Blysmo compressi-Eriophoretum latifoliae ass. nova, a new association of the Caricion fuscae alliance from the Sharri Mountains

Abstract

The sedge-moss vegetation of the moderately to low calcium-rich slightly acidic fens of the Caricion fuscae alliance depends on a very specific combination of ecological and climatic conditions to thrive. Until recently, the classification of this vegetation group was complicated by its rarity on the southern edges of its range in Europe. As part of a larger database of phytocenological relevés carried out in Mt. Luboten, we came across an interesting group of 15 relevés on fen vegetation sites. We were curious to know if this plant community was a previously known association or if it might represent something new within this alliance. We compiled a separate dataset at JUICE that includes four plant communities from this alliance, along with our 15 original releves. The classification was based on modified TWINSPAN and beta-flexible clustering as a numerical classification method, with OPTIMCLASS determining the appropriate number of clusters. Five associations were clearly delineated, with the four associations taken from the literature sources clearly grouped individually and a new, fifth association appearing as separate, with completely unique characteristics. This new association: Blysmo compressi-Eriophoretum latifoliae occurs at elevations of ~ 1650 m a.s.l. on NE and NW slopes of the mountain. With this work we offer the description of a new high-mountain fen association. These associations may play an important syntaxonomic role as more Balkan data become available on this alliance. The sedge-moss and fen vegetation in the Balkans is particularly rare and characterised by a very diverse and specific vegetation, so it rightly deserves more attention from vegetation scientists and conservation authorities.

Relicts of Threatened Biodiversity: Similarities and Differences among the 7230 EU Habitat Plant Communities on Montane Plateaus of Central Apennines, Italy

“…Syntaxonomy: Eriophorum latifolium is considered to be a diagnostic species of the Caricion davallianae alliance, e.g., [9,48]. In Italy, as in the rest of Europe, this showy species is documented both in the vegetation of this alliance, e.g., [37,[69][70][71][72], and in the communities referring to other syntaxonomic units of the class Scheuchzerio-Caricetea fuscae, e.g., [13,15,26,48,70,73]. It was found in the meadows of the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class too, e.g., [29,73,74], and in wetland communities, e.g., [15].…”

“…Even if many studies were performed on this vegetation, its richness and distribution across Europe are still not well-understood [13]. This is also true regarding Italy, where numerous plant communities belonging to the order Caricetalia davallianae Br.-Bl.…”