A comparative study of the ecology ofFestuca valesiaca Gaudin andFestuca rupicola Heuff

The ecology of two dominant grass species growing in xerothermic grasslands of the Bohemian Karst has been compared. Field observations and experimental cultivations showed thatFestuca valesiaca Gaudin can better tolerate more extreme dry and warm conditions of southern slopes.Festuca rupicola Heuff. possesses greater competitive capacity in deeper and wetter soils. Young seedlings ofF. valesiaca survice successfully the overheating of the soil surface exposed, to strong insolation.