Vascular flora of sub-Mediterranean grasslands and scrubs at the foot of the Promina Mountain (Northern Dalmatia, Croatia)

Abstract

A floristic study of the plateau at the foot of the Promina Mountain, located between the rivers Krka and Čikola, was conducted in the period 2019-2021. On an area covered largely by sub-Mediterranean dry grasslands and scrubs 275 vascular plant taxa were recorded. Recorded taxa belong to 60 families, among which Fabaceae (14.91%), Poaceae (10.91%) and Asteraceae s. str. (8.00%) are the most abundant. Life-form analysis indicates the dominance of hemicryptophytes (44.73%) and therophytes (21.09%), and as for chorology, there is a domination of South-European (32.73%) and Mediterranean (29.45%) floral element. Only two invasive alien species, Ailanthus altissima and Robinia pseudoacacia were recorded. There are 15 endemic and 26 strictly protected taxa, while 19 taxa are included on the Croatian Red List. Results of the floristic analysis reflect the climate conditions and phytogeographical position of the studied area as well as the history of land use.