

management of invasive species in Romania, in conformity with the EU regulation
1143/2014 regarding the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of
invasive alien species”.

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 Acta Horti Bot. Bucurest. 2023, 49: 77-109

ALIEN PLANT SPECIES IN GIURGIU COUNTY, ROMANIA:

AN INVENTORY AND DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS

NAGODĂ Eugenia1*, HOVANEȚ Marilena Viorica2 , URZICEANU Mihaela3,4

Abstract: Giurgiu County, a crucial hub in the Pan-European Corridor with the sole
Danube bridge to Bulgaria, plays an important role in potential pathways for introducing
alien plant species. However, the information regarding the distribution of alien plants in
this county is incomplete. Our study aims to address this gap by providing a
comprehensive analysis of the current distribution of alien plant species based on field
records collected from September 2019 to November 2022. Following the guidelines of
the POIM/178/4/1/120008 project, data were collected across diverse habitats. Our
findings reveal 89 alien plant taxa, including 58 newly reported at the county level. Over
half of the alien plant species (66.29%) are also present in the natural protected areas. The
study contributes essential information for biodiversity conservation, emphasizing
ongoing monitoring and invasive species management within Giurgiu County's protected
areas.
Keywords: invasive species, field record, Prevention and Management Project, Romania

Received: 6 October 2023 / Accepted: 28 November 2023

Introduction
Biological invasions, recognized as the second-largest threat to populations,
communities, and ecosystems, have become a critical concern across diverse fields,
ranging from biological systematics to the conservation of natural, semi-natural, and
human-made ecosystems (Aneva et al. 2018). This significant risk is underscored by the
rapid, uncontrolled spread of alien invasive plant species, which endangers various
habitat types (Barudanović et al. 2021).
Many studies suggest that habitats play a crucial role in determining the extent of
invasion by alien species (Chytrý et al. 2008). Understanding biological invasions and
their predictability requires considering the role of habitats, especially as ongoing global
changes are likely to alter patterns of habitat availability, potentially facilitating future
invasions in certain habitats (Lodge 1993; Rounsevell et al. 2006; Pyšek et al. 2010).
At a local scale, habitats become more prone to plant invasions when endowed
with available resources, as observed in urban, cultivated, and riparian habitats that
often exhibit the highest concentrations of alien plant species. These habitats face
substantial local invasions marked by frequent disturbances and distinct resource pulses,
particularly nutrients (Davis et al. 2000; Chytrý et al. 2008; Pyšek et al. 2010).
In the European context, anthropogenic habitats, such as industrial and
agricultural areas, alongside other significantly disturbed habitats like forested areas and

1
University of Bucharest, Botanic Garden “D. Brandza”, Șos. Cotroceni 32, 060114, Bucharest, Romania;
2
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Faculty of Pharmacy, 020956, Bucharest, Romania;
3
University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, 1‑3 Intr. Portocalelor, 060101, Bucharest, Romania;
4
University of Bucharest, Research Institute of University of Bucharest (ICUB), 300645, Bucharest, Romania.
Correspondence: eugenia.nagoda@bio.unibuc.ro.
78 NAGODĂ E., HOVANEȚ M.V., URZICEANU M.

semi-natural habitats, host the largest share of alien and invasive plants (Pyšek et al.
2009; Nikolić et al. 2013). In areas with intensive human influence, invasive plants can
be found almost everywhere, colonizing cultivated areas, industrial, ruderal, and other
disturbed habitats known for their susceptibility to alien plant colonization (Lambdon et
al. 2008; Vukovic et al. 2010; Silva & Smith 2006).
A considerable proportion of recorded introductions and naturalization in the last
two decades is attributed to the larger movement of people, goods, and services
associated with rapid tourism development in the area. This increased human activity
could support both unintentional and deliberate introductions, emphasizing the complex
relationship between human influence, habitat disturbance, and the spread of invasive
species (Hulme 2007).
Giurgiu County, bordered by Bulgaria and situated north of the Danube in
Muntenia, is a crucial hub for floristic studies. Various watercourses, such as the Danube,
Argeș, and Neajlov, along with numerous protected areas, collectively contribute to the
region's distinctive biodiversity. As the county seat, its strategic location along major
transportation routes like Bucharest-Sofia-Athens and Bucharest-Istanbul establishes it
as a key border crossing point for goods and people. Also, recognized as an important
Danube port, Giurgiu is a key element in the Danube-Rhine Canal-Main Danube
transport corridor, linking it to nine countries, the Black Sea, and the North Sea
(RomaniaDateGeografice.net, n.d.). As a crucial point along the pan-European railway
network and with the sole Danube bridge to Bulgaria, Giurgiu's strategic connectivity
underscores its significance in potential pathways for introducing invasive plant species
(South Muntenia Regional Development Agency, n.d.).
However, the distribution data of alien plants in Giurgiu County are not
homogeneous, reflecting an incomplete mapping of its flora. Chorological data on alien
plant species in Giurgiu County, previously also recognized as Vlașca County, remain
partial and scattered across various papers published over time (Brândză 1879-1883;
Grecescu 1898, 1909; Panţu 1909-1912; Morariu 1946; Borza 1966, 1968; Nedelcu
1967; Popescu 1971; Tarnavschi et al. 1974; Doltu et al. 1984; Nedelcu et al. 1991;
Costea 1998; Paucă-Comănescu et al. 2001; Oprea et al. 2004; Ianovici 2011;
Dumitrașcu et al. 2011; Negrean 2011; Sîrbu & Oprea 2011 etc.).
Our study aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of the
current distribution of alien plant species in Giurgiu County based on our field records.
This effort seeks to enrich our understanding of the alien and invasive flora in Giurgiu
County, filling in data gaps at the national level, particularly in the southern part of the
country, from the Muntenia region. The results are intended to offer a reliable local and
regional analysis for strategic planning related to the management of invasive plants and
biodiversity conservation, aligning with Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 of the
European Parliament and of the Council on the prevention and management of the
introduction and spread of invasive alien species.

Material and methods

Study area. Giurgiu County, located in southern Romania along 72 km of the
lower course of the Danube, covers 3526 km², representing 1.5% of the country's total
area. The plain relief, gently sloping in the North West – South East direction, includes
subunits like the Burnas Plain and sections of the Vlăsia, Găvanu-Burdea, and Titu
Alien plants species in Giurgiu County: Romania: an inventory and distribution analysis 79

plains. The region features terraces and meadows along the Danube, Argeș, and Neajlov
Rivers, with the Danube meadow showcasing unique characteristics (RomaniaDate
Geografice.net, n.d).
The county experiences a temperate-continental climate and has a hydrographic
network primarily consisting of the lower sections of the Danube and the Argeș River.
Natural lakes are scarce, with Comana being notable.
Giurgiu County is part of the silvosteppe vegetation zone, with small, degraded
grasslands and clusters of forests (RomaniaDateGeografice.net, n.d). The county
encompasses various protected areas (Fig. 1), including the Oloaga Forest – Grădinari
Nature Reserve (RONPA0435), Comana Natural Park (RONPA0928), and four Sites of
Community Importance (SCI) – Comana (ROSCI0043), Gura Vedei – Șaica – Slobozia
(ROSCI0088), Middle Argeș Floodplain (ROSCI0106), Bolintin Forest (ROSCI0138)
Positioned on the border between the forest-steppe and the steppe, these areas exhibits
distinctive phytocenological features and impressive floristic diversity (Management
Plan of Comana Natural Park, 2018).
Data collection and analysis. The authors acquired the data for this study
through periodic field inventories carried out from September 2019 to November 2022,
encompassing both summer and autumn seasons. The methodology adhered to the
guidelines outlined by the POIM/178/4/1/120008 project: “Adequate management of
invasive species in Romania in accordance with EU Regulation 1143/2014 regarding
the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien
species”.
Our data collection encompassed diverse natural and anthropogenic habitats,
including roadsides, railway embankments, cemeteries, vacant areas, watercourses,
grasslands, cultivated land, abandoned arable land, and backyards. These routes are
illustrated in Fig. 1, where, for an overview, we also included the points from the
literature that we approximated, as they did not clearly specify coordinates or locations
but only at the locality level.
For each route traversed within these habitat types, we completed a field sheet
that included GPS coordinates, locality, population size of the species, phenophase, and
abundance (where applicable).
Regarding population size, a five-step scale was utilized, as follows: 1 (1-10
individuals); 2 (11-50 individuals); 3 (51-100 individuals); 4 (101-500 individuals);
5 (over 500 individuals).
To streamline the information in this study, we provide details on the localities
where alien plant species were observed, including habitat types and population sizes,
with occasional inclusion of coordinates. For additional details, it is noted that such
information can be requested from the authors or the POIM project manager.
For a compresiveh overview, we've integrated our findings with prior reports on
alien plants in Giurgiu County from the literature. Detailed information can be found in
Appendix 1, where we note the initial reports, and, when no previous records exist, we
note our findings as new reported. Additionally, Appendix 2 lists all taxa mentioned in
the literature for Giurgiu County, with an asterisk and gray marking indicating species
found by us in the field.
80 NAGODĂ E., HOVANEȚ M.V., URZICEANU M.

