GEOPHYTES IN HISTORIC CEMETERIES: BETWEEN CULTIVATION AND PERSISTENCE

Abstract

This paper presents the results of floristic investigation in five historical cemeteries from Bucharest: Șerban Vodă - Bellu Orthodox, Bellu Catholic, Evangelic Lutheran, Izvorul Nou, Annunciation Berceni. All are over 100 years old, the first three being established at the middle of XIXth century, while the last two were established at the end of XIXth century and, respectively, at the beginning of XX century. The investigation revealed that historical cemeteries provide suitable environments for the persistence and cultivation of a diverse range of geophytes, including native and alien ornamental taxa. A total of 58 geophytes were inventoried in these five
cemeteries. Their current occurrence reflects a combination of planting practices, long-term persistence and occasional escape from cultivation. Park-cemeteries, with rich vegetation, are true reservoirs of biodiversity, sheltering rare and threatened plants species, protected at national level.