2026-03-14T02:03:24Z https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/oai.php

10.3897/pls2020571/02 2020-04-13 plantsociology

The potentiality of Sentinel-2 to assess the effect of fire events on Mediterranean mountain vegetation De Simone,Walter Di Musciano,Michele Di Cecco,Valter Ferella,Giorgia Frattaroli,Annarita burn severity classes NDVI post-fire satellite remote sensing short-term vegetation monitoring Plant Sociology 57(1): 11-22 Wildfires are currently one of the most important environmental problems, as they cause disturbance in ecosystems generating environmental, economic and social costs. The Sentinel-2 from Copernicus Program (Sentinel satellites) offers a great tool for post-fire monitoring. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of Sentinel-2 in a peculiar mountainous landscape by measuring and identifying the burned areas and monitor the short-term response of the vegetation in different ‘burn severity’ classes. A Sentinel-2 dataset was created, and pre-processing operations were performed. Relativized Burn Ratio (RBR) was calculated to identify ‘burn scar’ and discriminate the ‘burn severity’ classes. A two-year monitoring was carried out with areas identified based on different severity classes, using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to investigate the short-term vegetation dynamics of the burned habitats; habitats refer to Annex I of the European Directive 92/43/EEC. The study area is located in ‘Campo Imperatore’ within the Gran Sasso – Monti della Laga National Park (central Italy). The first important result was the identification and quantification of the area affected by fire. The RBR allowed us to identify even the less damaged habitats with high accuracy. The survey highlighted the importance of these Open-source tools for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fires and the short-term assessment of vegetation recovery dynamics. The information gathered by this type of monitoring can be used by decision-makers both for emergency management and for possible environmental restoration of the burned areas. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020571/02 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020571/02 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/50519/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/50519/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020571/01 2020-04-13 plantsociology

The weed vegetation of the bean “Fagiolo Cannellino di Atina” and the red pepper “Peperone di Pontecorvo” PDO crops (Latium, central Italy) Latini,Marta Fanfarillo,Emanuele De Luca,Elisa Iberite,Mauro Abbate,Giovanna Agroecosystems Arable weeds Bean Biodiversity Digitario-Eragrostietea Phytosociology Protected Designation of Origin Red Pepper Plant Sociology 57(1): 1-10 The weed vegetation of the bean “Fagiolo Cannellino di Atina” (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and the red pepper “Peperone di Pontecorvo” (Capsicum annuum L.) PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) crops was surveyed by means of 16 relevés, sampled in four farms of southern Latium during July 2019. The relevés were subjected to multivariate analysis, which revealed that the two crops are weeded by vegetation types referable to two different subassociations of Panico-Polygonetum persicariae (Spergulo-Erodion, Eragrostietalia, Digitario-Eragrostietea). Namely, communities colonizing bean fields, which are more mesophilous and richer in Eurasian taxa, are ascribable to the subassociation sorghetosum halepensis. Communities colonizing red pepper fields, which are more thermophilous and richer in Mediterranean taxa, are ascribable to the subassociation cyperetosum rotundi. Floristic, structural, and chorological features of the communities are discussed in relation to environmental factors and agricultural management. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020571/01 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020571/01 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/50998/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/50998/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020571/03 2020-06-10 plantsociology

First report of fasciation symptom in Artemisia eriantha (Asteraceae), a typical orophyte of high-altitude cliffs, in Central Apennines (Italy) Pace,Loretta Pellegrini,Marika Pannunzio,Giovanna Pirone,Gianfranco Apennines genepì Artemisietum erianthae Gran Sasso Monti della Laga National Park Macrosiphoniella artemisiae micropropagation restocking stem fasciation Plant Sociology 57(1): 23-28 Artemisia eriantha Ten., also known as "Apennines genepì", is a valuable aromatic plant with several medicinal properties. Among the several phytoplasma symptoms to which this plant can be subjected, the fasciation is one of the less reported and studied. In natural environments this plant is a characteristic species of the association Artemisietum erianthae Brullo 1984. In this study, the first occurrence of fasciation in Artemisia eriantha is described. This phenomenon was observed during the ex vitro experimental cultivations, located in Assergi and Barisciano (L’Aquila, Italy), settled for the restocking of this endangered species. The fasciation occurred only in Assergi experimental field with a magnitude of 0.12%. Specific PCR analysis did not show the phytoplasma presence. This fist report allows to expand knowledge about fasciation in Apennines genepì. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Short Communication text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020571/03 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020571/03 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/52923/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/52923/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020571/04 2020-06-12 plantsociology

A first checklist of the alien-dominated vegetation in Italy Viciani,Daniele Vidali,Marisa Gigante,Daniela Bolpagni,Rossano Villani,Mariacristina Acosta,Alicia Teresa Rosario Adorni,Michele Aleffi,Michele Allegrezza,Marina Angiolini,Claudia Assini,Silvia Bagella,Simonetta Bonari,Gianmaria Bovio,Maurizio Bracco,Francesco Brundu,Giuseppe Buffa,Gabriella Caccianiga,Marco Carnevali,Lucilla Ceschin,Simona Ciaschetti,Giampiero Cogoni,Annalena Di Cecco,Valter Foggi,Bruno Frattaroli,Annarita Genovesi,Piero Gentili,Rodolfo Lazzaro,Lorenzo Lonati,Michele Lucchese,Fernando Mainetti,Andrea Mariotti,Mauro Minissale,Pietro Paura,Bruno Pellizzari,Mauro Perrino,Enrico Vito Pirone,Gianfranco Poggio,Laura Poldini,Livio Poponessi,Silvia Prisco,Irene Prosser,Filippo Puglisi,Marta Rosati,Leonardo Selvaggi,Alberto Sottovia,Lucio Spampinato,Giovanni Stanisci,Angela Stinca,Adriano Venanzoni,Roberto Lastrucci,Lorenzo biodiversity conservation habitat Invasive Alien Species phytosociology plant communities syntaxonomy threats Plant Sociology 57(1): 29-54 This study provides a first step toward the knowledge of the alien-dominated and co-dominated plant communities present in Italy. The first ever checklist of the alien phytocoenoses described or reported in literature for the Italian territory has been compiled, produced by data-mining in national and local thematic literature. The resulting vegetation-type draft-list has been checked in the light of the most recent syntaxonomic documentation and updated with regards to syntaxonomy and nomenclature, with special reference to the frame proposed in the Italian Vegetation Prodrome. The list includes 27 vascular and one bryophyte vegetation classes, hosting 194 low rank alien-dominated syntaxa. The different vegetation types detected for each syntaxonomic class and macro-vegetation group, defined by physiognomical and ecological attributes, are discussed. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020571/04 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020571/04 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/50483/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/50483/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020571/05 2020-06-15 plantsociology

Conservation status of Italian coastal dune habitats in the light of the 4th Monitoring Report (92/43/EEC Habitats Directive) Prisco,Irene Angiolini,Claudia Assini,Silvia Buffa,Gabriella Gigante,Daniela Marcenò,Corrado Sciandrello,Saverio Villani,Mariacristina Acosta,Alicia Teresa Rosario Continental Biogeographical Region European guidelines Mediterranean Biogeographical Region national report psammophilous vegetation threats Plant Sociology 57(1): 55-64 Coastal dunes are among habitats with the worst conservation status on a global, European and national scale. Monitoring and reporting are of strategic importance to determine the effectiveness of the implementation of Habitats Directive and to preserve the unique biodiversity heritage of the Italian dunes. In this study we show main results of the 4th National Report with specific reference to the macro-habitat “Coastal Sand Dunes and Inland Dunes”, highlighting its updated current conservation status at the national and Biogeographical level. A comprehensive Working Group of territorial experts collected, updated, validated and integrated the data available for 11 Annex I Habitats, distributed in the Alpine, Continental and Mediterranean Biogeographical Regions. The conservation status was evaluated through the following criteria: geographic range, surface area, structure, functions, pressures, threats, conservation measures and prospects. Results highlighted the dramatically bad conservation status of Italian dune Habitats: the overall assessment reported 88% of habitats in bad conservation status and the remaining 12% is in inadequate conditions. Results showed a generalised threat and a worrying conservation status both on herbaceous and wooded communities, in particular in some relevant habitats, such as the shifting dunes. Main pressures and threats were linked to residential, commercial and industrial activities, as well as alien species. Although some of the changes in distribution and trends are probably deriving from more accurate and updated data, the alarming conservation status of Italian sand dunes requires a better knowledge of pressures and threats for further management actions and monitoring plans, inside and outside protected areas. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020571/05 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020571/05 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/54327/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/54327/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020571/07 2020-07-03 plantsociology

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #13 to #15 Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Bagella,Simonetta Bazan,Giuseppe Caria,Maria Carmela Cerabolini,Bruno Enrico Leone Dalla Vecchia,Alice Rivieccio,Giovanni Bolpagni,Rossano 3160 7210* 9320 biodiversity conservation 92/43/EEC Directive Italy vegetation Plant Sociology 57(1): 65-74 New data on the distribution of the Annex I Habitats 3160, 7210* and 9320 are reported in this contribution. In detail, 24 new occurrences in Natura 2000 Sites are presented and 42 new cells in the EEA 10 km x 10 km Reference grid are added. The new data refer to Italy and in particular to the Administrative Regions Lombardy, Sardinia, and Sicily. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020571/07 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020571/07 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/54893/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/54893/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020571/09 2020-07-03 plantsociology