Fig. 1. Integrated map of field observations and

literature-referenced points in Giurgiu County

Taxonomic nomenclature follows the World Checklist of Vascular Plants

database (WCVP 2022) and Sârbu et al. (2013). The list of alien flora (see Appendix 1)
is presented in alphabetical order. For each taxon, the following data were registered
and analyzed: family, life span, life form, origin (according to Sârbu et al. 2013 and
Sîrbu & Oprea 2011), method of introduction, residence time, and invasive status (based
on POIM, 2020). The terminology used to determine the status of alien plants in
Romania adheres to Richardson et al. (2000) and Pyšek et al. (2004).
Abbreviations: Life form: Ch – Chamaephyte; G – Geophyte; H – Hemicryptophyte;
HH – Helohydrophyte; PhLi – Liana; Ph – Phanerophyte; T ‒ Therophyte;
Ht – Hemitherophyte. Origin: Afr ‒ Africa; Am – America; As ‒ Asia; Eu – Europe;
Trop ‒ Tropical; Med – Mediterranean; N ‒ North; E – East; S ‒ South; W – West;
C ‒ Centre (central). Way of introduction: a – accidental; d – deliberate. Residence
time: arh – archaeophyte; neo – neophyte; cry – cryptogenic taxa. Invasive status:
c – casual; n – naturalized; i – invasive. Comana Natural Park – CNP.

Results
As a result of our conducted research, we hereby present the identified alien
plant species within the territory of Giurgiu County:
Abutilon theophrasti Medik.: Băneasa, Colibași, Comana (CNP), Comasca,
Falaștoaca (CNP), Frătești, Ghimpați, Giurgiu (near the railway, port area), Gostinu,
Malu Spart, Oinacu, Oncești, Popești, Prundu, Puieni (CNP), Vlad Țepeș (CNP)
Habitats: various habitat types (road edges, railway embankments, riverbanks etc.).
Population size: 1 to 3 on the scale.
Acer negundo L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Braniștea (CNP), Călugăreni (CNP),
Comana, Crevedia Mare, Daia, DJ101A, on the shore of Argeș River (between Stoenești
Alien plants species in Giurgiu County: Romania: an inventory and distribution analysis 81

and Găiseni), DN5, on the side of the road (between Uzunu and Plopșoru), Giurgiu (on
the side of some streets: Gloriei Street, Bălănoaiei Street; Central square area, Plantelor
Canal, Bizetz Bridge, Port Road, port area, Groapa cu Cenușa Lake and surroundings, at
the foot of the bridge over the Danube towards Ruse, in the train station area), Hotarele,
Letca Nouă, Malu Spart, on the shore of Argeș River, Mihai Bravu (CNP, in the train
station area), Mihăilești, Mogoșești, Oncești, Palanca, Plopșoru, Podu Popa Nae,
Remuș, Stâlpu, Stoenești, on the shore of Sabar River, Uzunu (CNP), Vadu Lat, Valea
Plopilor, Vlad Țepeș (CNP), Vînătorii Mici. Habitats: various habitat types (road edges,
railway embankments, riverbanks etc.). Population size: 1 to 3 on the scale.
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle: Adunații-Copăceni, Bâcu, Bălănoaia,
Braniștea (CNP), Călugăreni (CNP, in the area of the bridge over Neajlov River, the
market, the edge of the road, and the forest), Colibași, Comasca (in the forest on the
edge of the Danube River), Comana (CNP), Cosoba, Crucea de Piatră (CNP, the side of
the road, on the sloping embankment of the road), Daia, DJ101A, between Stoenești and
Găiseni on the shore of Argeș, Frasinu, Frătești, Giurgiu (Groapa de Cenușă Lake, port
area, train station area, Central Square area, Plantelor Canal, Bizetz Bridge, Port Road,
Bălanoaiei Street, Drumul Fermei Street), DN5 between Uzunu and Plopșoru, Greaca,
Gostinu, Hotarele, Izvoarele, Letca Nouă, Malu Spart, Mihăilești, Mogoșești, Obedeni,
Oinacu, Pietrele, Săbăreni, Schitu, Tântava, Uzunu, Vadu Lat, Valea Bujorului, Valea
Dragului, Valea Plopilor, Vlașin. Population size: 1 to 5 on the scale. The largest
populations (4-5) are found on road edges. Other habitat types include waterbanks,
meadow habitats, forested areas, and others.
Albizia julibrissin Durazz.: Colibași, Comana (44.173843°N, 26.133209°E, in
CNP, the landscaped area of the Adventure Park, near the Dorințeler footbridge),
Frătești (43.977312°N, 25.963323°E, edge of the cemetery), Plopșoru. Habitats:
cemeteries, roadside edges, and lawns. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Amaranthus albus L.: Colibași, Comana (CNP), Crivina, Frătești, Ghizdaru,
Giurgiu (Port Road, Gloria Street), Mihai Bravu (CNP, in the train station area), Oncești
(train station). Habitats: roadside edges, lawns, garbage deposits, railway tracks, and
riverbanks. Population size: 1 - 2 on the scale.
Amaranthus blitum L.: Giurgiu (43.869686°N, 25.964479°E, the abandoned
railway near the port), Slobozia (43.840363°N, 25.896361°E, in the ruderal area on the
banks of an irrigation canal). The population size is 1 on the scale.
Amaranthus cruentus L.: Bolintin-Vale, Crivina, Cosoba, Stâlpu (44.268832°N,
25.851715°E, the space between the road and the fences of the houses) with a
population size is 1 on the scale.
Amaranthus deflexus L.: Călugăreni (CNP), Malu Spart, in the area of the
bridge over the Argeș River, Pietrișu, Săbăreni, Vedea. Habitats: roadside edges and
riverbanks. Population size: 1 to 3 on the scale.
Amaranthus hybridus L.: Bălanu, Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Mihai Bravu (CNP,
in the train station), Valea Bujorului, Vieru (43.93333°N, 25.870066°E). Habitats:
roadside edges, railway tracks, and riverbanks. Population size: 2 on the scale.
Amaranthus palmeri S.Watson: Giurgiu (43.865925°N, 25.956667°E, in the
port area), Oncești (43.942884°N, 25.893861°E, Oncești train station), Izvoarele, Valea
Dragului, Valea Bujorului. Habitats: roadside edges and vacant lots. Population size 1 -
2 on the scale.
82 NAGODĂ E., HOVANEȚ M.V., URZICEANU M.

