The occurrence of ladybells (Adenophora liliifolia) in border meadow Drahos (Drahoše) near Hollóháza (NE Hungary) and Skároš (SE Slovakia)

Abstract

The ladybells (Adenophora liliifolia (L.) Besser) is a glacial relict plant species and is endangered throughout Europe. The species is strictly protected in Hungary and listed in the Habitats Directive of the EU. It is a designating species of the HUBN20085 Északi-Zempléni-hegység Natura 2000 site in Hungary. The occurrence of the species is limited to very few localities both in Hungary and Slovakia. This study was undertaken to characterize the habitats of ladybells from a phytosociological perspective and analyse the structure of its population in Drahos (Drahoše) meadow. Two relevés were sampled, one at each side of the border. The number of individuals was recorded, and selected quantitative variables of the stem, leaves, and inflorescence of each individual were evaluated during eight years of the survey.