Cymbalaria muralis P. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Schreb. and Cymbalarietum muralis Görs 1966 in Lower Silesia - expansion or regression?

Cymbalaria muralis, a species native in Southern Alps, Western Yugoslavia, Italy and Sicily, became popular in Central Europe in 19th century as an ornament plant. The first time the species was noticed in Lower Silesia in Karpniki village in 1841 (WIMMER 1841), and number of known sites increased to 67 in 1945. After 1945 21 new localities were found, but about 40% of all known data was not confirmed in 1991-1999. Analysis supports the hypothesis of anthropogenic origin of majority Silesian sites and decreasing of their numbers. Cymbalaria muralis is a dominant species of the association Cymbalarietum muralis Govs 1966, a pioneer community of vertical wall surfaces. Differentiation of the association is presented.<br>Now the community is endangered - more than 80% of locations of the association extinct or single<br>plants survived.