Does an open access journal about vegetation still make sense in 2020? Gigante,Daniela Bacchetta,Gianluigi Bagella,Simonetta Viciani,Daniele open science phytosociology plant diversity plant science Plant Sociology 57(1): 85-88 The current issue is the first one of the new version of Plant Sociology, the international peer-reviewed journal of the "Società Italiana di Scienza della Vegetazione" (SISV). The technical management of the journal has been entrusted to the editorial platform Pensoft, the Editorial Board has been largely reshaped, now including also a dedicated Social media team. Plant Sociology is focused on all aspects of vegetation from phytocoenosis to landscape level, through time and space, at different geographic and ecological scales; the journal contributes to spread around the issues related to management and conservation of plant communities and plant diversity. All the articles are freely available in Open Access (OA) with affordable article processing charge (APC). In the present Editorial, we briefly discuss the importance of opening the access to knowledge and data about vegetation. We believe that disseminating plant science might be a precious tool for understanding ecological processes, modelling future trends and supporting decision makers. The introduced technological improvement will hopefully allow a larger visibility and circulation for the papers published on Plant Sociology. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Editorial text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020571/09 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020571/09 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/55913/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/55913/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020571/08 2020-07-03 plantsociology

A new pioneer association of detrital substrata of the hilly and low-mountain belts in Central Apennines (Italy) Ciaschetti,Giampiero Di Musciano,Michele Pirone,Gianfranco Di Cecco,Valter Pace,Loretta Frattaroli,Annarita debris limestone Linarion purpureae plant community phytosociology Petrosedum vegetation Plant Sociology 57(1): 75-84 Plant communities dominated by Petrosedum ser. Rupestria in Italy have always been referred to the Sedo albi-Scleranthetea biennis Br.-Bl. 1955 class. This group of species was also often found more or less abundant in the garrigue and pasture vegetation. Some unusual plant communities dominated by Petrosedum rupestre (L.) P.V.Heath with a conspicuous presence of typical species of scree vegetation were found and sampled in the Abruzzo region, on more or less mobile debris. In order to classify such communities, syntaxonomic, structural, chorological and ecological analyses have been performed. All the Petrosedum ser. Rupestria dominated communities reported in Italy have been compared with the sampled vegetation. A new perennial pioneer association, linked to more or less mobile detrital substrata of the hilly and lower-mountane belts of the calcareous Central Apennines has been here described with the name Linario purpureae-Petrosedetum rupestris. Based on the syntaxonomic analysis, this association has been included in the Linarion purpureae alliance (Scrophulario bicoloris-Helichrysetalia italici order). The Linario-Petrosedetum has been divided into two subassociations: a typical one named petrosedetosum rupestris and a thermophilous one of the lower altitudes named teucrietosum flavi. The study revealed the originality of such communities and their appropriate classification in the Thlaspietea rotundifolii class. This is the first record in Italy of a Petrosedum ser. Rupestria-rich community framed in the scree vegetation class. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020571/08 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020571/08 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/50832/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/50832/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020571/06 2020-09-16 plantsociology

Cyperus-dominated vegetation in the eastern Po river Pellizzari,Mauro Bidention Chenopodion rubri Cyperaceae Italy phytosociology therophytes Plant Sociology 57(2): 1-16 The ephemeral vegetation dominated by Cyperus sp. pl. was surveyed and analyzed along the eastern trait of the Po River (Po Plain, Italy). Two formerly described communities were recognized: Cyperetum esculenti and Amaranthus tuberculatus-phytocoenon. A third greater cluster is assigned to a new association: Cyperetum micheliano-glomerati. It is characterized by Cyperus glomeratus, C. michelianus, C. odoratus and C. squarrosus, that have been detected on over 75 % of the relevés. The main floristic and ecological traits of these detected vegetation types are discussed. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020571/06 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020571/06 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/51597/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/51597/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020572/01 2020-11-19 plantsociology

A novel insight into the remnants of hygrophilous forests and scrubs of the Po Plain biogeographical transition area (Northern Italy) Poldini,Livio Vidali,Marisa Castello,Miris Sburlino,Giovanni karst lakes Po Plain riparian vegetation swamp vegetation syntaxonomy wet scrubs wet woodlands Plant Sociology 57(2): 17-69 Hygrophilous forests and scrubs are ecotonal habitats providing essential ecosystem services, especially in human-modified landscapes; nevertheless, they are among the most threatened habitats worldwide. A sound knowledge of waterside woody vegetation provides a valuable basis for interventions of renaturation of waterbodies. This paper focuses on peculiar communities that occur in riparian and swamp areas of the Po Plain, a broad ecotonal area between the Mediterranean and Temperate regions. The study allowed the description of six new associations. Moreover, it provides a detailed picture of Dioscoreo communis-Populetum nigrae (Populetalia albae) and Amorpho fruticosae-Salicetum albae (Salicetalia purpureae), an overview of Salicetum triandrae (Salicetalia purpureae) at the national and European level, and an update of the alliance Dioscoreo-Ulmion minoris, which is better characterized, classified in Populetalia albae and enlarged to include five associations of elm-oak-rich forests of the Po Plain lowlands and the Karst. Dioscoreo-Ulmion includes, besides Lamio orvalae-Ulmetum minoris, also Polygonato-Quercetum roboris and three new associations: Vinco minoris-Ulmetum minoris and Salvio glutinosae-Quercetum roboris from Po Plain rivers and the karstic lakeshore Rhamno catharticae-Ulmetum minoris. The new arrangement of Dioscoreo-Ulmion results from an analysis of Po Plain elm-rich forests including stands so far attributed to the critical alliance Alnion incanae; the presence of Querco-Ulmetum minoris in Italy is discussed. Two new associations are attributed to Prunetalia spinosae: Salici eleagni-Juniperetum communis and Ulmo minoris-Paliuretum spinae-christi. Stands from the Rivers Isonzo and Tagliamento referred to Veratro nigri-Fraxinetum excelsioris and to the new association Carici albae-Fraxinetum excelsioris represent the outermost expressions of the Ostryo-Tilion ravine forests extending towards the High Plain. A Salix alba swamp forest, Galio palustris-Salicetum albae, is reported for the first time in Italy and attributed to Alnetea glutinosae. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020572/01 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020572/01 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/52760/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/52760/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020572/02 2020-11-20 plantsociology

The vegetation of a historic road system in the suburban area of Monte Pellegrino (Palermo, Sicily) Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Bazan,Giuseppe Asplenietea trichomanis chasmophytic vegetation colonization man-made habitat wall vegetation syntaxonomy Plant Sociology 57(2): 71-103 Knowledge of the processes by which plants colonize old structures is a key element for nature-based design both in urban and suburban contexts. This paper analyses the natural vegetation on walls and in other microhabitats of the roadway structures of Monte Pellegrino (606 m a.s.l.) near Palermo (Sicily), built in the first half of the 1900s. The historical road has particular construction and architectural features, and its characteristics have been maintained to this day. The route, approximately 16 kilometers long, is well integrated within a site of high naturalistic value which has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation (ITA020014) of the Natura 2000 network, and it is also a regional natural reserve. The survey was carried out on different homogeneous ecological contexts based on different microhabitats (masonry retaining walls, masonry guardwalls, road margins, and rock cut slopes) which are diversified according to other environmental factors (building materials, inclination, height, and exposure). The phytosociological and statistical analysis has led to the description of six new associations (Crepido bursifoliae-Parietarietum judaicae ass. nov., Athamanto siculae-Parietarietum judaicae ass. nov., Helichryso panormitani-Hypochaeridetum laevigatae ass. nov., Diantho siculi-Helichrysetum panormitani Gianguzzi ass. nov., Olopto miliacei-Pennisetetum setacei Gianguzzi ass. nov., Teucrio flavi-Rhoetum coriariae Gianguzzi ass. nov.) and one sub-association (Rhamno alaterni-Euphorbietum dendroidis Géhu & Biondi 1997 artemisietosum arborescentis subass. nov.). Other chasmophytic formations (Centranthetum rubri Oberd. 1969, Antirrhinetum siculi Bartolo & Brullo 1986) were reported for the first time in this area. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020572/02 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020572/02 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/57379/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/57379/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020572/03 2020-12-14 plantsociology

