Distribution patterns and habitats of endemic vascular plants in the Polish Carpathians

The paper deals with the richness and diversity of endemic and subendemic taxa in the Polish Carpathians. Based on critical studies in the literature and the authors' unpublished materials collected in the field, the distribution patterns of endemic species are analysed and discussed. The participation of endemics in the flora of single Carpathian ranges is assessed and analysed. The importance of the Tatra Mts as a centre of endemism is stressed. The frequency and altitudinal ranges of endemic taxa are characterized and their syntaxonomical spectrum is presented.