Formalized classification of the vegetation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies alba</Emphasis>-dominated forests in the Czech Republic

A phytosociological classification of silver fir (Abies alba) forests in the Czech Republic was carried out using the Braun-Blanquet approach. It is based on the formalized and supervised Cocktail classification method. The definitions of associations were created by combinations of sociological species groups using logical operators. Dominance of single species was included in the definitions of associations. All relevés with at least 50% cover of silver fir in tree layer available from the Czech Republic were used for analysis. Three associations within two classes were distinguished. Vaccinio vitis-idaeae-Abietetum albae (Vaccinio-Piceetea, Piceion excelsae) is an oligotrophic, species-poor spruce-pine-fir forest dominated by Vaccinium myrtillus in the herb layer occurring mostly on podzols. Luzulo-Abietetum albae (Querco-Fagetea, Luzulo-Fagion) is an oligo-mesotrophic spruce-fir forest characterized by the dominance of graminoids (Luzula luzuloides, Calamagrostis arundinacea) in the herb layer. It occurs especially on cambisols. Nutrient-demanding species are typical of the stands of herb-rich mesotrophic Galio rotundifolii-Abietetum albae (Querco-Fagetea, Fagion sylvaticae, Galio rotundifolii-Abietenion) that occurs also mostly on cambisols. Soil nutrients and soil reaction (represented by Ellenberg indicator values) were determined as the most important ecological gradients affecting the variation of the vegetation in these communities.     

Numerical reproduction of traditional classifications and automatic vegetation identification

Questions: Is it possible to develop an expert system to provide reliable automatic identifications of plant communities at the precision level of phytosociological associations? How can unreliable expert‐based knowledge be discarded before applying supervised classification methods? Material: We used 3677 relevés from Catalonia (Spain), belonging to eight orders of terrestrial vegetation. These relevés were classified by experts into 222 low‐level units (associations or sub‐associations). Methods: We reproduced low‐level, expert‐defined vegetation units as independent fuzzy clusters using the Possibilistic C‐means algorithm. Those relevés detected as transitional between vegetation types were excluded in order to maximize the number of units numerically reproduced. Cluster centroids were then considered static and used to perform supervised classifications of vegetation data. Finally, we evaluated the classifier's ability to correctly identify the unit of both typical (i.e. training) and transitional relevés. Results: Only 166 out of 222 (75%) of the original units could be numerically reproduced. Almost all the unrecognized units were sub‐associations. Among the original relevés, 61% were deemed transitional or untypical. Typical relevés were correctly identified 95% of the time, while the efficiency of the classifier for transitional data was only 64%. However, if the second classifier's choice was also considered, the rate of correct classification for transitional relevés was 80%. Conclusions: Our approach stresses the transitional nature of relevé data obtained from vegetation databases. Relevé selection is justified in order to adequately represent the vegetation concepts associated with expert‐defined units.     

Phytosociological study of thePicea jezoensis forests of the far east

Forest communities dominated byPicea jezoensis (Yezo spruce) are described from across their entire distributional range in eastern Asia, including the territories of the Russian Far East and Japan. A total of 476 relevés are used representing the following dominant types of spruce forests: pureP. jezoensis, mixedP. jezoensis andAbies sachalinensis, mixedP. jezoensis andAbies nephrolepis, and purePicea glehnii communities. The vegetation is classified into 11 associations, 2 community types, 6 subassociations, 25 variants and 8 subvariants. Nine associations, including theAsaro heterotropoidis-Abietetum sachalinensis, Weigelo middendorffianae-Piceetum jezoensis, Lysichito-Piceetum glehnii, Swido albae-Piceetum obovatae, Oplopanaco elati-Piceetum jezoensis, Philadelpho tenuifolii-Piceetum jezoensis, Vaccinio-Piceetum jezoensis, Rhododendro aurei-Piceetum jezoensis, andMoneseto uniflorae-Piceetum jezoensis, are described for the first time. The ecology and structure of all communities are described and their syntaxonomy discussed. The communities are placed in three alliances,Piceion jezoensis, Abieti nephrolepidis-Piceion jezoensis andPino pumilae-Piceion jezoensis, all. nov. All of the communities described are considered to belong to the orderAbieti-Piceetalia of the classVaccinio-Piceetea.     

