Karst springs as habitats for rare and protected plant species: A new inland locality of a halophyte plant Batrachium baudotii (Ranunculaceae) in a karst spring in Central Europe

Abstract

A new inland locality of Batrachium baudotii was discovered in a karst spring in Central Europe; the species had not been reported from such habitats previously. The locality is situated more than 400 km away from the Baltic coast and about 120 km northwest of the only previously known Polish inland locality; both sites are outside its continuous range and are two of the four easternmost in Central Europe. In the eastern part of its range, Batrachium baudotii is very rare and is protected or red-listed in these areas. The main goal of this paper is to draw attention to the karst springs' flora, with some interesting and rare species that can be found there. Within the examined patches, no other saline taxa were recorded. The data show that the species prefers habitats in the zone of discharge of karst waters from Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Triassic water-bearing strata. The locality should be especially protected and constantly monitored.