Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Biologie Vegetala, str. Gh. Bilascu, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca

Abstract: International Symposium 'Phytosociology at Landscape Ecology Service', Cluj-Napoca - Arcalia (Romania), 20-25 May, 2003. This paper gives a succinct presentation of the pluridisciplinary symposium with the participation of specialists (phytosociologists, geographers, sylviculturists, ethno-botanists, ecologists, veterinaries) from 5 European countries (Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Romania). The topics of the symposium (besides the 3 invited conferences) were: Phytosociology and landscape in Western Europe, Vegetation landscape in Romania and Ecological studies in plant ecology. There were presented 33 papers and two field applications were organized; these were very useful and interesting, especially for young researchers, whose participation was facilitated by the sponsors. The conclusions formulated at the end of this scientifically conference invite the specialist from different field of activity to collaborate inter- and pluridisciplinary, in the advantage of science, economy and construction of European space.

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Universite Libre de Bruxelles - IGEAT, 50, Av. Roosevelt, CP. 130/03, B-1050 Bruxelles

Abstract: Relations between some landscape approaches. Speaking about relationships between phytosociology and landscape led us to question the meaning of 'landscape'. Since the establishment of the 'European Landscape Convention' (Florence, October 2000), the interest of the society and scientists for landscapes has increased. If this convention gives an operational definition of the landscape, every speciality understands landscape with a different meaning. A rapid historical introduction shows that landscape is an old concept, even if a literary review shows a great diversity of definitions and field of investigation. After such a setting, this paper tries to investigate the perception and use of landscapes by different users and specialists, leading to show relationships and disparities between each approach, particularly between ecology and phytosociology.

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Universite de Picardie Jules Verne, Departement de Botanique, 1, rue des Louvels, F-80037 Amiens Cedex 1

Abstract: Phytosociology, Syndynamism and Landscape Archaeology. Although both the climax theory and phytosociological laws predict a homogeneous vegetation within the limits of a single tesela, landscape planning and current human activities are responsible for the mosaic of isofunctional landscape cells usually observed in the field. But even into a single landscape cell, different plant communities may be observed suggesting past land use aftereffects. Two studies are reported which aimed at testing the hypothesis that vegetation heterogeneity into a landscape cell was correlated with the diversity of past human activities. In the two cases patches of unexpected vegetation were found to strongly contrasted with the matrix forest vegetation. These were mainly characterized by eutrophic and neutro-calcareous species but also included cryptogenic and past-cultivated species. These patches were found to be established on Medieval and Roman settlements. These results emphasize the importance of past land use aftereffects on the present days vegetation which should be taken into consideration both in phytosociological surveys and landscape archaeology.

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Parc regional des Alps Apuanes, via Corrado Del Greco 11, Italy - 55047 Seravezza (Lucca)

Abstract: Phytosociological characterization of the Environmental Units of the Apuan Alps Regional Park (Tuscany - Italy). The Authors used phytosociologycal data for general interpretation of the plant landscape and, more generally, of the environment. They also show, relatively to the territory of the Apuan Alps Regional Park, two tables of correspondence between the principal phytosociological categories and the 28 synthetic spatial units types, which were distinguished using the specification of the biodiversity and rarity value of each one. Using the Environmental Units it was possible to know the most meaningful zones of the Regional Park and, consequently, to seek the most suitable managing solution.

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* University of Camerino, Department of Botany and Ecologiy, Via Pontoni, 5, I-62032 Camerino
** Environment Education Centre-Valleremita (Fabriano-AN)
*** University of Siena, Department of Earth Sciences, Via Banchi di Sotto, 55, I-53100 Siena
**** University of Camerino, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Via Pontoni, 5, I-62032 Camerino

Abstract: The present work offers the first results of a study about the grazing ecosystem of Mounts Rogedano and Puro (Marches Region, central Italy), using phytosociological data as a point of departure. In particular, it describes the area's historical and geomorphological characteristics and provides an initial characterization of the soils that distinguish the territory. Thus the results of inquiries into the horizontal and vertical structure are presented, as well as those concerning productivity in terms of phytomass and the nutritional value of the grazing vegetation. Finally, the morpho-functional characteristics of the digestive system of cattle and sheep are considered, in the effort to provide an initial multidisciplinary analysis of the ecosystem and its productivity for zootechnical purposes.

