Bryophytes of Cu-mine heaps in the vicinity of Banská Bystrica (Central Slovakia)

The knowledge of bryophytes growing on metal-contaminated sites is still insufficient in Slovakia. This study deals with bryophyte flora of three mine heaps (Podlipa, Richtárová and Maximilián) with copper-rich substrate. A total of 54 relevés was made, in which a total of 45 bryophyte species (43 mosses and 2 liverworts) was recorded. Species-richest mine heap was Podlipa with 31 bryophyte species (29 mosses and 2 liverworts) and species-poorest was Maximilián with 20 species of mosses. 11 species were mutual for all three mine heaps, while 9 species where present only on Podlipa, 8 on Richtárová and 4 on Maximilián. The most representative bryophytes, in terms of their occurrence and cover, are Ceratodon purpureus, Pohlia cruda, Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Brachythecium salebrosumand, Plagiomnium affine. Occurence of bryophytes on metal-contaminated sites was discussed.