THE GENUS SCHISTIDIUM (GRIMMIACEAE, MUSCI) IN HUNGARY ...

THE GENUS SCHISTIDIUM IN HUNGARY 83
However, these frequency data are not without bias. This becomes obvious
when considering the number of sites in different regions (Table 2): a
large number of collection sites of Schistidium taxa can in fact indicate a
high diversity of growth sites in the region, but it could also just be the consequence
of more thorough bryological collecting. In this context, it is interesting
to regard the two regions with the highest numbers of sites: the
Bükk Mts (62 sites) and the Buda Mts (43 sites). In the case of the Bükk Mts
species number is also highest (12 taxa), therefore this seems to be a centre
of diversity for Schistidium in Hungary. On the other hand, the high number
of collection sites in the surroundings of Budapest, where species
number is only 8, might be indicative of bryological activity concentrated
around the capital. The high diversity of the Bükk Mts is certainly due to
the presence of different geological bedrocks (calcareous as well as siliceous),
but perhaps other factors, e.g. the altitudinal range (up to 900 m), low density
of human settlements and the large area protected as a national park
are also important.
Number of growth sites of Schistidium taxa as recorded on specimen labels in
regions of Hungary with 10 or more sites.
Region (as defined in Boros 1968) No. of sites No. of Schistidium taxa
Bükk Mts 62 12
Buda Mts 43 8
Aggtelek Karst 34 5
Gerecse Mts 34 5
Vértes Mts 33 6
Pilis Mts 33 5
Börzsöny Mts 28 5
Balaton Uplands 24 4
Visegrád Mts 23 5
Bakony Mts 18 4
Zemplén Mts 13 3
Mátra Mts 12 5
Mecsek Mts 12 4
Villány Mts 10 5
As regards rare species, it is important to distinguish between species
that are probably under-recorded and others that are truly rare. We consider
S. platyphyllum and S. papillosum, both with a single growth site
Studia bot. hung. 39, 2008