Abstract: The genus Crepidium Bl. is compared with Malaxis Sw., from which it is easily distinguished by the gynostemium structure. Three new species from Northern Sumatra are described and illustrated - C. dewildeanum Szlach. & Marg., sp. nov., C. flammeum Szlach. & Marg., sp. nov. and  C. vermeulenianum Szlach. & Marg., sp. nov.. Their taxonomic positions are briefly discussed.

Abstract: The distribution of Artemisia eriantha Ten. in the Tatra Mts is reviewed. Newly discovered localities are included and shown on a map. Information on orographic, edaphic and phytocoenotic factors is provided. The number of individuals in populations is given and the threat to them assessed.

Abstract: The actual distribution of Centunculus minimus L., Radiola linoides Roth. and Illecebrum verticillatum L. in Poland is described based on herbarium material and the literature, using both published and unpublished data. At present the taxa are rarely recorded in Poland and only in arable fields. The problem of the limits of their natural range is discussed.

Abstract: Parietaria pensylvanica Mühlenb. ex Willd. is a new synanthropic species to the flora of Poland. Several new localities of this species are reported. A detailed description of the species, with special regard to the features which distinguish it from P. officinalis and P. lusitanica, is provided.

Abstract: The life strategy spectra of salt marsh communities were studied. Information on their floristic composition was obtained by phytosociological studies in repre­sentative sites along the East Frisian North Sea Coast. Within the three investi­gated salt marsh associations, four different life strategies are established. Of these, five subdivisions are biologically rele­vant: (1) Fugitives with long- and short-range disper­sal, with sexual reproduction (FuTE_s), which dominate the Salicornietum strictae; (2) perennial stayers with long- and short-range dispersal, with sexual and clonal reproduction (PTE_s, _cl), dominating both the Puccinellietum maritimae and the Juncetum gerardii; (3) colonists with long- and short-range dispersal, with sexual and clonal reproduction (CTE_s, _cl); (4) cryptophytes with long- and short-range disper­sal, with sexual, asexual (s. str.) and clonal repro­duction (CrTE_s, _as, _cl), and (5) cryptophytes with long- and short-range dispersal, with sexual and clonal reproduction (CrTE_s, _cl). A signifi­cant change of life strategies along the ecological gradient can be observed.    For most salt marsh species, tidal currents are the vector for long-range dispersal, along with wading birds or other animals. Anemochory plays a minor role for the effective distribution of these species. Within the cryptophytes and the perennial stayers, clonally spreading and clo­nally reproducing plants are highly represented. Diaspore banks are mostly transient; persistent dia­spore banks do not seem to be adapted to frequently flooded environments.
The survival rate of salt marsh species can be maintained by the transport of diaspores from other marshes. Furthermore, integrated conservation and management pro­grammes, such as the establishment of the extensive “Nationalpark Niedersäch­sisches Wattenmeer”, are valuable means of conserving the coastal envi­ronment.

Key words: clonal reproduction, life strategies, halophytes, Juncetum gerardii, Puccinellietum maritimae, Salicornietum strictae, East Frisian North Sea Coast, Germany

Abstract: This study was conducted on the vegetation of the date-palm orchards of the Feiran Oasis (south Sinai, Egypt), in order to recognize and describe quantitatively the associated weed flora and relate it to some environmental variables. On the basis of 34 relevés representing different types of date-palm orchard, three main vegetation types, A, B and C, were recognized: Zygophyllum simplex-Hordeum murinum (A), inhabiting the old orchards that occupy the relatively dry lowlands of the Oasis, Bidens pilosa-Conyza bonariensis (B) in the young orchards and Polypogon monspeliensis-Malva parviflora (C) in the mature orchards. The latter two vegetation types inhabit the well-irrigated orchards in the uplands. The vegetation types identified are well segregated along the first PCA axis which reflects soil texture, moisture and fertility gradients, occurring in the following sequence: Zygophyllum simplex-Hordeum murinum, Polypogon monspeliensis-Malva parviflora and Bidens pilosa-Conyza bonariensis. This sequence also reflects the gradient of human interference, starting with the vegetation of the less disturbed (old) and ending with the highly disturbed (new) orchards. Vegetation type A, inhabiting date-palm orchards with a low salinity and high content of coarse fractions, is floristically more diverse. The least diversified is type B characterizing young orchards with a high soil moisture and organic matter content.

Abstract: Two species of Hygroamblystegium Loeske endemic to northern India are evaluated and some details of them illustrated. H. obtusulum (Mitt.) Broth. in Engl. & Prantl, a species described from the Kumaun Himalaya as Hypnum obtusulum Mitt., is considered to be conspecific with Pseudoleskeopsis zippelii (Doz. & Molk.) Broth. in Engl. & Prantl. H. gangulianum Vohra, a species recently described from the Mussoorie region, is transferred to the genus Brachythecium Schimp. in B., S. & G. as B. gangulianum (Vohra) Ochyra, comb. nov.

Abstract: Hypnum nodiflorum Wils. in Hook. f. and H. tibetanum Mitt. are synonymized with Campylium polygamum (Schimp. in B., S. & G.) J. Lange & C. Jens. The former name was used for a species described from New Zealand, although European and North American specimens are also mentioned in the protologue. The name is typified by the New Zealand specimen and it is shown that it was first synonymized with C. polygamum by W. Wilson in 1855, not by Limpricht in 1897. Hypnum tibetanum was described from an alpine elevation in Tibet and the name is a new synonym of C. polygamum. Some details of Hypnum nodiflorum and H. tibetanum are illustrated.