Intraspecific variability of leaf traits and functional strategy of Himantoglossum adriaticum H. Baumann Baltieri,Mattia Fantinato,Edy Del Vecchio,Silvia Buffa,Gabriella CSR plant strategy theory dry grasslands Himantoglossum adriaticum intraspecific trait variation land-use change plant traits Plant Sociology 57(2): 105-112 Trait-based studies have become extremely common in plant ecology. In this work we analysed intraspecific trait variation of Himantoglossum adriaticum, a European endemic orchid species of Community interest, to investigate whether different populations growing on managed and abandoned semi-natural dry grasslands show differences in the CSR strategy. In seven populations occurring in Veneto Region (NE Italy), we measured H. adriaticum maximum vegetative height, leaf traits (LA, LDMC, SLA) and calculated the CSR strategy. Through CCA we investigated the relationship between plant traits and both plant community attributes (cover and height of herbs and shrubs), and geomorphologic features (aspects and slope). PERMANOVA test was used to investigate if the CSR strategy of H. adriaticum varied according to the management regime. Results showed that individuals of H. adriaticum develop different strategies when growing in different habitats. Specifically, individuals growing in managed fully sunny dry grasslands reached higher vegetative height (MH), had lower values of SLA and a higher relative contribution of the C parameter than individuals growing in abandoned dry grasslands, which, on the contrary, were shorter, had higher values of SLA (and correspondingly lower values of LDMC) and a higher relative contribution of the R parameter. Further data on reproductive traits (e.g. fruit and seed-set) may corroborate our results. Although the number of individuals addressed in this study is rather low, and our conclusions may not be considered of general validity for the species, our study demonstrated the applicability of the CSR strategy scheme in detecting functional strategies at intraspecific level. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020572/03 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020572/03 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/60158/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/60158/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020572/04 2020-12-28 plantsociology

Vegetation of the "Altipiani di Colfiorito" wetlands (central Apennines, Italy) Tardella,Federico Maria Di Agostino,Vincenzo Maria central Italy habitats of community interest humid meadows lacustrine habitat marshland nature conservation Plant Sociology 57(2): 113-132 The "Altipiani di Colfiorito" catchment basin in central Italy features a wetland system of great interest for conservation, composed of seven plains. Considering that most of the relevés conducted in the past refer to one plain and date back to the 1960s, the research aim was to widen and update the vegetation knowledge in the whole wetland system. Two hundred and thirty-nine phytosociological relevés were carried out using the Braun-Blanquet method. On the basis of cluster analysis of the species data set and phytosociological interpretation, 39 vegetation types were classified, most of which of high conservation interest in central Italy, referred to the Potamogetonetea (6 communities), Bidentetea (2), Phragmito-Magnocaricetea (21), Molinio-Arrhenatheretea (9), and Epilobietea angustifolii (1) classes. The new subassociation Phalaridetum arundinaceae alopecuretosum bulbosi is also described. Twenty-two communities found in the past decades by other authors were confirmed, while 17 were new records for the study area. Ten communities were attributed to four habitats of community interest according to the 92/43/EEC Directive, coded as 3150, 3260, 3270, and 6510. Twenty-four communities were not confirmed (eight of Charetea, Lemnetea minoris, and Potamogetonetea, one of Bidentetea; seven of Phragmito-Magnocaricetea; three of Scheuchzerio-Caricetea fuscae, four of Molinio-Arrhenatheretea and one of Isoëto-Nanojuncetea). Three habitats of community interest (3140, 3170*, and 7230) were not confirmed. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020572/04 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020572/04 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/58883/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/58883/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020572/05 2020-12-28 plantsociology

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #16 to #20 Rivieccio,Giovanni Bagella,Simonetta Bazan,Giuseppe Bonini,Federica Caria,Maria Carmela Dagnino,Davide Mariotti,Mauro Turcato,Claudia Gianguzzi,Lorenzo 3120 3260 6310 9180* 92A0 92/43/EEC Directive biodiversity conservation Italy vegetation Plant Sociology 57(2): 133-144 New data on the distribution of the Annex I Habitats 3120, 3260, 6310, 9180* and 92A0 are reported in this contribution. In detail, 3 new occurrences in Natura 2000 Sites are presented and 5 new cells in the EEA 10 km x 10 km Reference grid are added. The new data refer to Italy and in particular to the Administrative Regions of Liguria, Sardinia, Sicily and Umbria. This issue of the section “Habitat records” includes an Errata corrige referring to the last released issue. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020572/05 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020572/05 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/61591/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/61591/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020572/06 2020-12-28 plantsociology

First syntaxonomical contribution to the invasive Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle forest communities at its southern limit in Europe Montecchiari,Silvia Allegrezza,Marina Pelliccia,Veronica Tesei,Giulio Ailanthus altissima alien forest communities invasive alien species Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean climate plant landscape Robinietea class syntaxonomy Plant Sociology 57(2): 145-160 Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven), an invasive alien tree native to China, has become invasive all over the world and in Italy is present in all the administrative regions where it can form dense forest communities. Although there are several ecological studies on this species there is a lack of floristic-vegetational data for southern-Europe. The study presents the results of a floristic vegetational study on A. altissima forest communities of central Italy that aims to highlight the possible floristic-vegetational autonomy of these coenoses. The results have allowed the characterization of A. altissima coenoses at the ecological, biogeographic, syntaxonomic and landscape levels. These represent first A. altissima syntaxa described for the Italian peninsula and for southern-Europe. We propose two new sub-Mediterranean and Mediterranean associations comprised in the recently described alliance Lauro nobilis-Robinion pseudoaciae, in the Chelidonio-Robinietalia order and the Robinietea class: Asparago acutifolii-Ailanthetum altissimae: forest community with stratified structure and high canopy density on the warmer slopes of the hills in dry soil conditions and low anthropic disturbance and Aro italici-Ailanthetum altissimae: paucispecific forest communities with a monolayered structure typically found in agricultural, and peri-urban areas on pelitic, alluvial silty-sandy substrates, in conditions of edaphic humidity and high anthropogenic disturbance. The comparison with literature data highlights the autonomy of these associations of the sub-Mediterranean and Mediterranean alliance Lauro nobilis-Robinion pseudoacaciae alliance from the Balloto nigrae-Ailanthetum altissimae association of the Central and SE-European Balloto nigrae-Robinion pseudoacaciae alliance. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2020 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020572/06 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020572/06 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/61055/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/61055/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021581/01 2021-04-15 plantsociology

The floodplain woods of Tuscany: towards a phytosociological synthesis Gennai,Matilde Gabellini,Antonio Viciani,Daniele Venanzoni,Roberto Dell´Olmo,Lorella Giunti,Michele Lucchesi,Fabio MONACCI,FRANCESCO Mugnai,Michele Foggi,Bruno Alnetea glutinosae Alno glutinosae-Populetea nigrae chorology EIV interdune woods NMDS Quercetalia pubescentis syntaxonomy swampy forests Plant Sociology 58(1): 1-28 The recent Landscape Plan of Tuscany Region pays particular attention towards the floodplain woods, for their conservation concern, landscape, and historical importance. The floodplain forest vegetation is defined as the natural and semi-natural wood vegetation located close to the rivers and submerged only during exceptional flooding. We gathered 180 both published and unpublished relevés coming from Tuscany and carried out in floodplain woods, where Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa, Quercus robur, Ulmus minor, Carpinus betulus, Populus nigra, P. alba and Salix alba were dominant, alone or in consociation with each other. On this dataset we performed a multivariate analysis, and the resulting groups were characterized by several points of view: floristic, ecological, chorological, by mean of diagnostic species, with the use of EIV. Moreover, their distribution in Tuscany was better defined. According to our results, six associations were found to be present in Tuscany. Thereby, one new association and three new subassociations were proposed. The syntaxonomic arrangement above the association level was discussed, with particular attention to the Italian Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa-rich communities. Finally, a comparison with the Annex I habitat types (sensu Directive 92/43/EEC) was carried out. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021581/01 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021581/01 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/60421/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/60421/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021581/02 2021-05-12 plantsociology

Invasion success on European coastal dunes Giulio,Silvia Cao Pinna,Luigi Carboni,Marta Marzialetti,Flavio Acosta,Alicia Teresa Rosario alien plants coastal vegetation ecological success generalist species local abundance niche breadth regional distribution sand dunes Plant Sociology 58(1): 29-39 Many invasive plants are threatening the already highly vulnerable habitats of coastal dunes in Europe. Setting priority target species to control is mandatory for an effective planning of invasion management strategies at European level. This can be possible after identifying the species that currently have greater invasion success, in consideration of their ecological traits and origin. We quantified the three main components of invasion success for the extra-European alien plants found on European coastal dunes: local abundance, regional distribution and niche breadth, and related them to their life forms and origins. We found that life form was a better predictor of invasion success. In particular, geophytes and therophytes were the species with the greatest invasion success. Quite surprisingly, alien plants from Africa appeared as the group with slightly higher mean invasion success although this result was no statistically significant. We also highlighted the species deserving special attention. Among these, Xanthium orientale, Erigeron canadensis and Oenothera gr. biennis showed the widest levels of niche breadth and regional distribution, and had overall the greatest invasion success, but other species also had high levels in one of the three components of invasion success. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021581/02 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021581/02 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/61626/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/61626/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021581/03 2021-05-12 plantsociology