Amaranthus powellii S.Watson: Crivina (44.434784°N, 25.766123°E, on an

area for the storage of garbage), Mogoșești (44.244072°N, 26.096508°E). Habitats:
garbage deposits and at roadside edges. Population size: 2 on the scale.
Amaranthus retroflexus L.: Adunaţii-Copăceni, Bălănoaia, Băneasa, Bâcu,
Bolintin-Vale, Brăniștari (CNP), Braniștea, Călugăreni (CNP), Cămineasca, Cetatea,
Comana (CNP), Comasca, Cosoba, Crivina, Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Daia, Dărăști-
Vlașca, Dealu, DN5B, between Bălănoia and Vlașin, Drăgăneasca, Frasinu, Frătești,
Ghimpați, Ghizdaru, Giurgiu (near the railway embankment, vacant area between
houses, place with various discarded waste, the edge of the streets, in the harbor through
the cracks between the slabs of the cliff and the pavement, the ruderal area at the foot of
the bridge over the Danube towards Ruse), Gorneni, Gostinu, Grădinari, Hotarele,
Izvoarele, Joița, Malu Spart, Mihai Bravu (CNP), Mihai Vodă, Mihăilești, Mogoșești,
Novaci, Obedeni, Oinacu, Oncești, Pietrele (CNP), Popești, Prundu (CNP), Puieni
(CNP), Radu Vodă, Remuș, Schitu, Stâlpu, Stoenești, Vadu Lat, Valea Bujorului, Valea
Dragului, Valea Plopilor, Vlad Țepeș (CNP), Vlașin. Population size: 2 on the scale,
frequently found especially at roadside edges.
Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Bălănoaia, Bâcu, Bolintin-Deal,
Bolintin-Vale, Brăniștari (CNP), Braniștea, Călugăreni (CNP), Cămineasca,
Căscioarele, Cetatea, Colibași, Comana (44.159088°N, 26.134811°E, CNP), Comasca
(on the embankment parallel to the Danube River and in the forest on the banks of the
Danube River), Crivina, Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Daia, Dărăști-Vlașca, Dealu,
Drăgăneasca, Falaștoaca (CNP), Florești, Frasinu, Frătești, Ghimpați, Giurgiu (the
surroundings of Groapa de Cenușă Lake, empty area between houses, the Plantelor
Canal, the port area, the edge of the abandoned (unused) road to the former customs
house, the gravel embankment at the Bizetz Bridge, the edges of the Plantelor Canal, the
riverside area of the railway leading to the port), Gogoșari, Gorneni, Gostinu (the
embankment parallel to the Danube River), Grădinari, Grădiștea, Izvoarele, Izvoru, Joița,
Letca Nouă, Malu Spart, Mihai Bravu, Mihai Vodă, Mihăilești, Milcovățu, Mogoșești,
Novaci, Palanca, Plopșoru, Popești, Prundu (44.102802°N, 26.178511°E, CNP), Remuș,
Oncești, Săbăreni, Slobozia, Stâlpu, Stoenești, Tântava, Uzunu (CNP), Vadu Lat, Valea
Bujorului, Valea Plopilor, Vlad Țepeș (CNP). Population size: from 1 to 5 on the scale,
with scale 4-5 being mostly observed at the edges of roads and railway tracks.
Amorpha fruticosa L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Bălănoaia, Băneasa, Bâcu, Bolintin-
Deal, Brăniștari (CNP), Braniștea, Călugăreni (CNP), Căscioarele, Comana
(44.160835°N, 26.10195°E, CNP), Comasca, Cosoba, Crivina, Crucea de Piatră (CNP),
Drăgăneasca, Gostinu, DJ101A, on the shore of Argeș River (between Stoenești and
Găiseni), DJ603 between Comana and Mihai Bravu (44.143753°N, 26.095358°E, CNP),
DN5 between Uzunu and Plopșoru, Falaștoaca (CNP), Pietrele, Frătești, Giurgiu
(43.913406°N, 25.970385°E, the area of the commercial complex, the edge of the
abandoned (unused) road to the former customs, the embankment of the railway and the
adjacent areas, in the port, the area of warehouses and cranes near the Danube bank, the
edges of the Plantelor Canal, the ruderal area at the foot of the bridge over the Danube
River, Gloriei Street), Gostinari, Gostinu, Grădinari, Joița, Malu Spart, Mihăilești,
Palanca, Podu Papa Nae, Puieni, Slobozia, Stâlpu, Stoenești, Tântava, Uzunu, Vlad
Țepeș (CNP). Population size: from 1 to 5 on the scale, predominantly observed along
riverbanks.
Alien plants species in Giurgiu County: Romania: an inventory and distribution analysis 83

Armoracia rusticana G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.: Bălănoaia, Bolintin-Vale,

Călugăreni (CNP), Cămineasca, Clejani, Crivina, Daia, between Stoenești and Găiseni
(44.493183°N, 25.677437°E, on the shore of Argeș River), Frătești, Ghimpați, Giurgiu,
Gorneni, Izvoarele, Joița, Mihăilești, Oinacu, Uzunu (CNP), Valea Bujorului. Habitats:
roadsides, riverbanks, vacant areas, garbage deposits etc. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Artemisia annua L.: Călugăreni (CNP), Cosoba, Giurgiu (43.872631°N,
25.935013°E, the ruderal bank of the Plantelor Canal), Gostinu, Frătești, Malu Spart,
Mihăilești, Novaci, Pietrișu, Uzunu (CNP). Habitats: the water's edge, in grasslands
areas, and in garbage deposits. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J.Scott: Adunații-Copăceni, Braniștea, Călugăreni
(CNP), Ghimpați, Giurgiu, Stoenești. Habitats: roadside, on vacant lots. Population size:
1-2 on the scale.
Bidens frondosa L.: Comana (44.173843°N, 26.133209°E, CNP), Giurgiu (the
cobbled bank of the Plantelor Canal, Ciobanu Island, port area), Gostinari, Malu Spart.
Habitats: primarily on the water's edge. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Calendula officinalis L.: Frătești, Joița, Mihăilești, Uzunu (CNP), Vlașin.
Habitats: roadside and in the green spaces in front of residential areas. Population size:
1-2 on the scale.
Campsis radicans (L.) Bureau: Bălani, Bolintin-Vale, Cămineasca, Frătești,
Giurgiu, Mihăilești, Milvovățu, Popești, Valea Plopilor. Habitats: roadside, garbage
deposits. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Cannabis sativa L.: Bălănoaia, Bâcu, Cămineasca, Cetatea, Comana (CNP),
Cosoba, Dărăști-Vlașca, Frătești, Ghimpați, Gorneni, Gostinu, Novaci, Oncești, Popești,
Slobozia, 503A between Oncești and Radu Vodă. Habitats: roadside, arable land, dikes,
irrigation canals. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Catalpa bignonioides Walter: Călugăreni (CNP), Mihăilești, Plopșoru, E70
between Gorneni and Stâlpu, 5B between Bălănoaia and Vlașin. Habitats: forest edges
and roadsides. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Celtis occidentalis L.: Giurgiu (43.879693°N, 25.946686°E, near Groapa cu
Cenușă Lake). Habitats: roadside. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai: Malu Spart (44.437702N,
25.733446E, the meadow area near the banks of the Argeș River), Gostinu (the sandy
beach on the bank of the Danube River). Habitats: waterside, meadow. Population size:
1 on the scale.
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.: Călugăreni (CNP), Comana (44.173843°N,
26.133209°E, CNP), Crivina, Giurgiu (43.882776°N, 25.963481°E, the sloping bank of
the Plantelor Canal), Malu Spart, Vărăști. Habitats: garbage deposits, roadside,
landscaped lawns. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Cosmos bipinnatus Cav.: Colibași, Ghimpați, Remuș. Habitats: vacant lots,
cemeteries, green spaces in front of residential areas. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Cuscuta campestris Yunck.: Cămineasca, Colibași, Crivina, Daia, DJ101A,
between Găiseni and Stoenești, Falaștoaca (CNP), Frătești, Ghimpați, Giurgiu (the port
area, the vicinity of the railway, the banks of the Plantelor Canal), Gostinu, Grădiștea,
Malu Spart, Milcovățu, DJ504A between Gogoșari and Vieru, Puieni (CNP), Slobozia,
Uzunu, Valea Dragului, Vlad Țepeș (CNP). Habitats: waterside, roadside, canals,
meadows, agricultural land, railways, garbage deposits. Population size: 1-3 on the scale.
84 NAGODĂ E., HOVANEȚ M.V., URZICEANU M.

