Acta Horti Bot. Bucurest. 34 Bucureşti 2007 CHOROLOGY OF NEPETA CATARIA (LAMIACEAE) IN ROMANIA PĂDURE Ioana Marcela * Abstract: The paper presents chorological data concerning Nepeta cataria L. (Lamiaceae) in Romania. N. cataria is a common and widespread species throughout Romania. Chorological data regarding N. cataria (catmint) distribution are presented using bibliographical information, numerous data from different Herbaria of Romania and data collected from fieldwork. An important revision of voucher specimens was performed. An original chorological map using GEOCOD coordinates is presented. Key words: chorology, Nepeta cataria, Lamiaceae, distribution map, GEOCOD coordinates, Romania. Introduction N. cataria is an erect perennial herb with stems 40-100 cm, erect, branched, grey- pubescent to tomentose. Leaves 5-15 cm, ovate, acute, cordate at base, crenate or serrate, grey-tomentose beneath. Inflorescence spike-like, the lower verticillasters distant. Calyx ovoid, teeth linear- lanceolate, corolla 7-10 mm, shortly exerted from calyx, white with purple spots, nutlets dark brown, ellipsoid, usually smooth (Turner 1972). Nepeta has a large distribution in Europe (Svensson & Wigren 1984) (Fig. 1); in Romania little is known about the distribution and viability of this species, no floristic inventories and demographic studies necessaries for the definition of the real status of species exists to date. Regarding the ecological growing conditions, the reported life zone of catnip is full sun to light shade, 7-19° with an annual precipitation of 0,4-1,3 m and a soil pH tolerance range of 4,9-7,5. Dry sandy soil is recommended, but the plant also grows well (and brushier) on well-drained, moderately rich garden loam. It is commonly considered as antrophophylus and nitrophylus species (Ciocârlan 2000). As a weed, it is found in hedges, fencerows, roadsides and waste places. Fieldwork was carried out through the country in order to visit reported sites of the species occurrence. Fig. 1 Nepeta cataria L. distribution (Svensson & Wigren 1984) * Universitatea de ŞtiinĠe Agronomice şi Medicină Veterinară Bucureşti, Departamentul de Botanică şi Fiziologia Plantelor, Bd. Mărăşti nr. 59, 011464, Bucureşti, România. e-mail: nepeta@k.ro