Diversity of subalpine and alpine vegetation of the eastern part of the Nízke Tatry Mts in Slovakia: major types and environmental gradients

Changes in composition and structure of alpine and subalpine plant communities in relation to ecological factors were analysed in the Nízke Tatry Mts, Slovakia. Species cover values of vascular and non-vascular plants in each vegetation plot were recorded on the nine-degree scale. A data set of 156 relevés of alpine and subalpine vegetation was sampled recently during one year in the eastern part of the Nízke Tatry National Park. The data set was analysed by cluster analysis and Detrended Correspondence Analysis. analyses were carried out on the entire data set, including the subset of short grassland and dwarf-shrub vegetation. Major gradients and clusters were ecologically interpreted using Ellenberg indicator values. In the entire data set, the major gradient in species composition was associated with nutrient availability and the second most important gradient with light. In the case of short grassland and dwarf-shrub vegetation, the gradients were different. The first one was associated with soil reaction and the second gradient was associated with moisture. Clusters proposed by numerical classification reproduced many traditional phytosociological associations, namely Seslerietum distichae, Sphagno capillifolii-Empetretum nigri, Junco trifidi-Callunetum vulgaris, Juncetum trifidi, Dryopterido dilatatae-Pinetum mugo, Luzuletum obscurae, Agrostio pyrenaiceae-Nardetum strictae, while some other associations were less clearly differentiated (communities of the alliances Calamagrostion villosae, Adenostylion alliariae, Trisetion fusci, Cratoneuro filicini-Calthion laetae or Salicion herbaceae). The next clusters included Vaccinium and Festuca supina dominated communities and artificial roadside grasslands sown 50 years ago. Bryophytes and lichens were highly represented among diagnostic species of particular associations. Distribution pattern of particular plant communities was strongly influenced by site position either on northern or southern slope of the mountains.     

Classification of the Sieversio montanae-Nardetum strictae in a cross-section of the Eastern Alps

The Sieversio montanae-Nardetum strictae is one of the most widespread plant communities in (sub-) alpine regions of the Alps. Our study examines the composition, ecology and distribution of this plant community in the Eastern Alps and addresses the issue of how the community is to be classified in the phytosociological system of Nardus-rich grasslands. Therefore, 357 vegetation relevés were taken from the literature and 115 from our own inventories were recorded from 2005 to 2007 in Western Austria (mostly Tyrol) and Northern Italy (mostly South Tyrol). Additionally, indicator values of Ellenberg and land-use information were used to help better interpret the ecological site conditions of the subgroups. The HCA revealed there the existence of four groups of the Sieversio montanae-Nardetum strictae, which were classified to subassociations: (1) typicum, (2) vaccinietosum, (3) trifolietosum pratensis, and (4) seslerietosum albicantis. Besides the specific plant composition, altitude specifies the first, land-use intensity the second and third, and the pH of the topsoil the fourth subassociation. For the Eastern Alps, the plant community of the Sieversio montanae-Nardetum strictae should now be reclassified in the order of Nardetalia and the class of Calluno-Ulicetea. Finally, this plant community can be further classified by using the four above-mentioned subassociations.     

JUICE,software for vegetation classification

Abstract. The program JUICE was designed as a Microsoft® WINDOWS® application for editing, classification and analysis of large phytosociological tables and databases. This software, with a current maximum capacity of 30 000 relevés in one table, includes many functions for easy manipulation of table and header data. Various options include classification using COCKTAIL and TWINSPAN methods, calculation of interspecific associations, fidelity measures, average Ellenberg indicator values, preparation of synoptic tables, automatic sorting of relevé tables, and export of table data into other applications (word processors, spreadsheet programs or mapping packages). JUICE is optimized for use in association with TURBOVEG which is the most widespread database program for storing phytosociological data in Europe.     