Datura stramonium L.: Bălanu, Braniștea, Comana (CNP), Comasca, Daia,

Frătești, Giurgiu, Gostinu, Hotarele, Joița, Mihai Bravu (CNP), Mihăilești, Oinacu,
Pietrișu, Popești. Habitats: railways, waterside, garbage deposits, vacant lots, lawns.
Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Datura wrightii Regel: Adunații-Copăceni, Călugăreni (CNP), Crivina, Crucea
de Piatră (CNP), Daia, Dărăști-Vlașca, Ghimpați, Gorneni, Grădiștea (CNP), Izvoarele,
Malu Spart, Mihăilești, Novaci, Oinacu, Pietrele (CNP), 5B road between Bălănoaia
and Vlașin. Habitats: roadside, green spaces in front of residential areas, vacant lots,
garbage deposits. Population size: 1-2 on the scale
Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.: Giurgiu (Plantelor Canal), Comasca (the shore of the
Danube River), Gostinu, Slobozia (the shore of the Danube River). Habitats: waterside,
canals, dikes. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Elaeagnus angustifolia L.: Adunatii-Copăceni, Călugăreni (CNP), Crevedia
Mare, Daia, E85 between Uzunu and Daia, Giurgiu, Gorneni, Izvoarele, Mihăilești,
Oncești, Vadu Lat, Vlașin. Habitats: meadows, vacant lots, roadside, green spaces in
front of residential areas. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.: Bolintin-Vale, Crivina, Ghimpați, Giurgiu
(Giurgiu port and its surroundings, the railway embankment and adjacent areas, parking
areas and streets), Gostinu. Habitats: ditches, railways, sidewalks, Danube bank, vacant
lots, green spaces in front of residential areas, garbage deposits. Population size: 1-4 on
the scale.
Elodea nuttallii (Planch.) H.St.John: Comasca, Gostinari (44.185152°N,
26.213626°E), Slobozia (43.835257°N, 25.917461°E). Habitats: sandy beach on the
Danube, temporary ponds. Population size: 3 on the scale.
Erigeron annuus (L.) Desf: Adunații-Copăceni, Bolintin-Vale, Căscioarele,
Comana (CNP), Comasca, Cosoba, Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Dărăști-Vlașca, Frătești,
Ghimpați, Giurgiu, Gogoșari, Gostinu, Grădinari, Izvoru, Malu Spart, Mihai Bravu
(CNP), Mihai Vodă, Mihăilești, Novaci, Plopșoru, Podu Papa Nae, Remuș, Vieru.
Habitats: green spaces in front of residential areas, roadside, dikes, embankments,
meadows, waterside (Argeș River), forests, vacant lots, canals. Population size: 1-5 on
the scale.
Erigeron bonariensis L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Giurgiu (43.884794°N, 25.962166°E,
near the road bridge over the Plantelor Canal). Habitats: roadside, vacant lots, canals.
Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Erigeron canadensis L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Bălănoaia, Bolintin-Vale, Brăniștari
(CNP), Braniștea, Călugăreni (CNP), Cămineasca, Căscioarele, Cetatea, Colibași,
Comana (CNP), Comasca, Crevedia Mare, Crivina, Daia, Dărăști-Vlașca, Drăgăneasca,
Falaștoaca (CNP), Frătești, Ghimpați, Ghizdaru, Giurgiu (the port area, the embankment
of the railway and the adjacent areas, the Plantelor Canal, next to the fences, the green
area at the edge of the streets, the Central Square, the Groapa cu Cenușă Lake, Ciobanu
Island, the ruderal area at the foot of the bridge over the Danube River), Gorneni,
Gostinu, Grădiștea, Hotarele, Izvoarele, Joița, Malu Spart, Mihai Vodă, Prundu (CNP),
Mihăilești, Milcovățu, Mogoșești, Novaci, Obedeni, Oinacu, Oncești, Podu Popa Nae,
Popești, Radu Vodă, Săbăreni, Stâlpu, Stoenești, Vadu Lat, Valea Dragului, Vărăști,
Vlad Țepeș (CNP). Habitats: riverbanks, canals, railways, asphalt cracks, concrete
embankments, railway embankments, waterside, Danube bank, arable land, forests,
green spaces in front of residential areas. Population size: 1-4 on the scale.
Alien plants species in Giurgiu County: Romania: an inventory and distribution analysis 85

Erigeron sumatrensis Retz.: 44.135593°N, 26.218632°E, on DJ412 between

Falaștoaca and Prundu (CNP), 44.05089°N, 26.104219°E, between Băneasa and Pietrele,
Giurgiu (43.883653°N, 25.963503°E, near the road bridge over the Plantelor Canal),
44.018913°N, 25.800421°E, between Izvoarele and Radu Vodă, Varlaam. Habitats:
gravel-covered embankment, canals, roadside. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Euphorbia maculata L.: Comana (CNP), the landscaped area adjacent to the
Adventure Park), Giurgiu (the parking area and a ruderal place near the Central Square,
the Giurgiu port, the Plantelor Canal). Habitats: cemeteries, waterside, lawns.
Population size: 1 on the scale.
Euphorbia marginata Pursh: Ghimpați (44.196487°N, 25.788286°E, vacant area
next to the cemetery, where vegetable waste is thrown), Frătești (the cemetery). Habitats:
vacant lots, green spaces in front of residential areas. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Euphorbia prostrata Aiton: Giurgiu (Giurgiu Port, in the cracks between the
slabs of the cliff and the pavement, the abandoned railway near the port). Population
size: 2 on the scale.
Fallopia aubertii (L.Henry) Holub: Gogoșari, Mihai Bravu (CNP, the train
station). Habitats railway, arable lands. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Ficus carica L.: Dărăști-Vlașca (ruderal place where vegetable waste is thrown).
Habitats: vacant land. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall: Bălănoaia, Călugăreni (CNP), Crucea de
Piatră (CNP), Daia, DN5 between Crucea de Piatră and Plopșoru, DN5B between Vlașin
and Bălănoaia, Frătești, Ghimpați, Giurgiu, Gostinu, Mihăilești, Pietrele (CNP), Prundu
(CNP), Vlașin, E70 between Stâlpu and Valea Plopilor. Habitats: waterside, abandoned
land, roadside, forests, Danube bank, vacant lots. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Gaillardia pulchella Foug.: Frătești (the cemetery), Giurgiu (43.882776°N,
25.963481°E, Plantelor Canal, Bizetz Bridge), Grădiștea. Habitats: green spaces in front
of residential areas. Population size: 1 on the scale
Galinsoga parviflora Cav.: Oinacu, Stoenești. Habitats: waterside, vacant land.
Population size: 1 on the scale.
Gleditsia triacanthos L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Bălănoaia, Băneasa, Bolintin-Vale,
Brăniștari (CNP), Braniștea, Călugăreni (CNP), Cetatea, Comana (CNP), Comasca,
Cosoba, Crevedia Mare, Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Daia, Dărăști-Vlașca, Drăgăneasca,
DJ412 between Gostinari and Prundu, between Comana and Mihai Bravu (CNP),
Frasinu, Frătești, Ghimpați, Giurgiu, Gorneni, Gostinu, Hotarele, Malu Spart, Mihai
Bravu (CNP), Mogoșești, Oinacu, Oncești, Pietrele (CNP), Prundu (CNP), DN5
between Crucea de Piatră and Plopșoru, Radu Vodă, Remuș, Săbăreni, Schitu,
Stoenești, Tântava, Vadu Lat, Valea Bujorului, Valea Plopilor, Vlașin. Habitats:
roadside, concrete embankments, meadows, waterside, Danube bank, railways, green
spaces in front of residential areas. Population size: 1-5 on the scale.
Helianthus annuus L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Braniștea, Călugăreni (CNP),
Cămineasca, Daia, Ghimpați, Gorneni, Mihăilești, Novaci, Oncești, Plopșoru, Radu
Vodă, Valea Plopilor. Habitats: waterside, ditches, roadside, sandy beach on the
Danube, green spaces in front of residential areas, vacant land. Population size: 1-2, and
5 on the scale.
Helianthus tuberosus L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Bălănoaia, Bălanu, Călugăreni
(CNP), Crivina, Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Daia, Dărăști-Vlașca, Falaștoaca (CNP),
Frătești, Ghimpați, Giurgiu (the railway embankment and adjacent areas, Drumul
86 NAGODĂ E., HOVANEȚ M.V., URZICEANU M.

Fermei Street, Balanoaiei Street), Gorneni, Gostinu, Grădiștea, Hotarele, Izvoarele,