The vegetation of a relict salt marsh area in the Pisan coast in the context of brackish wetlands of Tuscany Bertacchi,Andrea LOMBARDI,TIZIANA Saggese,Angela Lazzeri,Valerio Coastal habitat Juncetea maritimi Phragmito-Magnocaricetea phytosociology Saginetea maritimae Salicornietea fruticosae salt marshes vegetation Thero-Salicornietea Plant Sociology 58(1): 41-53 The paper presents the results of phytosociological surveys carried out in Galanchio-Cornacchiaia, a salt marsh area on the Pisan coast (northern Tuscany), which survived the agricultural reclamation. The vegetation surveys confirm the brackish features of the site, while highlighting three substantially different subareas in terms of prevailing vegetation. The phytosociological study allowed the identification of 11 marsh phytocoenoses attributable to 12 associations (Crypsidetum aculeatae; Parapholidetum filiformis; Suaedo maritimae-Salicornietum patulae; Suaedetum maritimae; Puccinellio festuciformis-Halimionetum portulacoidis; Puccinellio festuciformis-Sarcocornietum perennis; Elytrigio elongatae-Inuletum crithmoidis; Limonio narbonensis-Juncetum gerardi; Puccinellio festuciformis-Aeluropetum litoralis, Junco maritimi-Spartinetum junceae; Juncetum maritimi-acuti; Phragmitetum australis). These plant communities are referable to 3 brackish habitats and related subtypes, reported in 92/43 ECC Directive habitats. This biotope, although part of the neighboring area of the Regional Park of Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli, is currently in an extremely precarious balance and threatened by the surrounding agricultural activities. The knowledge of its naturalistic peculiarities and remarkable biodiversity, can contribute to its increased protection and conservation. This study add new data to the knowledge of the brackish vegetation of Tuscany. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021581/03 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021581/03 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/62611/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/62611/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020581/04 2021-06-11 plantsociology

Last tesserae of a fading mosaic: floristic census and forest vegetation survey at Parche di Bilello (south-western Sicily, Italy), a site needing urgent protection measures La Rosa,Alfonso Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Salluzzo,Giuseppe Scuderi,Leonardo Pasta,Salvatore endangered plant species floristic inventories forest vegetation landscape history nature conservation Plant Sociology 58(1): 55-74 This paper illustrates the botanic heritage of Parche di Bilello, a site located in the municipality of Castelvetrano. The study area hosts several woodland fragments dominated by Olea europaea var. sylvestris, Quercus suber and Quercus ilex, respectively. According to historical data, these nuclei represent the last remnants of an open forestland which covered a much wider coastal area between Mazara del Vallo and Sciacca until the end of Middle Age. Phytosociological relevés were focused on these forest nuclei, probably the most representative of south-western Sicily, which correspond to three habitats included in the 92/43 EEC Directive (9320, 9330 and 9340, respectively) and represent the final stage of three different edaphic series. Wild olive forests probably dominated on sandy calcareous soils, holm oaks prevailed on steep calcareous and N-exposed slopes. In contrast, cork oaks mostly occurred on sandy subacid soils issuing from pedogenetic processes on palaeodunes. Moreover, field surveys allowed to list 331 vascular plant taxa. Among them, Linaria multicaulis subsp. humilis, Orobanche balsensis and Serapias orientalis subsp. siciliensis are new to Trapani Province. Detailed information on the current distribution and the synecology of several plant taxa of high biogeographic and conservation interest is also provided. The study site also hosts one habitat of priority interest (6220, i.e. xerophilous Mediterranean perennial grasslands and annual swards) and two species protected by international laws, i.e. the orchid Ophrys lunulata and the lichen Teloschistes chrysophthalmus. Considering the high value of its natural heritage, this territory deserves the adoption of more effective protection measures. For this reason the authors recommend its inclusion as a new Site of Community Interest within the Sicilian Natura 2000 network. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020581/04 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020581/04 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/62437/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/62437/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020581/06 2021-06-21 plantsociology

Contribution to the knowledge of Mediterranean wetland vegetation: Lemnetea and Potamogetonetea classes in Western Sicily Caldarella,Orazio Lastrucci,Lorenzo Bolpagni,Rossano Gianguzzi,Lorenzo aquatic vegetation biological conservation Mediterranean islands phytosociology plant community classification Sicily small standing-water ecosystem Plant Sociology 58(1): 107-131 The freshwater aquatic vegetation of the Lemnetea and Potamogetonetea classes in Western Sicily was surveyed and analyzed. 85 lakes and small pools were investigated collecting 147 phytosociological unpublished relevés to integrate the very scarce available data (only 3 relevés). By applying statistical analyses on abundances data and on the bases of physiognomy and dominant species, two alliances (Lemnion minoris and Stratiotion) and four different coenoses have been identify for the Lemnetea class; while 11 associations, assigned to two orders (Potamogetonetalia pectinati and Callitricho hamulatae-Ranunculetalia aquatilis) and four alliances (Potamogetonion, Nymphaeion albae, Ranunculion aquatilis and Ranunculion omiophyllo-hederacei) have been recognized for the Potamogetonetea class. A new association (Junco bufonii-Ranunculetum omiophylli ass. nov.) and a new subassociation (Ranunculetum peltati ranunculetosum rionii subass. nov.) have been proposed, whereas other six vegetation units were found to be new for the study area (Potamogetono-Ceratophylletum submersi, Potamogetonetum pusilli, Ranunculetum aquatilis, Ranunculetum peltati and Ranunculetum rionii, Lemno-Callitrichetum obtusangulae). For all the coenoses recognized, new insights on the floristic composition, syntaxonomy, synphiognomy, synecology and synchorology are reported, offering a reasoned overview of the aquatic vegetation of the western sector of the main Mediterranean island. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020581/06 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020581/06 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/66510/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/66510/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020581/05 2021-06-21 plantsociology

The aquatic and wetland vegetation of Lake Doberdò: an analysis for conservation value assessment of a disappearing lake of the Classical Karst (North East Italy) Castello,Miris Poldini,Livio Altobelli,Alfredo biodiversity conservation Karst phytosociology temporary wetlands turloughs wetland habitats Plant Sociology 58(1): 75-106 Lake Doberdò (Classical Karst) is a well-known example of karst lakes, temporary lakes that seasonally fill and empty through springs and swallow holes connected to the underground waters. It is an area of exceptional interest for geological-geomorphological and biodiversity conservation, and is part of the Natura 2000 network. Its peculiar hydro-ecological nature allows an impressive variety of species and habitats. A phytosociological survey was carried out to provide a comprehensive analysis of the vegetation. On the basis of 177 phytosociological relevés and multivariate analysis 43 communities were found, belonging to Platyhypnidio-Fontinalietea antipyreticae, Lemnetea minoris, Potametea pectinati, Bidentetea tripartitae, Isoëto-Nanojuncetea, Phragmito-Magnocaricetea, Agrostietea stoloniferae, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, Filipendulo ulmariae-Convolvuletea sepium, Alnetea glutinosae, Rhamno catharticae-Prunetea spinosae, Alno glutinosae-Populetea albae. The Leucojo aestivi-Poetum pratensis association including waterside periodically flooded meadows is validated. Compared to the past, various communities show a change in their distribution while some valuable coenoses were not found. 21 communities are attributed to 8 Annex I Habitats of the 92/43/EEC Directive. The study confirms the high value of Lake Doberdò for biodiversity conservation but highlights an ongoing process of environmental change due to both natural and human-related causes including modifications of the hydrological regime and abandonment of traditional agricultural practices. An overview of the features of Lake Doberdò is provided to compare this disappearing lake with the karst groundwater-dependent wetlands found in Ireland called “turloughs”, corresponding to Annex I Habitat 3180*. Also on the basis of the current interpretation and distribution of this habitat type at the EU level, a proposal is presented to recognize and protect this outstanding area of the Natura 2000 network in Italy as the habitat 3180*, modelled on Irish turloughs. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020581/05 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020581/05 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/64999/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/64999/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021581/07 2021-06-30 plantsociology

Phytosociology of Atractylis cancellata and Micromeria microphylla communities in southern Italy with insights on the xerothermic steno-Mediterranean grasslands high-rank syntaxa Di Pietro,Romeo Fortini,Paola Misano,Giuseppe Terzi,Massimo biogeography limestone pavements Mediterranean grasslands micro-garrigue Murgia Plateau syntaxonomy therophytes Plant Sociology 58(1): 133-155 In the present paper a phytosociological study on the dry grassland communities identified in the western sector of the Murgia Plateau (Murgia delle Gravine) and in the Lucanian badlands territory is presented. Forty vegetation releves were carried out using the Braun-Blanquet phytosociological approach. Two new associations characterized by a therophytic dominance, namely Lysimachio foeminae-Atractylidetum cancellatae and Campanulo erini-Micromerietum microphyllae, are described and discussed from a syntaxonomic and biogeographic viewpoint. In addition, new phytosociological data concerning the Petrosedum ochroleucum communities developed on limestone outcrops, the perennial Hyparrhenia hirta steppe-like grasslands of the low-altitude areas of the Murgia hills and the small-size Brachypodium distachyum therophytic communities are presented. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021581/07 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021581/07 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/62383/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/62383/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2020581/08 2021-06-30 plantsociology