Marshland vegetation of the class <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phragmito-Magnocaricetea</Emphasis> in northwest Croatia (Krapina river valley)

Marshland vegetation of the class Phragmito-Magnocaricetea in the Krapina river valley was investigated during 2006 and 2007, and some sporadic investigations were made earlier. Phytosociological studies were carried out in accordance with the standard Braun-Blanquet methodology. As a result of the field work, and a small amount of data from the literature, 120 relevés were collected and 18 communities were established. For the purposes of comparison, the relevés were also classified using numerical methods. The clusters obtained mostly correspond to specific associations, but do not confirm the division into traditional vegetation alliances and orders. In the analysis of the ecological factors it is established that separation of the relevés is influenced by nutrient content, soil reaction, soil moisture, depth of water, and type of management. Analysis of the plant life forms shows, in all marshland communities, a prevalence of hemicryptophytes, geophytes and hydrophytes. The most widespread marshland communities of the investigated area are: Phalaridetum arundinaceae, Phragmitetum australis and Galio palustris-Caricetum ripariae. Furthermore, Carex randalpina community is recorded for the first time in Croatia. The most threatened marshland communities could be considered to be: Carex randalpina community, Caricetum vesicariae, Leersietum oryzoidis and Oenantho-Rorippetum. They are selected because of their very small surfaces in the investigated area and the small number of known localities within the territory of Croatia. The most invasive alien plant species in the Krapina river valley is Solidago gigantea. It spreads in potential habitats of marshland vegetation, and it is recorded in the species composition of many marshland communities. For the preservation of marshland vegetation, and especially threatened types, it is necessary to maintain the water regime of the habitats, to not remove natural plant cover due to spreading of neophytes, and to provide occasional mowing and burning.     

The Quercus petraea-dominated communities in Italy: Floristic,coenological and chorological diversity in an European perspective

In Italy, woods dominated by Quercus petraea are well documented within local and regional phytosociological studies but a critical revision of their principal ecological-floristic components based on a comprehensive Italian data set was missing. We gathered 209 published and unpublished Italian phytosociological relevés, where Q. petraea was dominant, that were investigated by means of multivariate analysis. The ecological requirements of the resulting groups were indirectly calculated by means of Ellenberg indicator value, and a chorological analysis was performed. The fidelity coefficient (phi) for the diagnostic species of each group was calculated. According to our analysis, five different types of Q. petraea woods were found to be present in Italy. Each group was characterized by means of its floristic, ecological and chorological components. These resulting five groups were further compared with similar Q. petraea-dominated woods recorded in other European locations, as to the floristic and chorological components. We collected 57 synoptic tables of Q. petraea communities coming from all over Europe. This data set, together with the Italian relevés, was submitted to exploratory multivariate analysis using also the chorological information. According to these analyses, the Italian woods dominated by Q. petraea can be subdivided in two main clusters: the communities belonging to It-1 group (Alps) fell within the central European communities, distinguished by the predominance of large distribution and European chorotypes. All the other Italian groups of relevés resulted to be positioned in the cluster which includes central southern, central eastern and eastern European Q. petraea communities. From the syntaxonomical point of view, the results of this analysis allow to attribute the Italian Q. petraea woods to seven alliances of three different orders. The ecological similarities between Erythronio-Quercion petraeae and Erythronio-Carpinion betuli are highlighted and the distribution of Erythronio-Quercion petraeae is limited to northern Apennines, in particular, to slopes facing the Po Valley.     