Joița, Letca Nouă, Malu Spart, Mihăilești, Popești, Remuș, Schitu, Stâlpu, Tântava,
Uzunu (CNP), Vadu Lat, Vărăști, Varlaam. Habitats: cemeteries, railway embankments,
waterside, roadside, green spaces in front of residential areas, ruderal meadows.
Population size: 1-3 on the scale.
Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth: Crivina, Dărăști-Vlașca, Gostinu, Uzunu (CNP).
Habitats: dikes, garbage deposits, green spaces in front of residential areas. Population
size: 1 on the scale.
Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.: DN5 between Uzunu and Plopșoru, Giurgiu,
Gorneni, Letca Nouă, Mihăilești, Uzunu (CNP), Vadu Lat, Valea Plopilor, E70 between
Valea Plopilor and Ghimpați, Stâlpu. Habitats: roadside, vacant lots, plantations.
Population size: 1 on the scale.
Lemna minuta Kunth: Comana (44.177836°N, 26.140844°E, CNP), Comasca,
Gostinu (43.989786°N, 26.14673°E, water channel near the Danube River). Habitats:
temporary ponds. Population size: 3 on the scale.
Lindernia dubia (L.) Pennell: Gostinu (the shore of Danube River), Slobozia
(the shore of Danube River). Habitats: sandy beach on the Danube. Population size:
1 on the scale.
Lycium barbarum L.: Bălănoaia, Baneasa, Brăniștari (CNP), Braniștea,
Călugăreni (CNP), Comana (CNP), Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Daia, Dărăști-Vlașca,
Frătești, Ghimpați, Ghizdaru, Giurgiu, Gorneni, Gostinu, Hotarele, Malu Spart,
Mihăilești, Mogoșești, Oinacu, Pietrele (CNP), Popești, Schitu, Valea Dragului,
Varlaam, Stoenești. Habitats: roadside, riverbanks, green spaces in front of residential
areas, vacant lots. Population size: 2-5 on the scale.
Matricaria discoidea DC.: Daia (43.982052°N, 25.989082°E), E70 between
Uzunu and Daia. Habitats: roadside, green spaces in front of residential areas.
Population size: 1 on the scale.
Mirabilis jalapa L.: Dealu, Frătești (the cemetery), Remuș. Habitats: cemeteries,
roadside, vacant lots. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Morus alba L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Băneasa, Bâcu, Brăniștari (CNP), Braniștea,
Călugăreni (CNP), Cămineasca, Comana (CNP), Cosoba, Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Daia,
Dărăști-Vlașca, Drăgăneasca, Pietrele, E85 between Uzunu and Plopșoru, Falaștoaca (CNP),
Frătești, Ghimpați, Giurgiu, Gorneni, Gostinu, Hotarele, Izvoarele, Letca Nouă, Mihai Bravu
(CNP), Mihăilești, Novaci, Oinacu, Oncești, Puieni (CNP), Popești, Radu Vodă, Remuș,
Săbăreni, Stoenești, Uzunu (CNP), Valea Bujorului, Valea Plopilor, Vărăști, Vlașin.
Habitats: railway embankments, cemeteries, waterside, canals, agricultural land, green
spaces in front of residential areas. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Morus nigra L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Băneasa, Bolintin-Vale, Brăniștari (CNP),
Călugăreni (CNP), Cămineasca, Comana (CNP), Dealu, Frătești, Ghimpați, Giurgiu (the
edge of the abandoned (unused) road to the former customs, the railway embankment
and the adjacent areas, Giurgiu Port), Gostinu, Izvoarele, Malu Spart, Mihai Bravu
(CNP), Mihai Vodă, Mihăilești, Novaci, Palanca, Plopșoru, Schitu, Stoenești, Vadu Lat,
Valea Dragului, Valea Plopilor, DJ603 between Comana and Mihai Bravu (CNP).
Habitats: railway embankments, cemeteries, waterside, canals, agricultural land, green
spaces in front of residential areas. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Nicotiana alata Link & Otto: Novaci (44.300949°N, 25.981157°E). Habitats:
green spaces in front of residential areas. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Alien plants species in Giurgiu County: Romania: an inventory and distribution analysis 87

Oenothera biennis L.: Ghimpați, Grădiștea, Malu Spart, Remuș, Vadu Lat.
Habitats: roadside, green spaces in front of residential areas. Population size: 1 on
the scale.
Oenothera glazioviana Micheli: Căscioarele (44.504082°N, 25.62943°E, the
shore of Argeș River), Falaștoaca (44.183311°N, 26.202961°E, CNP), Remuș (the
cemetery), Vlad Țepeș (44.136093°N, 26.121971°E, CNP). Habitats: cemeteries,
waterside, railway embankments. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Oenothera speciosa Nutt.: Adunații-Copăceni, Călugăreni (CNP), Frătești,
Remuș (the cemetery). Habitats: vacant lots, green spaces in front of residential areas.
Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Oxalis corniculata L.: Varlaam (44.254515°N, 26.09104°E). Habitats: waterside,
meadow. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Oxalis stricta L.: Colibași, Mihai Bravu (CNP), Giurgiu. Habitats: railways,
meadow, asphalt cracks, green spaces in front of residential areas. Population size: 1 on
the scale.
Panicum capillare L.: 401A between Găiseni and Stoenești (44.49408°N,
25.677843°E, on the shore of Argeș River), Mihăilești, Frătești (the train station),
Gostinu (the beach on the bank of the Danube River), Malu Spart (the shore of Argeș
River), Podu Popa Nae (the shore of Argeș River), Slobozia (the beach on the bank of
the Danube River). Habitats: sandy beach on the Danube, dikes, railways, riverbanks,
concrete platforms, green spaces in front of residential areas. Population size: 1-3 on the
scale.
Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx.: 401A between Găiseni and Stoenești
(44.49408°N, 25.677843°E, the shore of Argeș River), Mihăilești, Giurgiu (Giurgiu
Port, empty area between warehouses, cranes, the edge of the Danube River), Gostinu
(the beach on the bank of the Danube River). Habitats: sandy beach on the Danube,
vacant lots. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Parthenocissus inserta (A.Kern.) Fritsch.: Bolintin-Vale, Cămineasca, Crucea
de Piatră (CNP), Daia, Dărăști-Vlașca, Drăgăneasca, Giurgiu, Gorneni, Gostinu, Mihai
Bravu (CNP), Mihăilești, Novaci, Oncești, Remuș. Habitats: ruderal vegetation on the
Danube bank, roadside ditches, railway embankments, forests, vacant lots. Population
size: 1-4 on the scale.
Paspalum distichum L. (Paspalum paspalodes (Michx.) Scribn.): Gostinu (the
shore of Danube River), Slobozia (the shore of Danube River). Habitats: sandy beach on
the Danube. Population size: 4 on the scale.
Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud.: E85 between Uzunu and Plopșoru,
Novaci, Oncești (43.968456°N, 25.857862°E, ruderal place at the edge of crops where
household waste is thrown). Habitats: roadside edges, green spaces in front of
residences. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Petrosedum ochroleucum (Chaix) Niederle (Sedum ochroleucum Chaix):
Frătești (the cemetery), Giurgiu (Sfântul Haralambie cemetery). Population size: 1 on
the scale.
Petunia integrifolia (Hook.) Schinz & Thell.: Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Giurgiu
(Giurgiu Port, Plantelor Canal, Bizetz Bridge, Port Road). Habitats: stone
embankments, sidewalk cracks, green spaces in front of residences. Population size:
1 on the scale.
88 NAGODĂ E., HOVANEȚ M.V., URZICEANU M.

Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.: Bălănoaia (43.962298°N, 25.919653°E,

Bălănoaia Lake). Habitats: grasslands. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Phytolacca acinosa Roxb (Phytolacca esculenta Van Houtte): Călugăreni
(44.183289°N, 26.01833°E, the green area by the side of the road, CNP), Bolintin-Vale
(ruderal place). Habitats: vacant lots. Population size: 1 on the scale.
Phytolacca americana L.: Bolintin-Vale, Braniștea, Căscioarele, Crivina,
Falaștoaca (CNP), Giurgiu (the train station, Giurgiu port, the area of the Central
Markets, Groapa cu Cenușă Lake and its surroundings), Obedeni, Oncești, Stoenești,
Tântava. Habitats: railways, waterside, green spaces in front of residential areas, vacant
lots. Population size: 1-4 on the scale.
Portulaca oleracea L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Băneasa, Bolintin-Vale, Comana
(CNP), Crivina, Dărăști-Vlașca, DJ401A between Stoenești and Găiseni, Frătești,
Ghimpați, Giurgiu (Giurgiu Port, train station, Port Road, shopping area with
supermarkets, Central Square, Plantelor Canal, Bizetz Bridge, Groapa cu Cenușă Lake
and surroundings), Gostinu, Izvoarele, Joița, Mihai Bravu (CNP), Mihai Vodă, Oinacu,
Oncești, Pietrele (CNP), Pietrișu, Săbăreni, Slobozia, Stoenești, Vieru. Habitats:
concrete embankments, railways, cemeteries, sandy beach on the Danube, garbage
deposits. Population size: 1-4 on the scale.
Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.: Bâcu, Brăniștari (CNP), Colibași, Cosoba, Crucea de
Piatră (CNP), Frătești, Ghimpați, Giurgiu, Letca Nouă, Mihai Bravu (CNP), Mihăilești,
Plopșoru, Remuș, Stâlpu, Uzunu (CNP), Valea Plopilor. Habitats: railway
embankments, vacant lots, forests, roadside, agricultural land. Population size: 1-2 on
the scale.
Reynoutria japonica Houtt.: Bolintin-Vale, Colibași, Crivina, Giurgiu (railway
embankment, Cărămidarii vechi Street), 401A, between Stoenești and Găiseni
(44.49408°N, 25.677843°E, the shore of Argeș River), Mihăilești. Habitats: railway
embankments, garbage deposits, green spaces in front of residential areas. Population
size: 1-3 on the scale.
Robinia pseudoacacia L.: Adunații-Copăceni, Bâcu, Bălanu, Băneasa,
Balănoaia, Bolintin-Deal, Brăniștari (CNP), Braniștea, Călugăreni (CNP), Cămineasca,
Cetatea, Comana (CNP), Comasca, Cosoba, Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Daia, Dărăști-
Vlașca, Drăgăneasca, Găiseni, Ghimpați, Ghizdaru, Giurgiu, Gogoșari, Gorneni,
Gostinu, Hotarele, Falaștoaca (CNP), Frătești, Izvoarele, Joița, Letca Nouă, Malu Spart,
Mihai Bravu (CNP), Mihăilești, Milcovățu, Mironești, Mogoșești, Novaci, Obedeni,
Oinacu, Oncești, Pietrele, Prundu (CNP), Plopșoru, Popești, Remuș, Săbăreni, Schitu,
Stâlpu, Stoenești, Uzunu (CNP), Valea Bujorului, Valea Dragului, Valea Plopilor,
Varlaam, Vieru, Vlașin. Habitats: roadside, railway embankments, cracks in concrete
slabs, sandy beach on the Danube, riverbank, plantations, forests, green spaces in front
of residential areas. Population size: 1-5 on the scale.
Rudbeckia laciniata L.: Frătești, Ghimpați, Popești, Valea Dragului. Habitats:
cemeteries, vacant lots, green spaces in front of residential areas. Population size: 1-2 on
the scale.
Rudbeckia triloba L.: Frătești (the edge of the cemetery), Mihai Vodă, Popești,
Valea Dragului, Vlad Țepeș (the edge of the cemetery, CNP). Habitats: vacant lots,
roadside. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Sicyos angulatus L.: Giurgiu (Plantelor Canal, in the pontoon area, Bizetz
Bridge, Ciobanu Island, Bridge over the Danube to Ruse, the old customs house),
Alien plants species in Giurgiu County: Romania: an inventory and distribution analysis 89

