The rare species Galium saxatile L. in the Romanian Carpathians: detailed distribution and habitat preferences

Abstract

Rare species occurrences are important for understanding patterns in regional floras. New records of species in different areas help to examine how recent changes in climate and human pressure could influence species assemblages. In this study, we carried out a detailed analysis of the distribution and habitat requirements of the rare Sub-Atlantic plant species Galium saxatile L. in the Romanian Carpathians. To date, the species has been reported only from the Nemira Mountains (Eastern Carpathians). We therefore provide information on several new localities in three other ranges: the Rodna, Cearcănul and Brețcu Mountains. The phytocoenoses where G. saxatile was found in Romania belong to Festuco - Nardetum strictae Csűrös et Resmeriță 1960, Violo declinatae-Nardetum strictae Simon 1966 and Hieracio transsylvanici-Piceetum abietis Pawlowski et Br.-Bl. 1939. These are very similar to those described for the species in Western Europe and the Western Carpathians.