The vegetation of alpine belt karst-tectonic basins in the central Apennines (Italy)

Abstract

The vegetation communities of the karst-tectonic basins of the Majella massif alpine belt were studied using the phytosociological methods, and analysed from coenological, synchorological and syntaxonomical viewpoints. During the field-work, 115 relevés were performed using the phytosociological approach of Braun-Blanquet, and these relevés were further subjected to multivariate analyses. Eight clusters of relevés resulted from the numerical classification. The plant communities identified in the study area were ascribed to the following five associations, two sub-associations and one community type: Leontopodio – Seslerietum juncifoliae (ass. nova); Helianthemo – Festucetum italicae (ass. nova); Gnaphalio – Plantaginetum atratae; Taraxaco – Trifolietum thalii gnaphalietosum magellensis (subass. nova); Luzulo italicae – Nardetum, Carici – Salicetum retusae; Saxifrago – Papaveretum julici, Saxifrago – Papaveretum androsacetosum (subass. nova), Plantago atrata and Leontodon montanus community. The distribution of these communities within the karst basins was found to be related to variations in topographic and geomorphological parameters, such as altitude, slope, soil availability and stoniness. All the new associations proposed in this paper belong to the suballiance Leontopodio – Elynenion and to the alliance Seslerion apenninae, both of which are endemic to the central Apennines. In order to compare the plant community types identified within the Majella massif to similar associations found in the rest of the Apennine chain, synoptic tables were constructed. Finally, a comparative phytogeographical analysis of the alpine belt vegetation of the Apennines, Dinarides, southern Balkans and eastern Alps is presented.     

Marshland vegetation of the class <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phagmito-Magnocaricetea</Emphasis> in Croatia

The marshland vegetation of the class Phragmito-Magnocaricetea in Croatia is presented in a single place for the first time. All the available relevés from the literature have been assembled and supplemented with the results of field research. Thirty-three communities have been established, shown in a synoptic table drawn up on the basis of 486 relevés. The communities are understood according to the traditional syntaxonomic system based on the dominant or diagnostic species. For the purposes of comparison, the marshland vegetation is classified using numerical methods as well. The results obtained show that most clusters correspond to specific associations, but do not confirm the division into vegetation alliances and orders. The marshland communities with the most relevés in the dataset, and that therefore can be considered the most widespread in Croatia, are: Phragmitetum australis, Caricetum gracilis, and Galio palustris-Caricetum ripariae. The marshland vegetation is also analysed from the standpoint of nature conservation. In the dataset studied, 59 taxa from the Red Book of Vascular Flora of Croatia are identified as threatened, the 15 most endangered marshland communities are separated, and 10 neophytes and one neophyte association are registered. The diversity of marshland vegetation, and of the associated plant species, is considerably higher in inland Croatia than along the Adriatic coast, which is probably a result of the geological bedrock, climate and, in some places, halophile conditions.     

Classification and gradient analysis of the beech forest vegetation of the southern Rodopi (northeast Greece)

Pure and mixed beech forest vegetation of the southern Rodopi range (northeast Greece) was studied using 614 relevés and multivariate analyses (TWINSPAN and DCA). Classification of the relevés resulted in 12 vegetation units, 8 of which were ranked as associations or communities and the rest as subcommunities and variants. DCA diagrams of relevés and taxa indicated that floristic differentiation was attributed mainly to factors such as altitude (affecting temperature and humidity), soil nutrient content and substrate type (affecting physical and chemical soil properties). Differential taxa of vegetation units were chosen based on their phi coefficient values, which were calculated from three different percentage synoptic tables that corresponded to three ranks (ecological groups, associations and communities, and subcommunities and variants) of floristic differentiation. The calculation of phi coefficient on the basis of relative constancy of taxa helps to overcome the problem of the dependence of fidelity values on the number of relevés per vegetation unit and to facilitate the better investigation of the floristic differentiation even of rare vegetation units represented by a small number of relevés. Furthermore, the calculation of fidelity values for different hierarchical levels enables a more detailed and thorough investigation of the floristic differentiation of the vegetation units.     

