Vascular plants of the Maly Borek Nature Reserve in the Augustow Forest (NE Poland)

During the survey of the Mały Borek nature reserve (Augustów Forest, NE Poland) 236 species of vascular plants were recorded, including 10 plant species red-listed in Poland and 19 species protected under the Polish law. The most valuable species were sedges typical of the boreal coniferous forests: Carex vaginata, C. globularis and C. loliacea. The presence of neophytes was very limited (1,3% of the flora) in the area studied. The principal aim of the establishment of the reserve was the conservation of old-growth coniferous forests with long ecological continuity. Since the reserve studied consists mainly of old-growth coniferous forests, the number of species regarded as ancient forest indicators is lower (54 species) than in the well-preserved reserves with deciduous stands in north-east Poland, but still rather high. The most valuable, threatened species are bound to wetland forests that are presently disturbed due to drainage. Restoration of the former hydrological conditions is essential for the preservation of the vascular plants in the reserve