Mesophilous woods with Fagus sylvatica L. of northern Latium (Tyrrhenian Central Italy): synecology and syntaxonomy

ABSTRACT

The results of a synecological and syntaxonomic study of mesophilous forest coenoses, mixed or with a prevalence of Beech, in northern Latium (Roman Tuscia), are reported. The main parameters determining the distribution pattern and floristic composition of these coenoses were altitude, exposure, acclivity, asperity and ecotope. The presence of Aquifolio-Fagetum (Doronico-Fagion) at la Tolfa and in the Sabatini Mts. is confirmed, together with the autonomy of Teucrio siculi-Quercion cerridis and Lathyro-Quercion cerridis in the Cimini-Vicani and Sabatini Mts. and on the sandstone substrates of Mt. Rufeno, respectively. Variants of Polysticho-Fagetum aceretosum pseudoplatani (Galio odorati-Fagenion) with Polystichum setiferum and with Veronica hederifolia were recognized in certain parts of the Cimini and Vicani Mts. The presence of Carpinion betuli, especially with Carpino-Coryletum avellanae and the new subassociation phyllitiaetosum scolopendrii of the latter, is recognized in gullies and ravines eroded in tufo of the Vulsino and Cimino complexes.