The detailed chemical analysis of the methanol extract of Meripilus giganteus (Pers.) P. Karst. led to the isolation of two new cerebrosides, mericeramides A (1) and B (2) together with cerebroside B (3), ergosterol (4), 3β-hydroxyergosta-7,22-diene (5), cerevisterol (6), 3β-hydroxyergosta-6,8(14),22-triene (7), 3β-O-glucopyranosyl-5,8-epidioxyergosta-6,22-diene (8) and (11E,13E)-9,10-dihydroxy-11,13-octadecadienoic acid (9). The structures of the compounds were determined on the basis of NMR and MS spectroscopic analysis. Mericeramide A (1) is the first representative of halogenated natural cerebrosides. The isolated fungal metabolites 1–9 were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Compounds 2, 5 and 9 proved to possess considerable antioxidant effects, with 2.50 ± 0.29, 4.94 ± 0.37 and 4.27 ± 0.05 mmol TE/g values, respectively. The result obtained gives a notable addition to the chemical and bioactivity profile of M. giganteus, highlighting the possible contribution of this species to a versatile and balanced diet.

Recent studies revealed that from various ecological factors influencing nectar yield and quality of a plant, soil properties can be as important as microclimatic features. To date, few studies have investigated the relationship of soil characters to nectar traits of bee pollinated plants growing in natural associations. Our study intended to reveal which soil properties had the most powerful impact on nectar variables of wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.). Specimens were collected from fourteen habitats in two different years, and were potted in their original soil under the same climatic conditions. Nectar volumes and sugar concentrations were measured and soil samples were analysed for fourteen parameters. Statistical analyses revealed that the number of nectar producing Allium flowers, as well as the nectar volume and sugar content of nectar in individual flowers were influenced by both year and habitat. The humus, iron and sulphate content of soil showed negative correlation with the number of flowers producing nectar; total nectar volumes were negatively correlated with humus and iron content, but positively affected by magnesium content of the soil. Our results suggest that in addition to the effect of microclimatic factors, certain soil properties can have significant impact on nectar traits.

The herb layer plays a significant role in maintaining forest functions, and its community composition is determined by various abiotic factors and biotic interactions. This study attempted to investigate the interspecific plant–plant biotic interactions using a functional traits approach. Specifically, the effects of a dominant species coverage on the functional diversity of coexisting species in the temperate forest understory were studied. Species coverage and soil moisture data were collected using a 1 m² quadrat couplet (2 × 1 m²) from six sites alongside a 20 m linear transect encompassing a cover gradient of Allium ursinum in southwest Hungary. Major plant functional dimensions i.e., aboveground, and clonal functional traits were considered. Linear and nonlinear mixed models to quantify the effects of biotic interaction on the functional diversity of every single trait and multiple traits were employed. Both aboveground traits and clonal traits of persistent clonal growth organs responded positively to the A. ursinum L., cover gradient. The coexistence of understory species in the presence of a monodominant species seems to be mainly influenced by aboveground traits as compared to the clonal traits suggesting, a role of niche differentiation. The consistent impact of A. ursinum coverage on coexisting species dynamics highlights a need for similar in-depth studies in various forest settings.