Gostinu (43.990978°N, 26.159966°E, in the forest on the banks of the Danube River,
43.992184°N, 26.113289°E, the edge of the road at the exit of the village, the bank of
the irrigation channel and the fence of the gardens). Habitats: gravel-covered
embankment, roadside, canals, meadow on the Danube bank. Population size: 1-4 on
the scale.
Solanum lycopersicum L.: Cămineasca (the area at the edge of the village,
where the garbage is stored), Frătești, Giurgiu (near the Bizetz Bridge, vacant place
between the warehouses in Giurgiu Port, the sandy bank of the Danube River), Gostinu,
Stoenești (the banks of the Sabar River and a vacant lot where household garbage is
thrown). Population size: 1 on the scale.
Solidago canadensis L.: Comana (44.173843°N, 26.133209°E, CNP), Frătești
(the cemetery), Popești. Habitats: lawns, vacant lots, green spaces in front of residential
areas. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.: Adunații-Copăceni, Bălănoaia, Bălanu, Băneasa,
Bâcu, Bolintin-Deal, Bolintin-Vale, Brăniștari (CNP), Braniștea, Călugăreni (CNP),
Cămineasca, Cetatea, Comana (CNP), Comasca, Cosoba, Crevedia Mare, Crivina,
Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Daia, Dărăști-Vlașca, Dealu, Drăgăneasca, Ghimpați, Giurgiu
(Giurgiu Port, the embankment of the railway and the surrounding areas, Plantelor
Canal, commercial area with supermarkets, Groapa cu Cenușă Lake and its
surroundings, the Bridge over the Danube to Ruse, the old customs house), Gorneni,
Gostinu, Hotarele, Izvoarele, Joița, Frasinu, Frătești, Malu Spart, Mihai Bravu (CNP),
Mihai Vodă, Mihăilești, Novaci, Obedeni, Oinacu, Oncești, Palanca, Pietrele (CNP),
Pietrișu, Podu Popa Nae, Prundu (CNP), Plopșoru, Popești, Puieni (CNP), Radu Vodă,
Remuș, Săbăreni, Schitu, Slobozia, Stâlpu, Stoenești, Tântava, Uzunu (CNP), Vadu Lat,
Valea Bujorului, Valea Dragului, Valea Plopilor, Vărăști, Vedea, Vieru, Vlad Țepeș
(CNP), Vlașin. Habitats: riverbank, railways, gravel-covered dikes, agricultural land,
forest edges, garbage deposits, green spaces in front of residential areas. Population
size: 1-5 on the scale.
Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Willd.): Giurgiu (Plantelor Canal, Giurgiu Port
area), Gostinu (43.990486°N, 26.109335°E, the bed and banks of a dry irrigation
channel, the edge of the forest and the bank of the Danube River). Population size: 1 on
the scale.
Symphyotrichum squamatum (Spreng.) G.L.Nesom: Giurgiu (43.883653°N,
25.963503°E, the embankment near the Bizetz Bridge, 43.888427°N, 25.975777°E, the
banks of the Plantelor Canal in the area of the pontoons, 43.895207°N, 25.958554°E,
Gării Street), Slobozia (43.840363°N, 25.896361°E, the ruderal area on the banks of a
water channel). Habitats: gravel-covered embankment, sandy beach on the Danube,
vacant lots, canals. Population size: 1, 2, 4 on the scale.
Xanthium orientale L. subsp. italicum (Moretti) Greuter: Adunații-Copăceni,
Bălănoaia, Băneasa, Bălanu, Bolintin-Deal, Bolintin-Vale, Braniștea, Călugăreni
(CNP), Cămineasca, Căscioarele, Cetatea, Clejani, Comana (CNP), Comasca, Cosoba,
Crivina, Crucea de Piatră (CNP), Daia, Dărăști-Vlașca, Gostinu, 401A between
Stoenești and Găiseni, 603 between Comana and Mihai Bravu (CNP), Falaștoaca
(CNP), Frasinu, Frătești, Ghimpați, Ghizdaru, Giurgiu (Giurgiu Port, Plantelor Canal,
commercial area with supermarkets, Groapa cu Cenușă Lake and its surroundings,
Bridge over the Danube River to Ruse, the old customs house), Gorneni, Gostinu,
Izvoarele, Izvoru, Malu Spart, Mihai Bravu (CNP), Mihai Vodă, Mihăilești, Milcovățu,
90 NAGODĂ E., HOVANEȚ M.V., URZICEANU M.

Novaci, Obedeni, Oinacu, Oncești, Palanca, Pietrele (CNP), Plopșoru, Podu Popa Nae,
Popești, Puieni (CNP), Radu Vodă, Schitu, Slobozia, Stoenești, Tântava, Uzunu (CNP),
Valea Bujorului, Valea Dragului, Varlaam, Vedea, Vieru, Vlad Țepeș (CNP), Vlașin,
E85 between Uzunu and Daia, 504A between Gogoșari and Vieru, E70 between Stâlpu
and Valea Plopilor. Habitats: riverbanks, sidewalks, gravel-covered dikes, sandy beach
on the Danube, roadside, lakes, green spaces in front of residential areas. Population
size: 1-4 on the scale.
Xanthium spinosum L.: Cămineasca, Frătești, Ghimpați, Gostinu, Slobozia,
Vlad Țepeș (44.136093°N, 26.121971°E, CNP). Habitats: waterside, roadside, canals,
vacant lots, garbage deposits. Population size: 1-2 on the scale.
Yucca filamentosa L.: Bolintin-Vale (44.434784°N, 25.766123°E, garbage
storage area). Population size: 1 on the scale..
Zea mays L.: Crivina (44.434784°N, 25.766123°E, waste storage area on land),
Oinacu, Schitu, 507 between Braniștea and Gostinu, Giurgiu (43.865925°N,
25.956667°E, Giurgiu Port, ruderal places between warehouses, cranes). Habitats:
roadside, vacant lots, sandy beach on the Danube, garbage deposits. Population size:
1 on the scale.

