NEW LOCALITY OF LEPIDIUM CARTILAGINEUM IN THE HORTOBÁGY REGION (EAST HUNGARY)

Abstract

A new locality of the halophyte Lepidium cartilagineum (J. C. Mayer) Thell. (Brassicaceae) was recorded at the eastern margin of the Hortobágy region, at Nagyhegyes. Despite the fact that the species is not rare in saline steppes in Hungary, it occurs exclusively on solonchak soils. The soil of the one previously documented location at Hortobágy region is not typical solonetz, with transitional solonchak characteristics. The locality found at ‘Sirály-rét’ (Elep, Nagyhegyes) is in a typical alkaline grassland, where the species grows in Puccinellietum limosae and transitional Camphorosmetum annuae communities. This contribution also includes 14 phytocoenological relevés taken at the locality and a comparison of the two, so far documented locations in the region. The author takes the position that this occurrence is to be regarded as native, mostly based on the habitat specifications (such as developed berm formations), vegetation structure and species composition. The continuity of the grassland patch is also proved by available historical maps and aerial photographs.