Pycreus woronowii Palla

Raab-Straube, Eckhard von & Raus, Thomas, 2025, Euro + Med-Checklist Notulae, 18, Willdenowia 55 (1), pp. 107-144 : 121-122

Pycreus woronowii Palla in Vĕstn. Tiflissk. Bot. Sada 21: 22. 1912. – Lectotype (designated here): [ Georgia: Autonomous Republic of Adjara] Lazistania Rossica, prov. Batumi, in paludosis prope p. Gonieh , loco Chuštule , 27 Aug 1910, Woronow 620 ( GZU 000012874 [photo!]; isolectotypes: ERE 0005501 [photo!], LE?, TBI 1054403 !).

The importance of our record is twofold: (1) we confirm Egorova’s view that C. colchicus is a distinct species, with no relation to C. serotinus ; (2) we further confirm its actual presence in Georgia, where the species has been rediscovered after more than 30 years of apparent absence. It appears that the number of collections has steadily declined since the 1920s. This decline may be objectively related to habitat destruction due to extensive agricultural improvements in the Kolkheti lowland over the last century. Meanwhile, the decrease in collection frequency is noticeable not only for Cyperus , but also for other groups of wetland plants that are presented in Georgian herbaria, and it is clear that this is not always related to species extinction (observations by V. Vishnyakov). Cyperus colchicus was known to occur in disturbed, wet habitats, such as riverbanks, canals, gardens and plantations of various crops, though human activity could create suitable habitats for the species. In 2023, the species was collected from excavated soil in wasteland commonly flooded by rainwater. Paspalum spp. and C. iria L., a new alien species for the Caucasus (see the following contribution for C. iria ), were found in the pioneer community with C. colchicus . Although the species was not abundant, all the plants were tall-growing, with massive stems and inflorescences, which suggests that the locality has favourable conditions. However, C. colchicus was not found in more than 20 other wetland localities studied in seaside Adjara (Batumi, Khelvachauri and Kobuleti) in August and September 2023, which indicates its rarity. As a rare species within its limited range, an IUCN Red List assessment therefore seems appropriate.

V. S. Vishnyakov & F. Verloove