Distribution and habitat preferences of Polygonum arenarium subsp. arenarium (Polygonaceae) in Slovakia

Abstract

The paper presents data on the distribution and habitat preferences of Polygonum arenarium subsp. arenarium in Slovakia. The study showed a rapid decrease in the number of localities in Slovakia in recent decades, due to destruction of sandy habitats. At present the taxon is considered to be very rare. We recorded it in stands of pioneer vegetation of the Festucetea vaginatae class developed on open sandy dunes, in the associations Festucetum vaginatae and Bassio laniflorae-Brometum tectorum.

First confirmation of the presence of the species Polygonum arenariumWaldst. & Kit. (Polygonaceae) in the flora of the Republic of North Macedonia

“…The habitat in which the species P. arenarium was registered, is strongly modified under the strong anthropogenic influence, which led to a drastic reduction in the water levels in the river. In this type of habitat the communities can be replaced with other plant communities in case the hydrodynamic wind-blown sandy dunes and in semi-ruderal stands in abandoned sandy fields and sand pits (Eliáš et al 2018).…”