New Varieties of the Common Cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens Mill.) in Slovenia

Abstract

Common cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens Mill.) is the only representative of its genus in Slovenia where it is a widespread species, growing from sea level to high mountainous areas. It thrives in all four major phytogeographic regions: Alpine, Dinaric, sub-Pannonian and sub-Mediterranean, in both transitional regions, pre-Alpine and pre-Dinaric, and it reacts quickly to weather conditions. It is found mostly in deciduous and mixed forests, at forest margins and in mountain meadows. In the highlands, it often grows on gravel and can also be found in fairly low-scree areas. As such, it is expected to shows great intraspecific diversity. Based on a collection of 6000 units of C. purpurascens specimens collected in different parts of Slovenia, we were able to determine different types of C. purpurascens and describe new varieties. All of the specimens were divided into four groups with respect to leaf pattern, which is the most durable distinguishing feature. The four dividing groups were silvery, semi-silvery, marbled and green. The most notable variety in the silvery group was C. purpurascens ‘Idrija’, while in the semi-silvery group, it was C. purpurascens ‘Nova Gorica’, in the marbled group, it was ‘C. purpurascens ‘Slivje’ and in the green group, it was C. purpurascens ‘Podsreda’.

Nectar Production and Three Main Sugars in Nectar of Salvia pratensis and Salvia glutinosa in Correlation with Abiotic Factors

“…Both species are also known to attract various pollinators, especially bees. S. pratensis grows on dry meadows and along roads; S. glutinosa grows in forests and on forest edges [44,45].…”

“…Flowers have an upper and lower labium. Nectar is found in the narrowed part of the flower [44][45][46]. Lamiaceae are known to have more nectar compared to other families [47].…”