Both molecular and palaeoecological methods enable us to study past changes in plant distribution. The results of recent phylogeographical studies have demonstrated that Central Europe was not only at a crossroads of postglacial migration routes, but also an area where many species might have survived during glacial periods. and Tomáš Fér, Karol Marhold.
The second part of this series presents information on the ecology, historical and recent distribution of Gentianella praecox subsp. bohemica, a subendemic species of the Czech flora. The effects of different management treatments on the establishment, survival and seed production of this biennial gentian was assessed at several sites. Creation of gaps in surrounding vegetation through regular mowing together with disruption of turfs through harrowing have been identified as optimal management strategies. Detailed knowledge of the biology of short-lived gentians allows the identification of critical stages of their life cycle and prediction of population dynamics. and Jiří Brabec, Anna Lampei Bucharová.
The presented species prefers intermittently wet meadows and pastures, and thus differs from other gentians that are able to colonize a wide range of habitats (broad-leaved dry grasslands, mesic and wet habitats, submontane and montane Nardus grasslands). The presence of gaps in the vegetation is the major prerequisite for plant establishment and survival. Regular mowing or grazing accompanied by disruption of turf can support the creation of open sward. our experimental data from 13 sites show that regular management can restore the gentians populations. and Jiří Brabec.
The occurrence of succulent flora on Santa Catalina, Carmen and Cedros islands around the Baja California peninsula in Mexico is presented. Populations of endemic species of plants and animals are in good condition; except for Ferocactus diguetii subsp. carmenesis on Carmen Island, previously collected and transported to the mainland. and Libor Kunte.
This was the theme of the 4th International Congress on Orchid Conservation that took place in Hluboká nad Vltavou from May 2009 - June 6, 2011. Organisers noted "we are now experiencing dramatic changes in most aspects of your life. Modern technologies are being devised and deployed with increasing frequency; and although they make your lives easier, their consequences, such as air, soil and water, pollution greatly increase the pressure on your already over-stressed environment. To keep up with a rapidly growing human population, agricultural practices tend to be more and more intensive, which in turn has a negative effect on biodiversity in agricultural landscapes." and Pavel Kindlmann.
Armenia is a small country situated in the Transcaucasus on the border of Europe and Asia. For visitors from Central Europe, the huge landscape variety from the perspective of geological, geomorfological and climatic factors is surprising, as well as the vegetation and floristic diversity. Here alpine vegetation, semideserts, phryganoid vegetations and mountain steppes occurre in the same area, together with interesting forest vegetation types. Beautiful country - side rich in ancient historical monuments is a great treasure for this small country lying at the crossroads of cultures, biogeo - graphical regions and migration routes. and Ester Ekrtová, Libor Ekrt.