Discussions
During our field study in Giurgiu County, we identified 89 alien plant taxa (see
Appendix 1). The literature data preceding our study had reported 65 alien plant species
(see Appendix 2), of which 34 eluded our observations. This variance could be
attributed to differences in transects or observation points compared to ours, as well as
an unspecified vegetation period in the literature. In contrast to the literature-reported
data, our research includes 58 taxons of alien plants newly reported at the county level
of Giurgiu (see Appendix 1). Some of these may have been inadvertently overlooked in
previous publications, potentially due to their widespread presence.
The taxa we identified are distributed across 32 botanical families (Fig. 2).
Among these families, the most well-represented are Asteraceae (23 taxa – 25.84%),
Amaranthaceae (9 taxa – 10.11%), Solanaceae (6 taxa – 6.74%), Poaceae (6 taxa –
6.74%), Fabaceae (4 taxa – 4.49%), Euphorbiaceae (3 taxa – 3.37%), Moraceae (3 taxa
– 3.37%), Onagraceae (3 taxa – 3.37%). The remaining 24 families are each represented
by two taxa (9 families) or one taxon (15 families) (Fig. 2).
The pattern of the families is mostly like national pattern corresponding with
temperate climate (Anastasiu & Negrean 2009) and of other vicinity countries such as
Bulgaria (Zahariev et al. 2021), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Barudanović et al. 2021).
Amaranthus with 8 species is the genus with the highest number of alien taxa.
The rest of the genera are represented by four species (Erigeron), by three species
(Euphorbia, Oenothera), by two species (8 genera) or by a single species (53 genera).
The analysis of life span shows a predominance of annuals with 49 species
(55.05%), while perennials are represented by 37 species (41.57%) and biennals by 3
species (3.37%) (Fig. 3).
Alien plants species in Giurgiu County: Romania: an inventory and distribution analysis 91

25 23

20
Number of taxa

15
9
10
6 6
4 3 3 3
5

Botanical family

Fig. 2. Spectrum of the families (with three taxa and more)

of alien plant species from Giurgiu County

Fig. 3. Spectrum of life span of alien plants from Giurgiu County

In terms of life form, the majority of annual alien plants are terophytes (46
species), thriving in habitats closely linked to human activity. These habitats include
areas along roadsides and railways (e.g., Amaranthus albus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia,
Erigeron canadensis, Portulaca oleracea), ruderal lands (e.g., Abutilon theophrasti,
Amaranthus retroflexus, Erigeron annuus, Ipomoea purpurea), locations where garbage
is dumped (e.g., Cannabis sativa, Artemisia annua, Solanum lycopersicum), cultivated
fields or their peripheries (e.g., Amaranthus retroflexus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia,
Datura stramonium, Galinsoga parviflora, Xanthium orientale subsp. italicum), areas in
front of courtyards or in cemeteries (e.g., Calendula officinalis, Cosmos bipinnatus,
92 NAGODĂ E., HOVANEȚ M.V., URZICEANU M.

Datura wrightii, Mirabilis jalapa, Nicotiana alata). Additionally, some are found along
the banks of the Danube or the edges of water channels (e.g., Eclipta prostrata, Eleusine
indica, Euphorbia maculata, Lindernia dubia, Panicum capillare, Panicum
dichotomiflorum).
Within the annual species, we note the novel observation of the climbing plant
Sicyos angulatus, exhibiting significant abundance along the Danube riverbanks,
including proliferation within the vegetation on Ciobanu Island in Giurgiu.
Additionally, a newly reported species in Giurgiu County is the hydrophyte Lemna
minuta, thriving in ponds and channels near the Danube River.
Among the perennials, phanerophytes (17 taxa) dominate, followed by
hemicryptophytes (11 taxa), geophytes (5 taxa), and lianas (4 taxa). Chamaephytes and
hydrophytes each have only one representative (Fig. 4, Appendix 1).

Fig. 4. Life form spectrum of alien plant species from Giurgiu County
(see abbreviations in Material and methods)

Several perennial plants introduced for ornamental purposes have escaped

cultivation and become abundant, resulting in damage to native vegetation (Amorpha
fruticosa, Gleditsia triacanthos, Helianthus tuberosus, Lycium barbarum, Phytolacca
americana, Reynoutria japonica, Solidago canadensis). Other perennials plants are
spontaneously in the Danube (Elodea nuttallii) or on its banks (Paspalum distichum,
Sorghum halepense).
In Giurgiu County, approximately 70% of alien plant species originate from the
Americas (Fig. 5), predominantly North America, accounting for 46 taxa out of the total
62 (69.66%). South America contributes 10 taxa, and 6 taxa have a dual origin from
both Americas. Asia represents the second most significant area of origin, contributing
to 16 taxa. A minority of species have a Mediterranean origin (3 taxa), one has an
African origin, while others have a combined origin, specifically from Europe & Asia
(3 taxa), Africa & Asia (2 taxa), and North America & Asia (2 taxa) (Fig. 5). Regarding
the native range pattern, the list of alien plants in Giurgiu County aligns with the data
published by Anastasiu et al. (2005).
Alien plants species in Giurgiu County: Romania: an inventory and distribution analysis 93

Fig. 5. Origin spectrum of alien plant species from Giurgiu County

(see abbreviations in Material and methods)

In terms of introduction way, among the taxa observed in Giurgiu County, 56

taxa (62.92%) have been deliberately introduced, while 33 taxa (37.07%) were
introduced accidentally in our country (see Appendix 1). Ornamental uses stand out as
the primary cause of introducing invasive flora, whether herbaceous or woody species.
Through our field observations, we note that certain introductions are linked to the use
of plants as food sources (such as Amaranthus blitum, Armoracia rusticana, Citrullus
lanatus, Helianthus annuus, Helianthus tuberosus, Solanum lycopersicum), as
melliferous plants, for bank stabilization, erosion control, or for creating protective wind
curtains (including Amorpha fruticosa, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Lycium barbarum).
In our study, we considered archaeophytes (aliens introduced before 1500 AD),
neophytes, and cryptogenic taxa (taxa for which the period of introduction is not known
or not well documented). Concerning residence time, the majority of species are
neophytes (82 taxa – 92.13%), while only 5 taxa (5.61%) fall under the category of
archaeophytes (Amaranthus blitum, Calendula officinalis, Cannabis sativa, Portulaca
oleracea, Prunus cerasifera). Abutilon theophrasti and Armoracia rusticana are species
with uncertain status, classified as cryptogenic.
Concerning invasiveness, more than half of the taxa in Giurgiu County, totaling
46 species, are considered invasive, while 30 are categorized as casual aliens, and 13 are
deemed naturalized. (Fig. 6). Notably, two species are of concern to the European
Union (EU). Specifically, Elodea nuttallii is listed in Regulation no. 1263/2017 as a
species of EU concern. It is prevalent in significant numbers in water holes and
channels flowing into the Danube from Gura Vedei - Șaica – Slobozia SCI, as well as in
the Argeș River (Gostinari). Ailanthus altissima, also identified as an EU concern in
Regulation no. 1262/2019, is present in over 33 localities in Giurgiu County, exhibiting
large populations in all phenological stages, from juveniles to fruit-bearing adults. The
94 NAGODĂ E., HOVANEȚ M.V., URZICEANU M.

species demonstrates adaptability to a wide range of natural and anthropogenic habitats

(Anastasiu et al. 2019) and unfortunately, it is also present in the Comana Natural Park,
Gura Vedei - Șaica – Slobozia, and Pădurea Oloaga – Grădinari protected areas causing
damage to indigenous plant.

Fig. 6. Spectrum of invasivity of alien plants from Giurgiu County

More than half of the alien plant species, specifically 59 taxa (66.29%), are
also found within the mentioned protected areas, with the majority located in the
territory of Comana Natural Park (52.80%), spanning across 13 localities (Brăniștari,
Budeni, Călugăreni, Comana, Crucea de Piatră, Falaștoaca, Hulubești, Mihai Bravu,
Pietrele, Puieni, Prundu, Vlad Țepeș, and Uzunu). The most widely distributed alien
species in this protected areas are Sorghum halepense and Xanthium orientale subsp.
italicum, found in 10 localities, followed by Amaranthus retroflexus present in 9
localities. The species Erigeron canadensis, Gleditsia triacanthos, Morus alba, and
Robinia pseudoacacia are reported from 8 localities, while Amorpha fruticosa is found
in 7 localities, and Acer negundo and Erigeron canadensis were identified in 6 localities
within the Comana Natural Park. An additional 23 alien species were identified in a
single locality; however, many of these have the potential to spread further, as they are
ornamental species that have escaped from cultivation. Examples include Albizia
julibrissin, Calendula officinalis, Coreopsis tinctoria, Oenothera glazioviana,
Oenothera speciosa, Petunia integrifolia, Rudbekia triloba, Solidago canadensis, and
others. Also, Lemna minuta, reported by us for the first time in Giurgiu County in
Comana, is an aquatic species with the potential to expand through the Neajlov River
into the Argeș River and beyond.

