Minority cytotypes in European populations of the Gymnadenia conopsea complex (Orchidaceae) greatly increase intraspecific and intrapopulation diversity

Background and Aims Patterns of ploidy variation among and within populations can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary mechanisms shaping the dynamics of plant systems showing ploidy diversity. Whereas data on majority ploidies are, by definition, often sufficiently extensive, much less is known about the incidence and evolutionary role of minority cytotypes. Methods Ploidy and proportions of endoreplicated genome were determined using DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) flow cytometry in 6150 Gymnadenia plants (fragrant orchids) collected from 141 populations in 17 European countries. All widely recognized European species, and several taxa of less certain taxonomic status were sampled within Gymnadenia conopsea sensu lato. Key Results Most Gymnadenia populations were taxonomically and/or ploidy heterogeneous. Two majority (2x and 4x) and three minority (3x, 5x and 6x) cytotypes were identified. Evolution largely proceeded at the diploid level, whereas tetraploids were much more geographically and taxonomically restricted. Although minority ploidies constituted <2 % of the individuals sampled, they were found in 35 % of populations across the entire area investigated. The amount of nuclear DNA, together with the level of progressively partial endoreplication, separated all Gymnadenia species currently widely recognized in Europe. Conclusions Despite their low frequency, minority cytotypes substantially increase intraspecific and intrapopulation ploidy diversity estimates for fragrant orchids. The cytogenetic structure of Gymnadenia populations is remarkably dynamic and shaped by multiple evolutionary mechanisms, including both the ongoing production of unreduced gametes and heteroploid hybridization. Overall, it is likely that the level of ploidy heterogeneity experienced by most plant species/populations is currently underestimated; intensive sampling is necessary to obtain a holistic pictur

A biogeographical and ecological classification of orchids in Turkey

Aims: With its diverse vascular flora Turkey is well-known as a bridge between the Mediterranean basin, the Caucasus, and the Irano-Turanian region. Orchids are an important component of this diversity with 191 taxa, of which 39 taxa are Turkish endemics. This study aims to group the country's orchid taxa into different phytogeographical regions, natural vegetation types, and altitudinal zones. Study area: Turkey. Methods: Field surveys were carried out from 1988 to 2017. The sampling areas were selected with good prior knowledge of orchid-containing terrains and habitats. Distribution data were revised and presented in a 10 km UTM grid. Geospatial data were classified and processed by ArcGIS software. Results: The Mediterranean region (70 taxa, 17 endemics) is the richest for orchid taxa distributed in only one phytogeographical region, followed by the Euro-Siberian (13 taxa, 2 endemics) and the Irano-Turanian (7 taxa, all endemics) regions. Species richness per habitat varied from Mediterranean landscapes of "natural Pinus brutia forests" (105 taxa, 12 endemics), followed by landscapes with "Quercus frainetto forest" (59 taxa, 3 endemics), "Oak-hornbeam forest" (55 taxa, 3 endemics), "Beech-spruce forest" (38 taxa, 1 endemic), "Quercus brantii forest steppe (arid)" (38 taxa, 5 endemics) to "Subalpine Juniper forest steppe" (34 taxa, 7 endemics). Orchids were found mainly at elevations of 0 to 500 m (138 taxa) and 501 to 1,000 m (123 taxa). At elevations over 1,000 m, the number of orchid taxa decreases, but 21 taxa were found at over 2,000 m. Some orchid taxa were found to be restricted to a particular altitudinal zone and phytogeographical region. Conclusion: This study provides a general framework for relevant orchid conservation efforts in Turkey. Key habitats from different phytogeographical regions and altitudinal zones should be prioritised. For such areas, a multi-layered conservation planning approach from country to habitat level across Turkey needs to be developed. Complementary approaches should be promoted in neighbouring countries too

Himantoglossum jankae (Orchidaceae: Orchideae), a new name for a long-misnamed lizard orchid

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How to Protect Natural Habitats of Rare Terrestrial Orchids Effectively: A Comparative Case Study of Cypripedium calceolus in Different Geographical Regions of Europe

In this article we present and discuss the main factors that threaten natural populations of Cypripedium calceolus (lady’s slipper orchid) in Europe, and we propose conservation strategies and directions for protective actions of its population on a regional scale. European C. calceolus populations have decreased significantly in the last two decades, in both number and size. A key result of the present study is an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network across the European Union (EU) countries. Northern and/or mountainous countries present higher percentages of potentially suitable areas within the Natura 2000 network. Finland and the United Kingdom are the exceptions to this rule. It is predicted that, due to global warming, the coverage of niches suitable for C. calceolus will decrease in countries in which now-healthy colonies exist. However, as plant species can occur in micro-sites with suitable environmental conditions (e.g., microclimate, vegetation, soil factors) which cannot be predicted as suitable at coarser spatial resolutions, conservation efforts should be focused on management of local healthy populations. For the effective protection of C. calceolus in Natura 2000 sites, the participation of experts in botany, including orchid biology, is necessary at several stages

Predictors of conservation value of Turkish cemeteries: A case study using orchids

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