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Muzeul de Stiintele Naturii, str. Horea, nr. 24, RO-540050 Targu-Mures

Abstract: Six main profiles of landscapes were identified, during researches in the area of Gurghiu Mountains, a part of the Carpathians District, four of them being represented by geoseries: the Gurghian, hilly geoseries on pyroclastic substratum of common oak Querco robori-Carpineto geosigmetum, the Gurghian hilly geoseries of durmast oak and hornbeam, on the pyroclastic substratum: Querco petraeae-Carpineto geosigmetum, the Gurghian, mountain geoseries, situated on andesite substratum of beech, Symphyto cordato-Fageto geosigmetum, the Gurghian, mountain series, situated on a pyroclastic substratum, of spruce Hieracio transsilvanici-Piceeto geosigmetum and other two by sigmeta: the edapho-hygrophilous series of common oak belonging to lower Gurghian area and sub-continental climates, on pyroclastic substratum, Querco robori-Carpineto sigmetum and the Gurghian edapho-halophilous series: Salicornieto europaeae sigmetum.

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Muzeul Regiunii Portilor de Fier, str. Independentei, nr. 2, RO-220171 Drobeta Turnu Severin

Abstract: The geosymphytosociologic studies in 'Portilor de Fier' Natural Park. In this article was effect the study of vegetable landscape at level of symphytosociologic analysis ('phytosociology teselare') and geosymphytosociologic analysis ('phytosociology catenale'). In landscape phytosociology prospect, in area the 'Portilor de Fier' Natural Park were identify 11 principle types of landscape vegetable complexes: 10 are represented by geoseries (Cazanale Mari, Eselnita Valley, downstream of Moldova Noua, Tricule, Cerna Valley, Mraconia Valley, Oglanic Valley, Valea Mare, Vodita Valley) and 1 by sigmeta (Oglanic Valley).

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* Universitatea din Pitesti, Facultatea de Biologie, str. Targu din Vale, nr. 1, RO-110040 Pitesti
** Muzeul Judetean Arges, str. Armand Calinescu, nr. 44, RO-110047 Pitesti

Abstract: This paper deals with information on the geomorphology, pedology, vegetation, anthropic influences of the principal stations which are distinguished in the Ghimbav mountains. The investigated area stretches to North-Western side of Leaota massif. In accordance with geological substratum, relief, soil and types of vegetation were identified sixteen ambiental unit which may be reference point in the next studies of the vegetal landscape. The principal phytocenosis were identified in this teritory are affiliated to next classes: Asplenietea trichomanis, Thlaspietea rotundifolii, Seslerietea albicantis, Festuco-Brometea, Scheuchzerio-Caricetea nigrae, Artemisietea vulgaris, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, Querco-Fagetea, Erico-Pinetea and Vaccinio-Piceetea.

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Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Laboratoire de Botanique systematique et de Phytosociologie, Av. F.D. Roosevelt, 50, B-1050, Bruxelles

Abstract: Current and old floristic lists and phytosociological releves for characterising the role and potentialities of a protected areas network for conservation and restauration of the flora in a rural landscape. In two natural regions of South Belgium, one can find very particular and valuable endangered wet grasslands communities of the Molinion caeruleae and correlated grassland types on heavy cley. A network of protected areas has recently been created, covering a 285 ha area. The aim of the study was to assess, on the basis of a recent survey of the flora, the effectiveness of the network for the conservation of the flora of these grasslands. In the network we find 22.6 % and 30.4 % of the total native flora respectively of Belgium and of the south of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. The network hosts 79 % of the grasslands flora that were existing in these regions before the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy. The studied areas have the same profile of rarity indices of the species and comparable numbers of species as other protected areas recognised of national value. It is demonstrated that this network has a great importance for the conservation of the specific flora of the wet grasslands of the Molinion caeruleae on cley soils and especially of rare and endangered plant species. According to the litterature, Ellenberg's N index is strongly negatively correlated with rarity index suggesting the need to devote a special effort for exportation of nutrients during management. The protected areas are mostly not in connection with wetter or drier sites, so that the gradient of soil moisture in the landscape is not represented. We suggest a greater effort for the extension of the protected areas along this gradient.