Shedding light on typical species: implications for habitat monitoring Bonari,Gianmaria Fantinato,Edy Lazzaro,Lorenzo Sperandii,Marta Gaia Acosta,Alicia Teresa Rosario Allegrezza,Marina Assini,Silvia Caccianiga,Marco Di Cecco,Valter Frattaroli,Annarita Gigante,Daniela Rivieccio,Giovanni Tesei,Giulio Valle,Barbara Viciani,Daniele Albani Rocchetti,Giulia Angiolini,Claudia Badalamenti,Emilio Barberis,Davide Barcella,Matteo Bazan,Giuseppe Bertacchi,Andrea Bolpagni,Rossano Bonini,Federica Bricca,Alessandro Buffa,Gabriella Calbi,Mariasole Cannucci,Silvia Cao Pinna,Luigi Caria,Maria Carmela Carli,Emanuela Cascone,Silvia Casti,Mauro Cerabolini,Bruno Enrico Leone Copiz,Riccardo Cutini,Maurizio De Simone,Leopoldo De Toma,Andrea Dalle Fratte,Michele Di Martino,Luciano Di Pietro,Romeo Filesi,Leonardo Foggi,Bruno Fortini,Paola Gennaio,Roberto Gheza,Gabriele Lonati,Michele Mainetti,Andrea Malavasi,Marco Marcenò,Corrado Micheli,Carla Minuzzo,Chiara Mugnai,Michele Musarella,Carmelo Maria Napoleone,Francesca Nota,Ginevra Piga,Giovanna Pittarello,Marco Pozzi,Ilaria Praleskouskaya,Safiya Rota,Francesco Santini,Giacomo Sarmati,Simona Selvaggi,Alberto Spampinato,Giovanni Stinca,Adriano Tozzi,Francesco Pio Venanzoni,Roberto Villani,Mariacristina Zanatta,Katia Zanzottera,Magda Bagella,Simonetta diagnostic and characteristic species habitat monitoring keystone species Natura 2000 plant community structure and functions typical species 92/43/EEC Directive Plant Sociology 58(1): 157-166 Habitat monitoring in Europe is regulated by Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, which suggests the use of typical species to habitat conservation status. Yet, the Directive uses the term “typical” species but does not provide a definition, either for its use in reporting or for its use in impact assessments. To address the issue, an online workshop was organized by the Italian Society for Vegetation Science (SISV) to shed light on the diversity of perspectives regarding the different concepts of typical species, and to discuss the possible implications for habitat monitoring. To this aim, we inquired 73 people with a very different degree of expertise in the field of vegetation science by means of a tailored survey composed of six questions. We analysed the data using Pearson’s Chi-squared test to verify that the answers diverged from a random distribution and checked the effect of the degree of experience of the surveyees on the results. We found that most of the surveyees agreed on the use of the phytosociological method for habitat monitoring and of the diagnostic and characteristic species to evaluate the structural and functional conservation status of habitats. With this contribution, we shed light on the meaning of “typical” species in the context of habitat monitoring. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2020581/08 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2020581/08 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/69888/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/69888/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021581/09 2021-07-12 plantsociology

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #21 to #25 Bazan,Giuseppe Bacchetta,Gianluigi Bagella,Simonetta Bonari,Gianmaria Bonini,Federica Calvia,Giacomo Caria,Maria Carmela Rivieccio,Giovanni Gianguzzi,Lorenzo 3170* 6110* 91E0* 9320 9330 92/43/EEC Directive conservation EEA vegetation Plant Sociology 58(1): 167-178 New Italian data on the distribution of the Annex I Habitats 3170*, 6110*, 91E0*, 9320, 9330 are reported in this contribution. Specifically, one new occurrence in Natura 2000 sites is presented and six new cells are added in the European Environment Agency 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Sardinia, Sicily and Umbria. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021581/09 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021581/09 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/69772/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/69772/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021582/01 2021-11-05 plantsociology

A new association of Satureja montana L. subsp. montana dominated garrigues in Puglia (SE Italy) Tomaselli,Valeria Silletti,Giuseppe Forte,Luigi chamaephytic vegetation Cisto cretici-Ericion manipuliflorae Cytiso spinescentis-Saturejion montanae phytosociology syntaxonomy Plant Sociology 58(2): 1-14 In this paper a survey on the garrigue vegetation dominated by Satureja montana subsp. montana occurring in the Alta Murgia National Park is presented. These communities were compared with those of the Ionian Arc ravines. Syntaxonomic, structural, chorological and ecological analyses were performed in order to achieve a proper classification of this vegetation. A new association is here described, the Rhamno saxatilis-Saturejetum montanae, with two new subassociations, typicum and fumanetosum procumbentis. It is a garrigue vegetation dominated by Satureja montana subsp. montana occurring in the Murgian area, in sites characterized by rocky and stony soils and by a Mediterranean Pluviseasonal oceanic weak semicontinental phytoclimate, with thermotype upper meso-Mediterranean and ombrotype lower subhumid, and is here framed in the Cytiso spinescentis-Saturejion montanae alliance (order Cisto cretici-Ericetalia manipuliflorae, class Cisto cretici-Micromerietea julianae). The results contribute to add a further piece to the knowledge of the natural plant landscape of the territory of the Alta Murgia National Park. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021582/01 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021582/01 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/69975/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/69975/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021582/02 2021-12-20 plantsociology

The oldest Pinus nigra plantations in the central Apennines: distribution and floristic-vegetational characterisation Tesei,Giulio Allegrezza,Marina Ballelli,Sandro Ciaschetti,Giampiero Console,Carlo Montecchiari,Silvia Ottaviani,Cecilia Pirone,Gianfranco Frattaroli,Annarita distribution mature forest plantation phytosociology Pinus nigra subsp. nigra syntaxonomy vegetation Plant Sociology 58(2): 15-28 This paper represents the first syntaxonomic study on the Pinus nigra subsp. nigra artificial stands in the Apennines. It refers exclusively to the mature Pinus nigra forest plantations in the central Apennines that were planted before the 1950s, and then not managed. The mature Pinus nigra forest plantations in the central Apennines are distributed within four National Parks, on limestone substrata, mainly with southern aspects and rugged slopes, and at elevations ranging from 655 m to 1670 m a.s.l.. Two new phytosociological associations are described here and classified in the alliance Junipero communis–Pinion nigrae: Orthilio secundae–Pinetum nigrae and Digitalidi micranthae–Pinetum nigrae. The association Orthilio secundae–Pinetum nigrae comprises the relative mesophilous mature pine forests of the supratemperate thermotype in the plant landscape context of the alliance Aremonio agrimonioidis–Fagion sylvaticae potential vegetation belt. The Digitalidi micranthae–Pinetum nigrae comprises the thermophilous pine forests occurring on rocky stands within mesotemperate and lower supratemperate thermotypes in the potential belt of alliance Carpinion orientalis woods. The comparison of these two new associations and the phytosociological literature concerning the natural communities of Pinus nigra in the Apennines highlights their floristic and coenological autonomy. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021582/02 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021582/02 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/73738/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/73738/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021582/04 2021-12-31 plantsociology

‘Back to the Future’—Oak wood-pasture for wildfire prevention in the Mediterranean Bergmeier,Erwin Capelo,Jorge Di Pietro,Romeo Guarino,Riccardo Kavgacı,Ali Loidi,Javier Tsiripidis,Ioannis Xystrakis,Fotios biomass reduction fire prevention forest fire forest management Mediterranean Basin oak pine forest wood pasture Plant Sociology 58(2): 41-48 In the summer of 2021, enormous wildfires in the Mediterranean eliminated huge areas of mainly coniferous forest, destroyed adjacent settlements and claimed the lives of many people. The fires indicate effects of climate change and expose consequences of rural demographic changes, deficits in regional and touristic development planning and shortcomings in forest policy. This forum article highlights the dimensions of the problem, calls for a paradigm shift and shows solutions. Land abandonment, woody plant encroachment and non-reflective afforestation are leading to increasing amounts of combustible biomass. To prevent disastrous fires in future, fundamental changes in tree species composition, forest structure and management are essential. Plantations of reseeding pines are to be substituted by spacious or periodically open woodlands of long-lived trees with resprouting capacity such as Mediterranean oaks. Biomass-reducing practices including wood-pasture have to be revived in rural and peri-urban areas. Exemplary fire-resistant multifunctional oak woodlands occur throughout the Mediterranean. Urgent and medium-term measures in the burnt areas include promoting natural ecosystem regeneration, developing regionalized seed banks and nurseries to support native genetic resources, fostering vegetation mosaics of groves and multiple-use open and coppice woodland maintained by traditional practices, and in general forest management aiming at fuel biomass reduction and a policy counteracting land abandonment. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Opinion Paper text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021582/04 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021582/04 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78514/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78514/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021582/06 2021-12-31 plantsociology

