Abstract Twenty dominant plant species representing different life forms were investigated phenologically over a period of 36 months (January 2004 to December 2006). Plant populations were sampled at down-, mid-, and upstream sites in a desert wadi ecosystem. The results were analyzed using TWINSPAN, DCA and CCA techniques. Five phenological niches were apparent: (1) species flowering all year round, with peaks in spring and autumn such asOchradenus baccatus; (2) species flowering during winter includingLycium shawiiandTamarix nilotica; (3) species flowering during spring, e.g.,Zillaspinosa, Zygophyllum coccineumandCapparis spinosa; (4) species flowering during summer includingIphiona mucronataandDeverra triradiata; and (5) species flowering during autumn that includeAtriplex halimusand twoAnabasisspecies. The climatic variables, including temperature, rainfall and relative humidity, affect the phenological niches and between-species differences. Within-species variations occurred between years and there were no between-site variations for most study species. The different plant species exhibited phenological diversity along the course of the wadi ecosystem. The phenological niches are species-specific and environmentally dependent rather than local selective pressures.

Abstract - Pteris vittata, formerly doubtfully indicated for Dalmatia, is recorded for Montenegro based on a hitherto disregarded collection preserved in the Vienna University herbarium.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate fungal associations in shallot (Allium cepaL. var.aggregatum) under conventional agricultureWe examined roots of the shallot (Allium cepaL. var.aggregatum), one of the most popular cultivated crops of the family Aliaceae, cultivated under conventional agriculture for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) and dark septate fungal endophyte (DSE) associations. All the plants had dual colonization of both AMF and DSE associations. The intermediate-type AMF morphology in the shallot is the first report of this AMF type for the family Aliaceae. The extents of total AMF and DSE colonization ranged from 20.7 to 67.3% and 3.6 to 35.3% respectively and varied significantly among fields. Though no significant relationship existed between total AMF and DSE variables, they were correlated to the soil variables. Significant correlations existed between soil P and microscelerotia and also between soils N and K and AMF spore numbers. A total of six AMF spore morphotype belonging toGlomusandScutellosporawere identified.Scutellospora calosporawas the most dominant morphotype in the studied fields.

Southeastern-Alpine endemic Leontodon hispidus subsp. brumatii (Cichoriaceae) in the Sava valley (central Slovenia) In the spring and summer of 2010 a number of new localities of the southeastern-Alpine endemic Leontodon hispidus subsp. brumatii were found on temporarily flooded riparian rocks in the gorge of the Sava River between the village of Sava and Zidani Most (central Slovenia). The species has so far been known only in northeastern Italy and western Slovenia (the Soča valley). In order to obtain more specific information its sites were studied phytosociologically and the communities in which it grows in the Sava and the Soča valleys compared. Two new associations were described on the basis of these comparisons: Triseto argentei-Leontodontetum brumatii ass. nov. and Leontodonti brumatii-Seslerietum calcariae ass. nov. As this endemic taxon and its endemic communities are a characteristic of riparian flora and vegetation of some Slovenian mountain rivers and as its localities in the Sava valley are explicitly disjunct and the southeastern-most in the entire known distribution area, they deserve to be studied and protected.

Orchid diversity of the cape of Kamenjak (Istria, Croatia) Twentytwo taxa have been recorded in the south of Istrian peninsula (north Adriatic coast, Croatia). The research was performed in the period 2003-2004. A great majority of taxa belong to Euri-Mediterranean (seven taxa, 41.18%) and Steno-Mediterranean (six taxa, 35.29%) floral elements. Eurasiatic (two taxa, 11.76%), Atlantic (one taxa, 5.88%) and endemic (one taxon, 5.88%) plants were also present. Almost a half of recorded orchids are abundant or frequent. The most of taxa are endangered s.l.; nine vulnerable (VU) plants (52.94%), and one species endangered s.s. (EN) (5.88%). There are also near threatened (NT) (two taxa, 11.76%), and data deficient (DD) (one taxon, 5.88%) plants, while others have no category assigned (four taxa, 23.53%).

Ammi visnaga(L.) Lam. (Apiaceae), a new taxon in Croatian floraDuring floristic research into the island of Brač (Dalmatia, Croatia) in 2010,Ammi visnaga(L.) Lam. (Apiaceae), a new neophyte for Croatia was found in several localities and natural habitats. At the altitude of 380-460 m above sea level, mostly in habitats disturbed by humans, the located populations were composed of numerous and vital specimens in blooms and with fruits. The gradual and successful integration of this species into the natural vegetation was noticed, particularly in grasslands of the associationBrachypodio retuso-Trifolietum stellatiHorvatić 1958 andmacchia of the associationFraxino orno-Quercetum ilicisHorvatić (1956) 1958.

Phytoplankton Composition and Abundance Assessment in the Nador Lagoon (Mediterranean Coast of Morocco)We evaluated phytoplankton abundance, composition and trophic state of the Nador lagoon (Morocco) on the basis of data taken in the period November 2007 to August 2008. Sampling was performed at 11 stations (bottle samples at 0.5 m depth and horizontal plankton net tows with mesh size of 20 μm). Among seven identified phytoplankton classes, diatoms and dinoflagellates dominated with 133 and 169 species, respectively. Frequent phyto-plankton blooms were contributed by one to three species in the lagoon. Abundance and seasonality of phytoplankton characterized the Nador lagoon as a highly eutrophicated environment.

Ecological conditions, flora and vegetation of a large doline in the Mecsek Mountains (South Hungary)Vegetation-environment relationships were investigated in a large doline of the Mecsek Mts (South Hungary). To reveal the vegetation pattern, we collected vegetation data and environmental variables along a 243 m long transect. Atotal of 144 vascular plant species and 4 vegetation types were identified in the doline. We found that both the species composition and the vegetation pattern are significantly influenced by air temperature, air humidity, soil moisture and altitude. Our results confirm the putative temperature and vegetation inversion in the doline.

New localities of the subendemic speciesBerberis croatica, Teucrium arduiniandMicromeria croaticain the Dinaric AlpsNew localities of three subendemic species (Berberis croatica, Teucrium arduiniandMicromeria croatica) have been found in the Dinaric Alps.Berberis croaticawas found at ten new locations, nine of them in Croatia and one in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Teucrium arduiniwas found on Mt Učka, Mt Velebit, Mt Biokovo and Mt Sniježnica, at nine new locations whileMicromeria croaticawas found at four new locations, only on Mt Velebit.