A phytosociological survey of the Corynephorus canescens (L.) Beauv. communities of Italy

Abstract

In Italy, Corynephorus communities are distributed along the medium course of the Ticino river and Sesia river and the internal sand dunes of Lomellina (through the Vercelli, Novara and Pavia provinces); these stations represent the southern limit of European distribution of this habitat. A phytosociological study was carried out to gain better knowledge of their composition; of their affinity or diversity against the central European communities; of their distribution and of the main threats to their conservation. Original and literature relevés (114) were elaborated producing a cluster analysis; correspondence analysis (CA), principal component analysis and Kruskal–Wallis test were carried on to characterize the clusters of relevés taking into consideration biological forms, chorological groups, Ellenberg indicator values and floristic groups. Italian Corynephorus communities can be attributed to the following syntaxa: Spergulo vernalis-Corynephoretum canescentis, Spergulo vernalis-Corynephoretum canescentis cladonietosum, Spergulo vernalis-Corynephoretum canescentis silenetosum nutantis and Spergulo vernalis-Corynephoretum canescentis artemisietosum campestris. Italian Corynephorus communities are included in the Habitat 2330 of the EU Habitat Directive. They are threatened by different factors (such as restricted areas of occurrence, alien plant invasion and natural dynamics) and they need to be managed if we want to conserve them.     

Towards unification of national vegetation classifications: A comparison of two methods for analysis of large data sets

Abstract. In European phytosociology, national classifications of corresponding vegetation types show considerable differences even between neighbouring countries. Therefore, the European Vegetation Survey project urgently needs numerical classification methods for large data sets that are able to produce compatible classifications using data sets from different countries. We tested the ability of two methods, TWINSPAN and COCKTAIL, to produce similar classifications of wet meadows (Calthion, incl. Filipendulenion) for Germany (7909 relevés) and the Czech Republic (1287 relevés) in this respect. In TWINSPAN, the indicator ordination option was used for classification of two national data sets, and the extracted assignment criteria (indicator species) were applied crosswise from one to the other national data set. Although the data sets presumably contained similar community types, TWINSPAN revealed almost no correspondence between the groups derived from the proper classification of the national data set and the groups defined by the assignment criteria taken from the other national data set. The reason is probably the difference in structure between the national data sets, which is a typical, but hardly avoidable, feature of any pair of phytosociological data sets. As a result, the first axis of the correspondence analysis, and consequently the first TWINSPAN division, are associated with different environmental gradients; the difference in the first division is transferred and multiplied further down the hierarchy. COCKTAIL is a method which produces relevé groups on the basis of statistically formed species groups. The user determines the starting points for the formation of species groups, and groups already found in one data set can be tested for existence in the other data set. The correspondence between the national classifications produced by COCKTAIL was fairly good. For some relevé groups, the lack of correspondence to groups in the other national data set could be explained by the absence of the corresponding vegetation types in one of the countries, rather than by methodological problems.     

Environmental relationships of vegetation patterns in saltmarshes of central Argentina

We describe vegetation-environment relationships in the saltmarshes of central Argentina. Gradient analysis (Detrended canonical correspondence analysis, DCCA) was performed involving 14 parameters of the groundwater that account for most of the variation in plant communities. We used a stepwise multivariate procedure to classify the vegetation data into 8 clusters, named according to the most abundant characteristic species:Chloris canterai, Cynodon dactylon, Distichlis, spicata, Spartina densiflora andPaspalum vaginatum clusters, containing relevés of tall grassland communities, andAtriplex undulata, Cyclolepis genistoides andHeterostachys ritteriana clusters, containing relevés from scrub. Our interpretation of DCCA ordinations suggests that vegetation pattern is primarily related to a salinity-moisture gradient. There is a strong relationship between vegetation type and the amount of salt in the groundwater and the pattern of its variation during the year. The depth of the groundwater and the conditions of submersion are also related to the compositional variation of the vegetation. Although flooding causes some differences between sites, the most important discriminant variable, and therefore the best predictor of floristic variation, is salinization.     