Proposals for improvement of Annex I of Directive 92/43/EEC: Sardinia Fois,Mauro Bacchetta,Gianluigi Caria,Maria Carmela Cogoni,Donatella Farris,Emmanuele Fenu,Giuseppe Manca,Manuela Pinna,Maria Silvia Pisanu,Stefania Rivieccio,Giovanni Bagella,Simonetta Annex I habitats endemic species European ‘Habitats’ Directive habitat types habitat subtypes Mediterranean Basin Natura 2000 network neglected habitats Plant Sociology 58(2): 65-76 The ‘Habitats’ Directive (HD 92/43/EEC) is one of the primary legal tools aiming at conserving nature in Europe. Due to the complex iter to revise it, the habitats listed in the Annex I have been seldom updated after the HD adoption. Basing on already available information and expert knowledge, this paper presents a preliminary list of relevant habitats occurring in Sardinia, not yet considered and worth to be placed in the Annex I. Two new habitat proposals, one habitat new for Italy, and nine new subtypes of already existing HD habitats are here described. Most of the proposed new habitats and subtypes have a limited distribution range, due to the high number of narrow, often endangered, endemic species that characterize them. Being neglected, they are consequently poorly investigated, inconstantly monitored and unprotected. Thus, the main aim of this paper is to promote their conservation through implementation of HD and its interpretation manuals. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021582/06 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021582/06 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78655/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78655/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021582/07 2021-12-31 plantsociology

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #26 to #36 Rivieccio,Giovanni Aleffi,Michele Angiolini,Claudia Bagella,Simonetta Bazan,Giuseppe Bonini,Federica Caria,Maria Carmela Casavecchia,Simona Castello,Miris Dagnino,Davide de Francesco,Maria Carla Farris,Emmanuele Fanfarillo,Emanuele Fiaschi,Tiberio Forte,Luigi Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Landucci,Flavia Maneli,Fabio Mantino,Francesca Mariotti,Mauro Pirone,Gianfranco Poldini,Livio Poponessi,Silvia Praleskouskaya,Safiya Stanisci,Angela Tomaselli,Valeria Tozzi,Francesco Pio Turcato,Claudia Venanzoni,Roberto Gigante,Daniela 1510* 2130* 2250* 3180* 3260 5230* 6410 7140 7220* 9320 conservation vegetation 92/43/EEC Directive Plant Sociology 58(2): 77-98 New Italian data on the distribution of the Annex I Habitats 1510*, 2130*, 2250*, 3180*, 3260, 5230*, 6410, 7140, 7220*, 9320 are reported in this contribution. Specifically, 14 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 20 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Abruzzo, Apulia, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Marche, Molise, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany and Umbria. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021582/07 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021582/07 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78873/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78873/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021582/05 2021-12-31 plantsociology

Relevant habitats neglected by the Directive 92/43 EEC: the contribution of Vegetation Science for their reappraisal in Sicily Guarino,Riccardo Pasta,Salvatore Bazan,Giuseppe Crisafulli,Alessandro Caldarella,Orazio Giusso del Galdo,Gian Pietro Gristina,Alessandro Silvestre Ilardi,Vincenzo La Mantia,Antonino Marcenò,Corrado Minissale,Pietro Sciandrello,Saverio Scuderi,Leonardo Spampinato,Giovanni Troia,Angelo Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Habitat Directive Natura 2000 Nature conservation Sicily Plant Sociology 58(2): 49-63 Field investigation carried out by the Sicilian botanists in the last 20 years enabled them to identify eight habitat types of high biogeographic and conservation interest, neglected by the Directive 92/43, which deserve ad hoc conservation measures. For each of these habitats, a syntaxonomic interpretation of the corresponding plant communities, their main ecological, physiognomic and syndynamic traits and a list of diagnostic species are provided. Their classification into the macrotypes listed in the Annex I of the Directive 92/43 and the respective correspondence in EUNIS habitat classification are proposed. The habitats here described integrate those already proposed by the Italian Botanical Society, with the hope of an adequate recognition at national at supranational level. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021582/05 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021582/05 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78920/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78920/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021582/03 2021-12-31 plantsociology

What has become of our cenosis? For a renewed cenology Vincent,Benoît biocenotics biocoenotics biotic community cenosis coenosis epistemology phytosociology Plant Sociology 58(2): 29-40 An opinion paper that tries to show that the concept of cenosis has been withheld over time, seeks to understand the reason why, and aims to rehabilitate it. Different definitions of biological and ecological communities types are then proposed. Finally, the paper presents some possible paths for a renewed science of cenosis (or cenology, or biocenotics). info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Opinion Paper text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021582/03 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021582/03 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/62710/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/62710/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2021582/08 2021-12-31 plantsociology

Proposals for improvement of Annex I of Directive 92/43/EEC: Central Italy Casavecchia,Simona Allegrezza,Marina Angiolini,Claudia Biondi,Edoardo Bonini,Federica Del Vico,Eva Fanfarillo,Emanuele Foggi,Bruno Gigante,Daniela Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Lasen,Cesare Maccherini,Simona Mariotti,Mauro Pesaresi,Simone Pirone,Gianfranco Poldini,Livio Selvi,Federico Venanzoni,Roberto Viciani,Daniele Vidali,Marisa Ciaschetti,Giampiero badlands calaminarian grasslands freshwater vegetation garrigues meadows neglected habitats olive groves shrubby willow formations ultramafic plant communities woods Plant Sociology 58(2): 99-118 The main purpose of the 92/43/EEC Habitats Directive is to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, understood as habitat types and species of the flora and fauna of the European Union. To achieve this goal, natural and semi-natural biodiversity as a whole must be recognized and included in its annexes. As for the conservation of biotopes, named habitat types, Italy is unfortunately lacking as it the Annex I does not include important ecosystems that are typical of its territory, rare for biogeographical reasons or threatened. Therefore, the opportunity to identify a first list of significant habitats for central Italy is discussed here. For each of the new proposed types (new habitats or new subtypes) a sheet has been prepared to highlight their salient characteristics. The new proposals concern seven habitat types and one subtype: sedge and reeds formations (Freshwater large sedge and reed beds), willow shrublands (Shrubby willow formations of river banks and fens), Apennine garrigues (Apennine hilly and montane garrigues), a new subtype of Annex I Habitat 6130 (Communities of herbaceous and dwarf shrub-suffrutescent plants of Italian ultramafic substrates), ancient olive groves ("Centuries-old olive groves" with evergreen Quercus spp. and arborescent matorral), secondary meadows (Italian submontane and montane pastured meadows dominated by Cynosurus cristatus), badlands (Pioneer halophilous and sub-halophilous communities of “calanchi” and “biancane” badlands) and hop-hornbeam woods (Italian-Balkan hop-hornbeam woods). info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2021 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2021582/08 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2021582/08 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/79500/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/79500/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022591/01 2022-05-13 plantsociology

Studying local species assemblages of salt-affected vegetation for monitoring Natura 2000 habitats Gennai,Matilde Angiolini,Claudia Bertacchi,Andrea Gabellini,Antonio Sarmati,Simona Viciani,Daniele Foggi,Bruno Crypsietea aculeatae Habitats Directive Juncetea maritimi monitoring Salicornietea fruticosae Saginetea maritimae Therosalicornietea typical species Plant Sociology 59(1): 1-10 This study aims to characterize saline habitats of the Tuscan coast based on the Natura 2000 Habitats Directive 92/43/ECC. These habitats include Atlantic salt meadows (1330), Mediterranean salt meadows (1410) Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (1420), and Mediterranean salt steppes (1510). We compiled vegetation data from a total of 418 plots carried out during our own fieldwork (N = 157) and published scientific literature (N = 261). We performed a Linear Discriminant Analysis to associate species to habitats and used the phi coefficient of association to identify diagnostic species of each habitat. For each habitat, we provide a regional syntaxonomic framework, constant species, cover coefficients, diagnostic species (phi) and “typical species”. We identified groups of species, that we called “local assembly of typical species”, composed by species with a phi coefficient > 20 and/or a cover coefficient > 50 that can be used to identify the habitats and to monitor their conservation status at the local level. This study revealed differences in the “local assembly of typical species” among habitats, characterized by fewer species in habitats 1420 and 1510, and many species in habitats 1410 and 1310. Our results showed that the habitat 1510 was recognizable only for the high cover value of Limonium narbonense and, at least in Tuscany, its syntaxonomic attribution to the order Limonietalia is uncertain. We tested this approach only for a few habitats, but a broader applicability based on other habitats is desirable. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022591/01 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022591/01 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78067/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78067/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022591/02 2022-05-16 plantsociology

Analysis of the functional traits of Quercus cerris L. seedlings in the Molise region (southern Italy) Quaranta,Luca Di Marzio,Piera Di Pietro,Romeo Ferretti,Fabrizio Di Salvatore,Umberto Fortini,Paola functional trait high forest oak phenotypic response phytosociology southern Apennines Plant Sociology 59(1): 11-24 This study deals with the analysis of seedling fitness in three Quercus cerris wood stands, namely Selva di Castiglione (SC), Bosco della Ficora (BF) and Bosco di San Leo (BSL), developed in different lithological and physiographic conditions and subjected to different forestry practices. A phytosociological study was carried out for analysing the coenological features of the forest stands and to classify these latter from a syntaxonomic point of view. The Pignatti-Ellenberg index (PEi) was calculated on the matrix composed of the phytosociological relevés in order to highlight possible ecological differences or gradients among stands. The phenotypic parameters considered were the stem and root length and the leaf area, whereas the plant functional traits (PFTs) were specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), leaf thickness (Lth) and chlorophyll content (CHL). The results showed that seedlings coming from different sampling sites exhibited similar values in all the phenotypic parameters. Instead, statistically significant differences were observed in the PFTs. The results suggested that the different adaptation strategies implemented by the seedlings are to be related to the physical environment of the sampling sites and to the different forest structures. The Selva di Castiglione forest stand (SC) exhibited better growth conditions for seedlings testified by higher values of SLA and CHL and lower values of LDMC and Lth. These were interpreted as greater investment in carbon production aimed at rapid development and renewal of the seedling rather than carbon storage aimed at ensuring leaf longevity. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022591/02 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022591/02 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78657/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/78657/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022591/03 2022-06-20 plantsociology

