Floristic differences in some anthropogenic habitats in Warsaw

Abstract

Floristic studies of four different habitats in Warsaw were carried out: two habitats strongly transformed by man (tramlines and the exterior horizontal surfaces of the highest building in the city, the Palace of Culture and Science), and two green areas (cemeteries and botanical gardens). A floristic list, which included only the spontaneous vascular flora, was compiled for each habitat. The aim of the study was to analyse the differences between the floras of the four habitats. The richness and composition of the flora were investigated with respect to the historical-geographical groups of species, the spectrum of life forms, and the mode of plant dispersal. The richness of the flora of cemeteries and botanical gardens reflected the particular land use of those habitats. There was a higher incidence of therophytes in the strongly transformed habitats (tramlines, Palace). A high incidence of tree seedlings (mostly species producing light seeds) and anemochorous species was observed in the flora of the Palace.