BOTANICAL NOTE
Orobanche alba subsp. major (Orobanchaceae) – a new species for Mazovia Province
in the planned Raj Nature Reserve by Solec nad Wisłą
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1
Zakład Ekologii i Ochrony Środowiska, Wydział Biologii, Instytut Biologii
Środowiskowej, Uniwersytet Warszawski, ul. Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warszawa, Polska
2
Centrum Ochrony Mokradeł, ul. Żwirki i Wigury 101 lok. 1.135, 02-089
Warszawa, Polska
Online publication date: 2020-12-30
Publication date: 2020-12-30
Fragm. Flor. et Geobot. Pol. 2020; XXVII(2): 706-709
ABSTRACT
In 2013 we found a new locality of Orobanche
alba subsp. major, a parasite of Salvia spp. in Poland. This is the first record of O. alba in Mazovia Province.
The population of this red-listed (VU category) and protected species occurred on steep slopes of the
Vistula river valley in the planned Raj Nature Reserve between Sadkowice village and the settlement of
Raj. In 2013 we observed a dozen individuals scattered in small groups within Origano-Brachypodietum
pinnati grassland; in 2014 there were ~30 individuals, but only a few in 2019. Proper management of
grassland (mowing and/or grazing) is crucial for the conservation of the species as well as other xerothermic
species occurring in that area (e.g. Aster amellus, Carex supina, Clematis recta, Festuca rupicola,
Inula hirta, Stachys germanica). Removal of shrubs and maintenance of open grassland would also help to
expose the unique geological structure of the area. To protect these grasslands, which are unique for Mazovia
Province, the Raj Nature Reserve, proposed as early as a quarter century ago, should be established.