Centrolepidi-Hydrocotyletea alatae,a new class of ephemeral communities in Western Australia*

Abstract. In Western Australia - a relatively arid portion of the continent - wet environments are only occasionally vegetated, but well-developed communities occur in winter-wet habitats in sandplain depressions, along water courses and on rock (mostly granite) outcrops. These communities are composed of small-sized annuals, mostly belonging to the Centrole-pidaceae, Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Juncaginaceae, and Stylidiaceae. Multivariate analysis was carried out on 46 phyto-sociological relevés; four associations are recognized with a distinct floristic composition and ecology. Species occurring in this vegetation are mostly therophytes (66%) and many are endemics; a new vegetation class Centrolepidi-Hydrocotyletea alatae, endemic for Australia, is proposed and described.     

Variability of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Molinion</Emphasis> meadows in Slovakia

Nine vegetation types were distinguished using cluster analysis within Molinion meadows in Slovakia. Vegetation of cluster 1 occurs on most acidic soils and is characterized by the occurrence of species of the Caricion fuscae alliance and of the Nardus grasslands. Vegetation of cluster 2 is also found on rather acidic soils but in contrast to cluster 1 vegetation it contains species of base-rich sites, such as Betonica officinalis, Galium boreale or Serratula tinctoria. Vegetation of cluster 3 occurs in wet base-rich habitats and often contains species of the Caricion davallianae alliance. Species of dry and Nardus grasslands are typical for vegetation of cluster 4, which is found at the driest sites and is confined to oligotrophic sandy soils. Vegetation of clusters 5 and 6 occurs on moist mesotrophic soils. Their species composition is quite similar, the main difference being that the former includes species-poor relevés and the latter includes species-rich relevés. Relevés of cluster 7 include species of dry grasslands and some ruderal species and represent degraded types of inundated floodplain meadows of the Deschampsion alliance. Vegetation of clusters 8 is characterized by species of the Phragmito-Magnocaricetea class and of the Deschampsion alliance, and occurs in wet nutrient-rich habitats. Vegetation of cluster 9, which usually develops from vegetation of cluster 8 due to decrease in the ground-water table, often contains species of dry grasslands and mesic meadows. Except for relevés of clusters 1 and 7, all others can be assigned to the Molinietum caeruleae Koch 1926 association. Cluster 1 corresponds to the Junco effusi-Molinietum caeruleae Tüxen 1954 association. Average Ellenberg indicator values for relevés, which were passively projected on the ordination biplot of detrended correspondence analysis, showed that the first ordination axis correlates with nutrients, soil base status and temperature, and second axis with moisture.     

Diversity,variability and habitat characteristics of the communities dominated by Sesleria species (Poaceae) in the Western Carpathians

This study provides a view of vegetation types dominated by Sesleria species in the Western Carpathians (Sesleria caerulea, S. heufleriana, S. tatrae, and S. uliginosa). We also took into account characteristics/traits such as plant life forms, autochthonous status, endemism, and ploidy level occurring within each relevé in our data set. Altitude and Ellenberg indicator values derived for each relevé were considered as well. Eight vegetation types/formations/habitats were recognized in a data set of 942 phytosociological relevés: (1) synanthropic vegetation, (2) rock fissures and screes, (3) alpine grasslands and heaths, (4) mesic grasslands and pastures, (5) springs and fens, (6) forests, (7) xerophilous shrubland, and (8) high-mountain scrubs (krummholz). Results corroborated and clearly emphasized that Sesleria caerulea has the widest ecological amplitude of all studied species because the species occurred among all studied vegetation types. Sesleria tatrae was present only in several vegetation types occurring from montane to alpine vegetation belts in the highest mountains. Sesleria heufleriana and S. uliginosa were recorded only in low-altitude areas. The difference between them lies mainly in the dampness of each locality. Sesleria heufleriana was frequently found in xerophilous communities, whereas S. uliginosa preferred humid habitats of springs and fens.     