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Universitatea din Craiova,Facultatea de Agronomie str. Libertatii nr. 15 RO-200583 Craiova

Abstract: The subalpine bush associations in the upper basin of Luncavat River. On the occasion of certain vegetation research made in the superior area of Luncavat river (Valcea County), between 1997-2002, we found 6 subalpine bushes associations, that will present in this paper: Cetrario-Loiseleurietum procumbentis Br.-Bl. 1926; Empetro-Vaccinietum gaultherioidis Br.-Bl. 1926; Rhododendro myrtifolii-Pinetum mugo Borza 1959 em Coldea 1985; Campanulo abietinae-Juniperetum Simon 1966; Campanulo abietinae-Vaccinietum (Buia et al. 1962) Boscaiu 1971 and Rhododendro myrtifolii-Vaccinietum Borza (1955) 1959 em. Boscaiu 1971. As part of identified associations description, referring to sinchorology, sinecology, physionomy and floristical composition and to the importance of those associations,too.

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Institutul de Biologie al Academiei Romane, Splaiul Independentei, nr. 296, RO-060031 Bucuresti

Abstract: Two types of beech forest in Bucegi Mountains were analysed: Hieracio rotundati-Fagetum (Vida 1963) Tauber 1987 and Symphyto cordati-Fagetum Vida 1959. In order to make a comparison of these two plant associations it were taken into account the main characteristics of relief, soil and altitude. In the beech forests of the Bucegi Mountains three sampling plots were delimited: Talea, Moroieni and Bradet. During three growing seasons, different measurements concerning the green and dry biomass as well as the frequency, density and water content of the herbaceous species occurring in the Hieracio rotundati - Fagetum communities of Talea locality was done. A comparison between green and dry biomass of the plant communities of Talea, Moroieni and Bradet was done. The dendrogram of similarity based on Jaccard index was performed for both plant associations.

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Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara a Banatului, Facultatea de Agricultura, Disciplina de Botanica si Ecologie, Calea Aradului, nr. 119, RO-300643 Timisoara

Abstract: On the vegetation dynamics in the Padureni County terraces (Poiana Rusca Mountains). The Padureni County there is quasi-unique landscape landscape in the Carpathians - terraced slopes. The age of the terraces is definitely a multisecular, certain authors dating it in the pre-Roman period. Cultivated till about 3-4 decades ago, the terraces were abandoned; nowadays they are covered with meadows, bushes and even forests. The reasons of the cultural abandon are socio-economics and result from the forced industrialisation process in Romania. On the ground of field studies carried out beteween 1998-2003, we present a general scheme of successions that we divide into two categories: ager to meadow and meadow to forest. Woody vegetation is synonymous to diversity loss at different levels: dissapearance of local cultivated plant populations, restriction or dissappearance of herbaceous plant populations (due to lime substratum, these are rich in species), and last, but not least, dramatic changes of a highly historically valuable landscape (ethno-landscape) for the Romanians. Due to the present conditions, plant successions are irreversible.

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Institutul de Biologie, Splaiul Independentei, nr. 296, RO-060031 Bucuresti

Abstract: The paper presents a part of the results of the researches entered upon in higher basin of Prahova valley (the eastern side of Bucegi Mountain and the western side of Baiului Mountain) regarding to flora and vegetation. We noticed on Rea Valley, in Baiului Mountain a new subassociation (scopolietosum carniolicae) in Symphyto cordati-Fagetum Vida 1959, 1963 association of the beech-forests.

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Muzeul Judetean Arges, str. Armand Calinescu, nr. 44, RO-110047 Pitesti

Abstract: The analysed territory is situated to the South of the Fagaras Mountains' crystalline rocks, which gradually dissapear in a thick conglomerate stratum, depositated not very long time ago (neogen age) in the Lovistea's sedimentary basin. Because of the different geological, geomorphological and pedological conditions, vegetation is structured in distinct units. The connection between rock, soil and vegetation lies in the vegetation's profile. The impact released by the human activity determined such profund alterations in some places, that, most of the times is hard to reconstruct the original aspects of the vegetation groups. The spontaneous vegetation, which is relatively well-placed on the abrupt slopes, close to the hydroelectric constructions and the access roads, mainly loses its spontaneous character, and in some areas appear irreversible changes determined by human activities; and some times we can even have serially regressive evolutions. Near the Vidraru storage lake, on the granitic steep slopes, were identified a new association for our country, Diantho henteri-Silenetum lerchenfeldianae.

