In Kosovo, the genus Tulipa is represented by eight taxa, most of which form a species complex surrounding Tulipa scardica. To investigate the phylogenetic relationship of these Tulipa species a Bayesian analysis was undertaken using the ITS nuclear marker and trnL‐trnF, rbcL and psbA‐trnH plastid markers. The resulting phylogenetic trees show that Kosovarian Tulipa species consistently group into two main clades, the subgenera Eriostemones and Tulipa. Furthermore, our analyses provide some evidence that the subspecies of Tulipa sylvestris are genetically distinguishable, however not significantly enough to support their reclassification as species. In contrast, the markers provide some novel information to reassess the species concepts of the T. scardica complex. Our data provide support for the synonymisation of Tulipa luanica and Tulipa kosovarica under the species Tulipa serbica. Resolution and sampling limitations hinder any concrete conclusion about whether Tulipa albanica and T. scardica are true species, yet our data do provide some support that these are unique taxa and therefore should continue to be treated as such until further clarification. Overall, our work shows that genetic data will be important in determining species concepts in this genus, however, even with a molecular perspective pulling apart closely related taxa can be extremely challenging.
The subject of our research was Trifolium repens L. The aim was to assess the level of morphological and anatomical variability among populations from different habitats (meadows, roadsides, subalpine slopes) and different altitudes (891–1881 m) in Brezovica (Sharri Mountain, Kosovo). The investigation covered 26 morphological and anatomical traits in populations from 12 locations. From the results obtained during this research, it can be concluded that there is a significant difference among populations for most micro- and macro-morphological traits. There is also a tendency towards a reduction of most of the average values of the investigated parameters (total plant height, total leaf length, leaf petiole length, peduncle length, fruit weight, number of flowers in an inflorescence, stomata length on the upper leaf surface, and diameter of collateral bundle) in relation to altitude increase. However, trichome length showed consistency and was not affected by habitat and altitude changes. The results also lead to a proposal for taxonomic revision of this taxon.
Achillea millefolium L. is a plant of the family Asteraceae, commonly known as yarrow, which grows and is being distributed in countries of Europe. Achillea millefolium L. has been traditionally used in medicine. The medical properties of Achillea millefolium L. have been known for a long time. This study aims at assessments of the total phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of Achillea millefolium L. flowers, grown in Kosovo region. Solvent extracts with different polarity (aqueous, ethanol-EtOH, methanol-MeOH, ethyl acetate-EtOAc, acetone) from the flowers of Achillea millefolium L. are analyzed. The total phenolic and flavonoid quantities were analyzed by using Folin–Ciocalteu’s and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH in vitro assay methods. The extract obtained by methanol showed the highest total antioxidant activity and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (51.9±0.3 μMol/g). The same extract also exhibited the highest phenolic content (52.6±0.3 mg GAE/g) and the highest flavonoid content (27.8±0.2 mg CE/g). Further studies need the assessment to quantify and isolate the phytochemicals from Achillea millefolium L. flowers, grown within the Kosovo region, which might serve as a cheap natural antioxidants in food and drug industry.
A growing threat to areas designed to protect habitats with high biodiversity has been noticed. In order to assess the present level of threat, the correlation between the factual situation of natural habitats and the boundary of protected area was studied in the massif of Luboten, Sharri NP. 45 phytosociological relevès were made in the studied site, all habitat types were recorded and notes on presence of rare and endemic plant taxa were taken. It was noticed that within the massif of Luboten, Sharri NP, an endangered natural habitat of subalpine moist tall herbs is not covered within the strictly protected area. The Moesian hogweed tall herb communities with Cirsium appendiculatum Griseb., as the most distinctive plant species, are known to harbor several endemic and rare plant species. To further add conservation importance, in these habitats with narrow distribution and fragile environment, there is one South-European Orophilous plant species (Willemetia stipitata), as well as 12 Balkan endemic plant taxa. The corresponding recorded plant association is Doronico gigantei-Cirsietum appendiculati Horv. ex Quez. Based on the obtained data on the situation of this habitat, we highly suggest extending the strictly protected area for 0.56 km 2 into the NW direction of the western slope.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.