Conclusions
During our field investigation, we identified a total of 89 alien plant species
within Giurgiu County, among which two, Ailanthus altissima and Elodea nuttallii, are
of European Union concern.
Alien plants species in Giurgiu County: Romania: an inventory and distribution analysis 95

Some species, such as Eclipta prostrata, Erigeron bonariensis, Lemna minuta,

Lindernia dubia, Sicyos angulatus, Symphyotrichum squamatum are reported for the
first time in Giurgiu, while others extend to new locations.
Literature prior to our study reported 65 species, with 34 not observed by us,
possibly due to differences in transects and an unspecified vegetation period.
In contrast to literature, our findings report 58 newly alien plant taxa in Giurgiu
County.
Of the approximately 130 taxa in Romania's invasive plant list (POIM, 2020),
38.46% are found in Giurgiu County, mostly terophytes thriving in habitats linked to
human activity.
Over half of the alien plant species (66.29%) are found within the natural
protected areas, with the majority located in the territory of Comana Natural Park
(52.80%).
Our study provides essential information for initiatives aimed at conserving
biodiversity, particularly within protected areas in Giurgiu County. Future efforts
include continuous monitoring and strategies to manage invasive plant species, with a
specific focus on preventing their further proliferation in natural habitats.

Acknowledgements. This present study is a part of the research undertaken

within the POIM/178/4/1/120008 project: “Adequate management of invasive species in
Romania in accordance with EU regulation 1143/2014 regarding the prevention and
management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species” implemented by
the Ministry of Waters, Forests and Environment as beneficiary, and the University of
Bucharest as partner.
We express our gratitude to one of the reviewers who provided literature data
regarding certain alien taxa in Giurgiu County. Additionally, we appreciate the invaluable
observations and suggestions provided by the reviewers regarding this article.

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 Acta Horti Bot. Bucurest. 2023, 49: 111-113

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right 42.5 mm. First line of each paragraph should be at 10 mm. It is recommended to
divide the text into: Introduction, Material and methods, Results and discussion,
Conclusions, Acknowledgements and References. The critical reviews are excepted
from this rule. Write all main headings in bold.
Scientific plant names should be given in italics. The author’s name should be
written in normal print at least once, when mentioned for the first time in the text or in a
table, and should be omitted subsequently. They should be abbreviated according to
Authors of Plant Names, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Brummitt & Powell 1992).
After the first mention, the generic name should be abbreviated to its initial, except
where its use causes confusion.
References in the text should be cited in the following form: (Petrescu 1997) or
Petrescu (1997) for one author, (Metcalfe & Chalk 1950) or Metcalfe & Chalk (1950)
for two authors, (Popescu et al. 1999) or Popescu et al. (1999) for more than two
authors (Dumitrescu 2000a, b) or Dumitrescu (2000a, b) for several references by the
same author(s) published in the same year. References in the text should be cited
chronologically, not alphabetically: (Metcalfe & Chalk 1950, Popescu et al. 1999,
Dumitrescu 2000). All references quoted in the text, and only those quoted, must be
listed at the end of the manuscript, under the heading References, in a format strictly
analogous to the examples below. The material in preparation or unpublished should be
112 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE AUTHORS

referred in the text using the author(s) name(s) followed by “unpubl.” or “pers. comm.”
and cannot be included in the reference list.
Tables should be numbered with Arabic numerals in the order in which they are
cited in the text (e.g. Table 3). They must have brief, concise titles and legends that will
make the general meaning of the table comprehensible. The titles should be placed at
the top of the tables. Explanatory footnotes may be placed below the table written with
lowercase letters. All abbreviations must be explained in the legends. The size of table
should be proportional to the journal’s page (125  190 mm).
The illustrations could be represented by photographs, graphs, diagrams, maps,
schemes and must be sharp and of high quality. They should be referred as figures
(abbreviations: Fig., Figs) and numbered with Arabic numerals (e.g. Fig. 1). All
illustrations must be submitted electronically as distinctive files. Their titles and /or
legends should be written consequently on a separate sheet. If the photographs are
arranged in plates, these should be designated by Roman numerals, while the individual
photographs are designated by Arabic numerals (e.g. Plate II, Fig. 2). The bar scale is
required for the figures. Any signs and letters in the illustrations must be enough large
to be read without problem. Hand-written signs and letters are not accepted. The final
size of illustrations should be proportional to the journal’s page (125  190 mm).

References at the end of the paper must be in the APA Reference Style:
 For periodic journals
1. Bechet, M. & Coman, N. (1964). Contribuţii la cunoaşterea micromicetelor parazite
pe plante rare din flora R.P.R. (Contribution á la connaissance des
micromycétes parasites sur plantes rares de la flore de Romanie). Studiu Univ.
Babeş-Bolyai, Ser. Biol./1964/(1), 49-57.
2. Borza, A. (1966). Cercetări asupra florei şi vegetaţiei din Câmpia Română (i).
Contrib. Bot. Cluj, /1966/(2), 141-162.
3. Buttler, K.P. (1969). Chromosomanzahlen und Taxonomische bemerkungen zu
einigen Rumanischen Angiospermen. Rev. Roumaine Biol., Bot., 14(5), 275-282.
 For books
1. Brandza, D. (1879-1883). Prodromul Florei Române sau enumeraţiunea plantelor
până astă-di cunoscute în Moldova şi Valachia. Bucuresci: Tipogr. Academiei
Române.
2. Beldie, A. (1967). Flora şi vegetaţia munţilor Bucegi. Bucureşti: Edit. Acad. Române.
 For serials
1. Tutin, T.G., Burges, N.A, Chater, A.O., Edmonson, J.R., Heywood, V.H., Moore,
D.M., Valentine, D.H., Walters, S.M. & Webb, D.A. (eds, assist. by J.R.
Akeroyd & M.E. Newton; appendices ed. by R.R. Mill). (1996). Flora
Europaea. 2nd ed., 1993, reprinted 1996. Vol. 1. Psilotaceae to Platanaceae.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
 For chapter in serials
1. Beldie, A. (1955). Leontice. In T. Săvulescu (Ed.). Flora României. Vol. 3. (p. 33).
Bucureşti: Edit. Academiei Române.
2. Borza, A. (1931). Die Vegetation und Flora Rumänien. In A. Borza (Ed.). Guide de
la Sixième Excursion Phytogeographique Internationale Roumanie (pp. 1-55).
Cluj: Institutul de literatură şi Tipografie Minerva S.A.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE AUTHORS 113

 For chapter in occasional volumes

1. Boşcaiu, N. (1976). Semnificaţia documentară a florei dobrogene şi necesitatea
conservării sale. In Anonymous, Ocrotirea Naturii Dobrogene (pp. 121-132).
Cluj-Napoca.
 For proceedings from a conference
Field, G. (2001). Rethinking reference rethought. In Revelling in Reference:
Reference and Information Services Section Symposium, 12-14 October 2001 (pp. 59-64).
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Australian Library and Information Association.
 For a thesis
Coldea, G. (1972). Flora şi vegetaţia Munţilor Plopiş. Unpublished doctoral
dissertation, Universitatea “Babeş-Bolyai”, Cluj.
 For a web page
The Plant List 2010. Version 1. Retrieved October 25, 2012, from:
http://www.theplantlist.org/
Kuo, M. (May 2007). MushroomExpert.Com. Retrieved 15 May, 2013, from
http://www.mushroomexpert.com/peziza_badioconfusa.html

The scientific reviewers analyse every paper and those not conforming to the
journal’s requirements will not be published.
The corresponding author will be supplied with one free volume.
 Reproducerea integrală sau parţială, multiplicarea prin orice mijloace şi sub orice formă,
cum ar fi xeroxarea, scanarea, transpunerea în format electronic sau audio, punerea la
dispoziţia publică, inclusiv prin internet sau prin reţele de calculatoare, stocarea
permanentă sau temporară pe dispozitive sau sisteme cu posibilitatea recuperării
informaţiilor, cu scop comercial sau gratuit, precum şi alte fapte similare săvârşite fără
permisiunea scrisă a deţinătorului copyright-ului reprezintă o încălcare a legislaţiei cu
privire la protecţia proprietăţii intelectuale şi se pedepsesc penal şi/sau civil în
conformitate cu legile în vigoare.

tipografia.unibuc@unibuc.ro

Bd. Iuliu Maniu 1-3, Complex LEU

tel: 0799 210 566

Tiparul s-a executat la Tipografia

Editurii Universităţii din Bucureşti – Bucharest University Press (EUB – BUP)