First records of Chara tomentosa and Chara papillosa (Charophyceae) from Slovakia

Macroscopic charophyte algae (Charophyta / Charophyceae) are rare and threatened organisms and remain relatively poorly documented in Slovakia. In recent years, we investigated several aquatic habitats at three localities with a focus on charophyte species. Two Chara species, C. papillosa Kützing and C. tomentosa L., were recorded for the first time in Slovakia, and new localities of Chara contraria A.Braun ex Kützing, C. globularis Thuiller, and Nitellopsis obtusa (Desvaux) J.Groves were identified. In addition, the association Charetum tomentosae Corillion 1957 was conclusively recorded for the first time in the country.