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Goodyera repens, a species of central and northern Europe, forms large populations in the Scotch pine forests in some areas of Mt Rhodopi (NE Greece), while it is completely absent in other areas with the same habitat type. The present study aims to investigate the ecological factors that constitute a barrier in the distribution of G. repens in its southernmost distribution limit. Data from 65 localities were sampled and chemical soil parameters were measured. Using the WorldClim database, the summer maximum temperatures and precipitation values were extracted. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the variables that best explain the distribution of G. repens. The data have been found to fit the model in a significant manner, and the independent variables significantly explaining the probability of G. repens being present were phosphorus, copper, and zinc. The results indicate that the distribution of G. repens is indirectly affected by soil variables through the establishment of mycor...

The woodland vegetation of Central Albania is studied and discussed along an altitudinal gradient in the Dajti National Park (DNP). The plant species combinations recorded in 168 plots were classified and subjected to indirect gradient analysis using environmental variables of geology, soil, topography, disturbance and grazing impact. The transect over more than 1300 m reflects the biogeographically intermediate paramediterranean vegetation zonation and the relatively humid Mediterranean “hygric series” at its eastern margins. It reveals the total range of woodland types known to occur in Central Albania, thus stressing the representativity of the area regarding biodiversity and biogeography, and its importance for nature conservation. Along the elevation gradient, we found three plant communities of the mesomediterranean Quercetalia ilicis, five of the supramediterranean Quercetalia pubescentis and five of the montane or oromediterranean Fagetalia sylvaticae.

SummaryPalynological analysis was carried out on 135 samples of Greek thyme honeys, selected from three experimental apiaries under controlled conditions. Samples of all plants in flower growing around the bee colonies were collected and a comparison of their pollen was made with pollen grains identified in the honeys. Pollen grains of Thymus capitatus were found in all honey samples with a content ranging from 27 to 95%, thus upgrading the designation of the Greek floral honey as thyme honey. A qualitative analysis revealed the presence in the honeys of pollen grains of 37 taxa belonging to 15 families. A quantitative analysis showed that the total number of pollen grains (NPG) in the honey samples had a considerable variation between areas with a mean value of 65,000 per 10 g of honey. As it appears to be influenced by many different factors, quantitative analysis cannot be used alone to identify the geographic origin of the honey. The geographical determination among the three studied areas was made po...