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Universitatea din Pitesti, Facultatea de Biologie, str. Targu din Vale, nr. 1, RO-110040 Pitesti

Abstract: The intensity and nature of relations between three variables in a phytosociological study, using the coefficient of multiple correlation. The paper tries to demonstrate if the three variables (the altitude, the number of diploidic species and the number of poliploidic species) in the plants association (Telekio - Alnetum incanae), in four places (Iezer, Piatra Craiului, Raiosu, Rastolita), are or they are not connected, and the degree of that connection. We used the Galton's Method, that used the separated variables, and calculates their square mean. If the high values of one variable has trended to be associated with high values of other variable, then the square of that two variables has the same sign. Contrary, if a variable increasing is connected with a decreasing of other variable, then the multiplication of the squares will be negative. The method may be used for three and more variables.

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* Universitatea Babes-Bolyai Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Taxonomie si Ecologie, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca
** Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF), E-08193 Bellaterra
*** Universitat de Barcelona, Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona

Abstract: The distribution of forest types in the fragmented landscape of the Valles Plain (NE Spain) was analysed in relation to recent (1956-1993) changes in forest patches, using MiraMon, an in-house developed GIS. Forest type was determined in 252 field plots chosen at random within forest islands of 1993. Changes in forest patches were determined by combining forest boundaries of 1956 and 1993, both obtained from photo-interpretation of orthophotomaps. Two approaches to forest change were considered: presence of absence in 1956 and the degree of change in patch area. Contingency tables were then constructed to analyse the distribution of the main forest types (pine forests with Rosmarino-Ericion and Brachypodion phoenicoidis understorey, pine forests with Quercion ilicis understorey, and mixed forests of Quercion ilicis) in relation to (i) the presence or absence of forest in 1956 and (ii) the change in patch area. Both the presence of forest in 1956 and the degree of change in patch area had significant effects on the distribution of forest types. In general, the more late-succession the forest type, the more over-represented in patches already existing in 1956. Mixed forests were, in addition, concentrated in patches resulting from fragmentation of large forest areas, thus suggesting some relict situation of these forests, traditionally considered near the climax.

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Universitatea Babes-Bolyai Cluj-Napoca, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Taxonomie si Ecologie, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca

Abstract: Specific features of the flora and vegetation of Transylvania (Romania). First, a brief geographical characterisation of this Romanian province is made, based on published material and personal experience. Then, a synthetical overview of vascular species richness in Transylvania (about 2,100 taxa from the 3,297 currently known in Romania) is presented. Finally, the occurrence of relict species (45 taxa), endemics (80 taxa) and vulnerable species (20 taxa from the 33 recorded in Romania by the Berna Convention) is discussed. The particular edaphic-climatic conditions and the postglaciar vegetation history have determined the formation of certain plant communities that are characteristic for this province of Romania. All these considerations has led to a strong development of conservation actions (37% of protected areas of Romania are located in Transylvania).

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* Universitatea din Craiova, Facultatea de Horticultura, Catedra de Horticultura, str. Libertatii, nr. 15, RO-200583 Craiova
** Universitatea din Craiova, Gradina Botanica Al. Buia, str. Constantin Lecca, nr. 26, RO-200217 Craiova

Abstract: The paper contains 18 endemic species and subspecies of the Romanian Flora which can be found also in Oltenia region. These are accompanied by information on ecology, coenology and chorology (in Oltenia) and finally by the geoelement: Androsace villosa ssp. arachnoidea, Athamanta turbith ssp. hungarica, Centaurea pinnatifida, Cerastium transsilvanicum, Dianthus henteri, D. spiculifolius, D. tenuifolius, Erysimum witmanni ssp. transsilvanicum, Galium baillonii, Hepatica transsilvanica, Heracleum palmatum, Koeleria macrantha ssp. transsilvanica, Onobrychis montana ssp. transsilvanica, Primula auricula ssp. serratifolia, Sorbus dacica, Thlaspi dacicum ssp. dacicum and ssp. banaticum, Thymus comosus. For the ecology of each species, we have chosen the rupicolous and the saxicolous species (according to Beldie, 1967) these species represent the most characteristic habitats that shelter the endemytes and the subendemytes. The subendemytes in Oltenia 16, are accompanied by the same data, the list is made of: Corydalis solida ssp. slivenensis, Doronicum carpaticum, Gypsophila petraea, Iris reichenbachii, Peucedanum rochelianum, Potentilla haynaldiana, Ranunculus carpaticus, Scabiosa columbaria ssp. pseudobanatica, Seseli gracile, Sesleria bielzii, Silene lerchenfeldiana, S. nutans ssp. dubia, Symphyandra wanneri, Thymus pulcherrimus, Trisetum fuscum, T. macrotrichum.