Coastal salt-marshes plant communities of the Salicornietea fruticosae class in Apulia (Italy)

An overview of the salt-marsh herbland and scrub vegetation belonging to the class Salicornietea fruticosae Br.-Bl. et Tx. ex A. Bolòs y Vayreda 1950 in Apulia is presented. Data available from literature have been supplemented with original relevés performed in different locations of the Apulia region. On the basis of a total of 297 relevés, fifteen communities have been defined, according to the traditional phytosociological system based on dominant and/or diagnostic taxa. For comparison purposes, the salt-marsh vegetation has been classified using numerical methods. The results obtained show that most of the clusters correspond to specific associations, and confirm the division into vegetation alliances and orders. Numerical analysis also allowed us to assign the proper allocation of some associations and plant communities drawn from literature. Five alliances, with plant communities characterized by specific ecological features, have been discriminated: Sarcocornion alpini and Arthrocnemion glauci (lower marshes), Salicornion fruticosae (middle marshes), Inulion crithmoidis and Suaedion brevofoliae (upper marshes). In addition, during the field work, a population of Halocnemum strobilaceum (Arthrocnemo-Halocnemetum strobilacei), new record for the Apulia region, has been found.     

Vegetation of trampled habitats in the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia

Abstract

The vegetation communities of the trampled habitats in the Plitvice Lakes National Park were studied during 2005 and 2006. With the numerical classification of the relevés, six clusters were obtained, corresponding to the following specific communities: cluster 1 – ass. Matricario–Polygonetum arenastri– the intensively trampled and grazed habitats; cluster 2 – ass. Matricario–Polygonetum arenastri– the only intensively trampled habitats; cluster 3 – ass. Coronopodo–Polygonetum arenastri– very intensively trampled and grazed farmyards; cluster 4 –Trifolium fragiferum community – the trampled surfaces of moist habitats; cluster 5 – ass. Lolietum perennis– the moderately trampled surfaces of roads and yards; cluster 6 – ass. Prunello–Ranunculetum repentis– trampled surfaces of forest roads. The first three clusters belong to the vegetation of intensively trampled habitats of the class Polygono arenastri–Poetea annuae and the last three clusters belong to moderately trampled habitats of the class Molinio–Arrhenatheretea. In the analysis of the ecological factors it is established that separation of the relevés is influenced most greatly by the trampling intensity observed in the field, and of the Ellenberg indicator values, the most important are light, moisture, soil reaction and temperature. Using the analysis of the plant functional traits it is established that therophytes, annuals, biennials, species resistant to trampling and grazing, neophytes and archeophytes prevail in the intensively trampled habitats. In contrast, hemicryptophytes, perennials, and indigenous plant species prevail in the moderately trampled habitats. Representation of the C-S-R plant functional types shows also that trampling as a disturbance factor has a large influence on the differences in the relevés. In the intensively trampled habitats, there is a large proportion of ruderals, while in the moderately trampled habitats there is a large proportion of competitors.     

A Phytosociological Survey of the Chionophilous Communities of Western North America. Part I: Temperate and Mediterranean Associations

Through tabular and average linkage cluster analyses, 872 phytosociological relevés, including 491 obtained from the literature and 381 of our own relevés obtained in the field, were ordered and classified. Based on these relevés, we then described and typified the associations, alliances, orders, subclasses, and classes defining the chionophilous communities of the boreal, temperate and Mediterranean climates of western North America. Diagnostic tables, ordination, clustering, and climatic, edaphic, and biogeographical data were used to establish floristic affinities among these syntaxa and interpret their distributions. Syntaxa were characterized by their floristic composition, physiognomy and biogeographical distribution, along with their position on the snow gradient. Finally, we ascribed the communities growing in temperate and Mediterranean climates to the new class Hieracio gracilis-Juncetea drummondii, including 3 subclasses, 6 orders, 12 alliances and 34 associations.