GAZETTE FUTURE, Vol. 5 No. 5-6, 2022.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.32779/gf.5.5-6.2
Allelopathic potential of Helleborus dumetorum and its prospects for conservation with gardening
Živa Bračič
; Biology Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Slovenia.
Natalija Hočevar
; Biology Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Slovenia.
Nina Šajna
orcid.org/0000-0002-7830-5424
; Biology Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor. Slovenia.
Abstract
To tackle global biodiversity loss, we will need to sustain biodiversity beyond protected areas.
Here we present a case study of a rare and threatened native species Helleborus dumetorum.
First, we assessed by laboratory experiments if H. dumetorum has a competitive advantage
over weeds because of its allelopathic potential; secondly, we reviewed the literature to
discuss if this threatened species could be conserved as an ornamental species for gardening
while at the same time its cultivation would benefit local biodiversity. Using bioassays, we
tested the allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts of H. dumetorum leaves and of soil
samples, collected at or away from H. dumetorum plants, on garden cress Lepidium sativum
germination and seedling development. The results confirmed the presence of H. dumetorum
aqueous allelochemicals in leaves as well as allelopathic effects of the soil where H.
dumetorum was growing, supporting the competitive advantage of H. dumetorum. Literature
review combined with our observations in the field indicated more characteristics of H.
dumetorum suitability for ornamental purposes and species’ conservational opportunities:
easy and successful transplanting, survival in various habitats, no invasive potential,
flowering in early spring, long-lived leaves. Our study shows, that considering threatened
native plants for ornamentals could have a multitude of benefits for local biodiversity.
Keywords
allelopathy, rare plants, Ranunculaceae, green hellebore, conservation.
Hrčak ID:
294154
URI
Publication date:
30.12.2022.
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