Thesium ebracteatum (Santalaceae) rediscovered in Romania: ecological and biogeographical context

In June 2025, approximately 100 individuals of <i>T. ebracteatum</i> were discovered near Bălcăuți, Suceava Region, Romania. This represents the first national record of the species in several decades and the first ever from eastern Romania. The species occurred in a stand documented by a vegetation plot, corresponding to the phytosociological association <i>Brachypodio pinnati</i>-<i>Molinietum arundinaceae</i>. The isolated occurrence near Bălcăuți, similar to other peripheral populations in the south-western part of the species' range, is regarded as relict. This interpretation is further supported by the disjunct occurrence of other rare plant species typical of peri-Carpathian forest-steppe. Historical maps indicate that the site once formed part of an extensive grassland complex known as Horaiț/Horaiza, most of which was converted to arable land during the 19^th and 20^th centuries. For the long-term conservation of <i>T. ebracteatum</i> and other rare species at the site, targeted management is required, including the prevention of further ploughing and the extension of legal protection to all valuable local stands.