The Late Quaternary history of Rhamnus frangula in Norway

Finds of pollen and macrofossils of Rhamnus frangula L. from Eem and Holocene are discussed and compared with the present pollen production and dispersal of the species, and its present distribution. It is presumed that there was little difference between the potential distribution area of R. frangula and its actual geographical range because of its rapid spread during Preboreal and Boreal in South Norway. A small, temporary expansion of R. frangula occurred around 5 500 BP in a mountain valley in W Norway. A simultaneous local expansion of the species has been registered in Vestvågøy, Nordland county, N Norway. In these two areas, which are outside its present distribution, the maximum of R. frangula is dated to between 5 000 and 4 800 BP. The maxima of R. frangula in profiles from other Norwegian areas are discussed. Factors such as changes in climatic condition, in–filling stages of local successions in the sedimentation basins, or human activity may explain the differences found.