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Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie, Facultatea de Farmacie, str. Gheorghe Marinescu, nr. 35, RO-540139 Targu-Mures

Abstract: Diploidisation Indices of Plant Associations from Mures Defile between Toplita and Deda. Mures Defile between Toplita and Deda represent the bigger section through volcanic mountain chain in the east of Transylvanian basin. As a result of the researches made in this teritory 58 plant associations with 6 subassociations grouped in 40 alliances, 2 suballiances, 24 orders and 17 classes were found. This study shows diploids and polyploids distribution in order to calculate diploidisation indices using Pignatti's formula, establishing the ratio between diploid and polyploid species presence sum. From a total of 1084 taxa wich vegetate in Mures Defile 52.13% are polyploids, 44.19% are diploids and 3.66% are diplo-polyploids. The rest of 2.77% couldn't be classified becouse of the lack of caryological informationes. Polyploids highest frequency was foud in disturbed biotopes and the lower frequency occurred in climax plant associations. On the whole, diploid indices of studied plant associationes values are similar with plant asssociations indices from Central Europe.

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* Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Gradina Botanica Alexandru Borza, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca
** Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Departamentul de Biologie Vegetala, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca

Abstract: The paper reveals the structure of a newly discovered Fritillaria meleagris population in a habitat from Cluj county, disturbed by drainage works started in the summer of 2003, after the acomplishment of the studies. The importance of the habitat is also highlighted by the presence of other red list species, like Achillea ptarmica, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Gentiana pneumonanthe, Gladiolus imbricatus, Iris sibirica, Narcissus poeticus ssp. radiiflorus, Trollius europaeus. Phytocoenological records were performed in three plant communities, developed along a moisture gradient, from wet to mesic: Caricetum acutiformis Eggler 1933, Cirsietum rivularis Nowinski 1926 and Junco-Molinietum Preising 1951. Population density, spatial and age structure of F. meleagris were investigated along three transects laid out in these communities. Morphometric data (stem height and perianth length) of individuals were also recorded and correlation between them was calculated.

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* Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Biologie si Geologie, Catedra de Biologie Vegetala, str. Republicii, nr. 42, RO-3400 Cluj Napoca
** Universite de Liege, 620 Becco, B-4910 Theux

Abstract: Environmental change is an important factor for bryophyte survival. The main threats of lignicolous species richness focuses on changing of certain habitats, due decreasing of forest surface, forest canopy and amount of decaying wood. The upper basin of the Aries River is located in the north-western part of Romania, in Apuseni Mountains. The mountain climate favored the development of spruce, beech and mixed forests. Lophozia ascendens is a rare species occurring in five associations Lophocoleo heterophyllae - Dolichothecetum seligeri Phil. 1965, Riccardio - Scapanietum umbrosae Phil. 1965, Leucobryo - Tetraphidetum pellucidae Barkm. 1958, Anastrepto orcadensis - Dicranodontietum denudati Stef. 1941 nom. invers, Calypogeietum trichomanis Neum. 1971. Lophozia ascendens is well correlated (Spearman Correlation Coeficient calculated for 132 releves) with the hepatics coverage (0.49329), Blepharostoma trichophyllum (0.37787) and Riccardia palmata (0.36619). Buxbaumia viridis is a vulnerable species occuring only in two association: Lophocoleo heterophyllae - Dolichothecetum seligeri Phil. 1965 and Riccardio - Scapanietum umbrosae Phil. 1965. Lophozia ascendens has a larger occurence and seems to be less threatened, but Buxbaumia viridis occur only in the north-western part of the studied area, in sheltered mixed or spruce forests, solitary or scattered, cca. 68 individuals. These forests should be protected with a minimal management. The fallen logs and trunks should be left untouched, not removed or burned.

