Rubus placidus, a species new to the fl ora of the Czech Republic

Rubus placidus, a widespread species endemic to the northern part of Central Europe, has been newly 

discovered for the fl ora of the Czech Republic. The discovered and only two known localities are situated 

in western Bohemia close to the border with Germany in the surroundings of the towns of Hranice and 

Plesná (Cheb Distr.). The Czech localities represent the easternmost occurrence of its distribution area. 

Details of the localities and a description of the species including a pen drawing and photos are provided. 

Its taxonomy, nomenclature, ecology, distribution and etymology are also dealt with. The genome size of 

one specimen from the population near Hranice was analysed using fl ow cytometry. The holoploid genome 

size of R. placidus was estimated as 1.38 pg which corresponds with tetraploids (2n ~ 4x ~ 28). The ploidy 

level of this species is presented here for the first time. The species is cultivated in the Dendrological Gar￾den of the Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental Gardening.