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Universitatea de Nord Baia Mare, str. Victoriei, nr. 76, RO-430122 Baia Mare

Abstract: The Rodna Mountains, the Maramures Mountains, the Gutai Mountains, the oligotrophic swamps have been the main concern of many-sided studies in course of time and brought to light their rare species. For all that novel aspects are not at all impossible to appear in the places already mentioned above as well as in many others less dealt with such as the Lapus Mountains, the Tibles Mountais and the Somes Valley. Here, for example, the natives draw attention to existence of some species that have been listed to the under preservation. The clearing of narcissuses on the Coastei Hill in the Suciu de Sus Village is hardly known or taken into consideration and, therefore, quite ignored. The habitat of the Narcissus poeticus ssp. stellaris is not far from the farms enclosed by the tillable land. Formerly it measured a few hectares, but now it is only a few tens of ares because of the tillable ground surrounding it. Another species that can be found in the places we have already reffered to this also in danger, its name is Fritillaria meleagris. Long ago it was considered to have be inexistent in the conty of Maramures, but later on it could be found again in the Fersig Forest on the Somes Valley, at Ardusat and at the Lapus Valley.

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Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie, str. Gh. Marinescu, nr. 38, RO-540139 Targu Mures

Abstract: This study synthesizes some ecological and coenological observations on two species of Hypericum genus: H. perforatum and H. maculatum from Mures county flora. 43 plant associations from 11 classes of vegetation, in which the two species occurrence, were analyzed. The two species are not evenly distributed at class and plant associations levels, showing a relatively wide range of eco-coenotical range. The two species were generally recorded with different AD values: H. perforatum ranges from '+' to '2', whereas the other species occurs with a constant '+'. A relation between site conditions and the quality and quantity of active principles contained (hypericin and flavonoids) has been observed. Their biosynthesis seems to be enhanced on habitat conditions.

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Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Geografie, str. Clinicilor, nr. 5-7, RO-400006 Cluj-Napoca

Abstract: The evolution of Rural Space in Romania after the 2nd World War and the actual Rural State. The evolution of the rural from Romania after the 2nd World War was influenced by two remarkable events, in the frame of the social-political life of the country, namely: collectivization of agriculture, after Soviet model, ended in 1962; returning to the form of private ownership upon the land after the Revolution which took place to December 1989. The collectivization of agriculture brought abouth a powerful demographical flow from the rural towards the towns which were in a full industrial expansion. This fact led to the ageing and to the feminization of the agricultural works, in the conditions, in which a process of mechanization of the main agricultural works was highlighted. As a result, the rural population of Romania decreased from 70% in 1946, to 45% in 1989. The general collapse of industry, which took place after 1989, and the regaining of the land ownership from the rural environment, generated a reversed demographical flow, this time from towns to villages, fact which resulted in the increase of the rurral population weight at approximately 50% from the total of Romanian population (2004). The average size of a land estate is of 2.5 ha, and the degree of its plotting is between 10-15 plots. This fact led to a return to an autarchic agriculture, characterized by the use on a large scale of the physical work of man and animals.

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Institutul Arhiva de Folclor a Academiei Romane, str. Republicii, nr. 9, RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca

Abstract: Tree worship and the preservation of certain components of Romanian dendrology and flora. Tree worship is the most evolved stage of botanical mythology. It defines the vegetal conception over world and life, conception manifested by the worship of sacred trees, as protean and demiurge deities. These types of trees acted in the Romanian peasant's imagination under the shape of deities which could predict, could help or punish the people. Thus, the fir tree, the oak, the poplar, the willow, the apple tree started to be protected by profane laws for their material value and by the sacred laws, for their mythological value. Traces of sacred tree worship are varied and numerous in Romanian traditional culture. Thus, the fir, oak, beech, lime, willow or apple are present in all the passage rites: birth, marriage and funeral. To illustrate the importance of the sacred trees in Romanian traditional mentality, we will appeal to a carol in Transylvanian repertoire that brings Virgin Mary to the stage together with two trees: the poplar and the fir. The fir worshiping - sacred tree by excellence to Romanians - was materialized, in this carol that enjoyed an intense circulation in Transylvania. This folk creation sustains the idea referring to an ancient cult of the fir in Romanian area.

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