Contribution to the knowledge of aquatic vegetation of montane and submontane areas of Northern Apennines (Italy) Viciani,Daniele Angiolini,Claudia Bonari,Gianmaria Bottacci,Alessandro Dell´Olmo,Lorella Gonnelli,Vincenzo Zoccola,Antonio Lastrucci,Lorenzo conservation freshwater ecosystem habitat hydrophyte phytosociology syntaxonomy vegetation Plant Sociology 59(1): 25-35 The importance of wetlands for biodiversity conservation is widely recognized. Their relevance is crucial in the identification of habitat types included in the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC and in the application of the following conservation measures. Yet, several montane and submontane areas are poorly investigated from the phytosociological point of view. Here we studied aquatic communities of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines in Italy using 52 vegetation plots dominated by hydrophytes collected in wetlands of natural and artificial origin. We analysed our data using a cluster analysis and identified 12 vegetation types that we classified as three vegetation classes Charetea intermediae, Lemnetea and Potamogetonetea, and two habitat types of conservation importance, as the hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. (Natura 2000 code 3140) and the natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition (Natura 2000 code 3150). Our study highlights the diversity of aquatic habitats in montane and submontane areas of the Northern Apennines where water bodies are generally small and scattered. This study further highlights the important role of natural freshwater ecosystems for vegetation, but also the notable role of partly or entirely artificial water bodies in maintaining aquatic communities. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022591/03 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022591/03 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/79968/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/79968/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022591/04 2022-06-20 plantsociology

Disturbance affects the contribution of coastal dune vegetation to carbon storage and carbon sequestration rate Del Vecchio,Silvia Rova,Silvia Fantinato,Edy Pranovi,Fabio Buffa,Gabriella biomass climate regulation service ES quantitative estimate landscape spatial pattern trampling Plant Sociology 59(1): 37-48 Coastal dune vegetation has been proved to contribute to several crucial ecosystem services, as coastal protection, water purification, recreation; conversely, its capacity to regulate the concentration of greenhouse gases received less attention. To fill this gap, the present work focalized on the assessment of the contribution of coastal dune herbaceous vegetation to carbon storage and carbon sequestration rate, also in relation to possible effects of disturbance. To this aim, we measured the dry biomass and carbon sequestration rate in three different vegetation types (foredune, dry grasslands, humid grasslands), and habitat patch attributes as proxies of the disturbance regime. Relationships between disturbance, and carbon storage and sequestration rate have been analysed by GLMMs. The target vegetation types did not equally contribute to the medium-long term sequestration of carbon with a gradient that increased from the seashore inlands and related to both the growth form and the strategy of resource acquisition of dominant species, and plant community attributes. Disturbance in the form of trampling negatively affected carbon sequestration rate. Results suggest that, when different plant communities are spatially interconnected, the landscape scale results in a better understanding of ecosystem dynamics, functioning and resistance to perturbations and allows to plan coherent management strategies. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022591/04 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022591/04 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/80766/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/80766/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022591/05 2022-07-01 plantsociology

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #37 to #44 Tavilla,Gianmarco Angiolini,Claudia Bagella,Simonetta Bonini,Federica Cambria,Salvatore Caria,Maria Carmela Esposito,Assunta Fanfarillo,Emanuele Ferri,Valentina Fiaschi,Tiberio Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Giusso del Galdo,Gian Pietro Ilardi,Vincenzo Mei,Giacomo Minissale,Pietro Rivieccio,Giovanni Sciandrello,Saverio Stinca,Adriano Bazan,Giuseppe 3150 3170* 3260 4090 91L0 91M0 9340 conservation vegetation 92/43/EEC Directive Plant Sociology 59(1): 49-66 In this contribution, Italian new data concerning the distribution of the Annex I Habitats 3150, 3170*, 3260, 4090, 91L0, 91M0, 9340 are reported. In detail, 20 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 30 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Campania, Lazio, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Umbria. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022591/05 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022591/05 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/87183/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/87183/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022591/06 2022-07-21 plantsociology

A new association of relict maquis with Ptilostemon greuteri (Oleo-Ceratonion, Quercetea ilicis), located in a circumscribed area of north-western Sicily Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Caldarella,Orazio Pasta,Salvatore evergreen Mediterranean maquis phytosociology Pistacio lentisci-Rhamnetalia alaterni relict vegetation syntaxonomy Plant Sociology 59(1): 67-83 This paper illustrates the results of a survey aimed at deepening available knowledge on the ecology of Ptilostemon greuteri (Asteraceae), a very rare palaeoendemic and relict nano-phanerophyte discovered about 15 years ago on Monte Inici, near Castellammare del Golfo (province of Trapani, north-western Sicily). Two plant communities characterised by P. greuteri are described in detail; they occur in the locus classicus and in a second, recently discovered stand, which is also very localised and threatened by fire. The field investigations revealed that the sites where the species grows are very similar from the ecological point of view; in fact, both of them are located on the steep slopes of deep gullies, benefitting from constantly cool and shady microclimatic conditions, and allowed to a) better identify the currently preferred habitat (ledges, screes at the base of cliffs), b) analyse from a floristic and phytosociological point of view the maquis communities where P. greuteri grows as co-dominant or dominant species, referable to the class Quercetea ilicis, c) to identify the syndynamic role that these coenoses play within the series and microgeoseries of local vegetation. As far as syntaxonomy is concerned, the Malvo olbiae-Ptilostemonetum greuteri ass. nova is described, a basiphilous, thermophilous and shade-tolerant maquis framed in the Oleo-Ceratonion alliance. Moreover, two subassociations are described: 1) typicum subass. nova, corresponding to a pioneer maquis community prevailing on the coarse, loose and mobile debris located along the slopes at the base of rock cliffs, where P. greuteri is clearly dominant and shows a nano-phanerophytic habitus, and 2) euphorbietosum bivonae subass. nova, a primary aspect found of the ledges of carbonate cliffs, where the species can play either a dominant or co-dominant role with other elements of the maquis (Euphorbia bivonae, Chamaerops humilis, etc.), sometimes showing a slightly smaller size. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022591/06 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022591/06 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/86835/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/86835/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022592/01 2022-10-27 plantsociology

The optimization of typical species inventory of habitat types of a NATURA 2000 site using a phytosociological approach Xystrakis,Fotios Chasapis,Minas Eleftheriadou,Eleni Samaras,Dimitrios Theodoropoulos,Konstantinos Constant taxa differential taxa GR1240002 Greece Habitats Directive Mt. Tzena Plant Sociology 59(2): 1-16 The definition of typical species inventories of the 92/43/EEC Directive habitat types is a valuable information for the optimization of the conservation status assessment. Habitat-specific assessment protocols and predefined local inventories of typical species provide a method for a relatively fast and accurate assessment of the criterion “structures and functions”. Habitat types are often defined and described on the basis of a phytosociological description of vegetation units, mainly at the syntaxonomical level of alliance. Therefore, the definition of typical species inventories can be based on phytosociological approaches. Within this concept we surveyed the vegetation of a NATURA 2000 Special Area of Conservation in northern Greece in order to optimize and downscale the existing region-wide inventories of typical species. In total, we sampled 164 relevés in beech and in thermophilous deciduous broadleaved forests. The relevés were assigned to vegetation units and habitat types using numerical approaches and their differential and constant taxa were defined. We used these taxa to draw up the optimized, site-specific inventories of typical species for seven habitat types of community interest and one habitat type of national interest. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022592/01 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022592/01 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/87094/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/87094/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022592/02 2022-11-22 plantsociology

A new association with Patzkea paniculata on serpentine substrates at low elevations in the western Alps (Italy) Colozza,Francesca Fenoglio,Elisabetta Barberis,Davide Lonati,Michele Bromion grasslands phytosociology Potentilla alba Molinia arundinacea Alps Plant Sociology 59(2): 17-26 Patzkea paniculata usually dominates grassland communities in the subalpine and alpine belts. The analysis of a unique vegetation community found at low altitudes growing on serpentinitic substrates in the North-Western Alps (Italy) dominated by P. paniculata, is hereby presented. These communities are substantially different from already described alpine communities, framed in the alliance Festucion variae (class Caricetea curvulae, order Festucetalia spadiceae) and typical of higher elevations. Syntaxonomic and ecological investigations were performed to provide a correct phytosociological framework for these grasslands. The new association Potentillo albae-Patzkeetum paniculatae ass. nova is here described, with two different variants, one co-dominated by Bromopsis erecta and the second with co-dominance of Molinia arundinacea. It is a secondary grassland of arid environments attributable to the alliance Bromion erecti (class Festuco valesiacae-Brometea erecti), and characterized by the presence of numerous species, both rare and typical of serpentinitic substrates. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022592/02 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022592/02 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/89315/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/89315/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022592/04 2022-11-30 plantsociology

Taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of communities hosting Ionopsidium savianum (Brassicaceae) growing on serpentine and limestone substrates Mugnai,Michele Corti,Emilio Coppi,Andrea Viciani,Daniele Lazzaro,Lorenzo Assembly rules community ecology CSR plant strategy plant traits serpentine soils phylogeny Plant Sociology 59(2): 39-50 We analysed two different plant communities hosting Ionopsidium savianum (Brassicaceae), a species of EU interest included in the Habitats Directive 92/43/CEE annexes, for which specific studies on the ecology of communities where the species grows are lacking and more in-depth knowledge is needed. We examined two important sites of occurrence of this species in Tuscany with different soil types, namely limestone (Mt. Calvi) and serpentine (Mt. Pelato), to determine the structural and functional profile of the communities hosting this species in such different contexts. At each site, we surveyed the plant communities with I. savianum in ten 1 m2 quadrats to determine information on communities' species composition and total plant cover, as well as taxonomic (species richness, and Shannon H’ index), phylogenetic (phylogenetic diversity, mean nearest taxon distance and mean pairwise distance) and functional diversity (focusing on Rao’s Q, leaf functional traits and adaptive strategies community weighted mean). We took into account site location, soil type, slope aspect and microrelief as plot-level environmental factors. The two communities were highly diverging from multiple points of view. Differences were in species composition, richness and diversity, with Mt. Calvi hosting higher diversity. The indices of phylogenetic diversity were influenced significantly by site and microrelief, allowing the presence of peculiar niches occupied by the fern Asplenium ceterach. From the functional point of view, communities at Mt. Calvi showed a higher functional diversity and a higher specific leaf area. Plant height was influenced by the slope aspect and was higher on north-facing slopes. In terms of Grime’s adaptive strategies, the Mt. Pelato communities resulted to be more stress tolerant than those surveyed at Mt. Calvi. Here, a decrease in stress-tolerant strategy associated with an increase in ruderal strategy was detected in communities on north-facing slopes. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022592/04 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022592/04 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/87823/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/87823/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022592/03 2022-12-07 plantsociology

The bryophyte vegetation of the gypsum outcrops of Sicily Puglisi,Marta Privitera,Maria Spampinato,Giovanni bryophytes gypsum life forms life strategies phytosociology Sicilian territory Plant Sociology 59(2): 27-37 A phytosociological study on the gypsicolous bryophyte communities of Sicily was carried out. The surveyed communities are: Tortuletum revolventis, Trichostomo crispuli-Tortuletum revolventis, Crossidio squamiferi-Aloinetum aloidis of the order Barbuletalia unguiculatae, and Crossidio crassinervis-Tortuletum obtusatae of the order Tortulo brevissimae-Aloinetalia bifrontis. The associations were examined from a synecological, synhierarchical and chorological point of view. A life form and life strategy analysis of all communities reflect the response of plant functional types towards the environmental demands. Only one life strategy dominates the communities; acrocarpous, turf-forming colonists clearly prevail on gypsum outcrops, subject to drought stress. They provide the main functional type within pioneering communities and communities of first successional stages. The keystone characters outlined ensure a successful dispersal, establishment and habitat maintenance of the species and associations. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022592/03 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022592/03 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/91046/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/91046/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022592/05 2022-12-30 plantsociology

Floristic and coenological data from the travertine substrates of the SAC “Travertini Acque Albule (Bagni di Tivoli)” (Lazio Region – Central Italy) Di Pietro,Romeo Giardini,Marco Iamonico,Duilio TONDI,GIANCARLO Angeloni,Daniele Carli,Emanuela Aleffi,Michele Azzella,Mattia Martin Di Pietro,Francesco Proietti,Elisa Ravera,Sonia Fortini,Paola flora Habitat Directive landscape planning nature conservation phytosociology taxonomy Plant Sociology 59(2): 51-70 During a phytosociological field-work campaign on the vegetation of the travertine outcrops, included in the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) “Travertini Acque Albule (Bagni di Tivoli)” (Central Italy), several taxa of particular interest were identified. Carex vulpina, Lolium apenninum, Onosma echioides subsp. angustifolia, Typha domingensis, T. laxmannii and Vicia pannonica subsp. pannonica are new for the Lazio administrative Region, while Ophrys illyrica and Zannichellia peltata are confirmed for the flora of this Region. For each of these taxa phytosociological samples describing the plant communities in which they were found are provided. New records for rare species were also reported for cryptogams such as Algae, Lichens and Mosses. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022592/05 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022592/05 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/96363/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/96363/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022592/06 2022-12-31 plantsociology

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #45 to #59 Rivieccio,Giovanni Angiolini,Claudia Azzella,Mattia Martin Bagella,Simonetta Bonari,Gianmaria Bonini,Federica Cannucci,Silvia Caria,Maria Carmela Crisafulli,Alessandro Di Pietro,Romeo Esposito,Assunta Fanfarillo,Emanuele Farris,Emmanuele Ferri,Valentina Fiaschi,Tiberio Forte,Luigi Fortini,Paola Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Gigante,Daniela Laface,Valentina L.A. Maiorca,Giovanni Mantino,Francesca Mei,Giacomo Minutillo,Francesco Morabito,Antonio Musarella,Carmelo Maria Patera,Glauco Perrino,Enrico Vito Spampinato,Giovanni Stinca,Adriano Tavilla,Gianmarco Tomaselli,Valeria TONDI,GIANCARLO Wagensommer,Robert Philipp Bazan,Giuseppe Conservation vegetation 1210 2270* 3120 3130 3150 3170* 6420 6510 91AA* 91E0* 91F0 92/43/EEC Directive 9540 Plant Sociology 59(2): 71-98 New Italian data on the distribution of Annex I Habitats are reported in this contribution. Specifically, 8 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 27 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Apulia, Campania, Calabria, Lazio, Tuscany, Umbria, Sardinia, and Sicily. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022592/06 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022592/06 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/97643/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/97643/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2022592/07 2022-12-31 plantsociology

Relational databases for plants and habitat types monitoring under Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive): an example from Campania (Italy) Santangelo,Annalisa Gabriele,de Filippo Rossetti,Valeria Strumia,Sandro Conservation status Data management Natura 2000 Network Reporting ex art. 17 Surveillance ex art. 11 Plant Sociology 59(2): 99-106 The implementation of the Habitat Directive (Dir. 92/43/EEC) entails gathering a large amount of field data. As for monitoring activities, along with spatial data (GIS data), tabular data regarding habitat, plant and animal species population size, and pressures and threats acting on them are collected. In this paper we describe two relational databases designed to ensure a correct and efficient data storage for the habitats listed in Annex I and the Plant species listed in the Annexes II, IV and V. The two relational Databases were designed in Microsoft Access format. In both databases, “Lookup Tables” related to the taxon were used to avoid replication and to centralize the data. Data Tables were used to store the raw data deriving from monitoring activities. The adopted databases allow the storage of collected data in a standard and homogeneous format and make data entry easier to users, reducing input errors. The databases comply with the mandatory actions of art. 11 and 17 of the Habitat Directive and give a prompt reply to the basic requests of users. Finally, the databases aim to provide citizens and/or other end users with all the data gathered in a single regional repository, with zoological data in addition. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2022 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2022592/07 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2022592/07 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/96198/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/96198/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023601/01 2023-03-02 plantsociology

The role of livestock grazing in long-term vegetation changes in coastal dunes: a case study from the Netherlands van der Hagen,Harrie Lammers,Erik van der Meulen,Frank Pätsch,Ricarda van Rooijen,Nils Sykora,Karle Schaminée,Joop Coastal dunes European rabbit livestock grazing vegetation development Plant Sociology 60(1): 1-12 The vegetation of coastal sand dunes is characterized by high species diversity and comprises some of the rarest vegetation types in North-Western Europe. Among them are dune grassland communities whose species richness relies on grazing. Those communities are assessed as a priority habitat type under the Natura 2000 legislation. In autumn 1990, Galloway cows and Nordic Fjord horses were introduced in the coastal dunes of Meijendel near The Hague (52°7'N, 4°20'E), The Netherlands, to reduce encroachment of tall grasses and shrubs, to develop bare sand patches, and as such facilitating diverse vegetation structures in the dune grasslands. In the 1950s, decades before the introduction of livestock, 41 permanent plots were installed. On average, they were examined every four years. Our study hypothesised that the livestock grazing in the set densities would halt progressive succession and facilitate regressive succession. Up to 1990, we observed an equilibrium between progressive and regressive succession. After 1990, however, our data showed a pronounced progressive succession contradicting the hypothesized effect of the livestock grazing. We relate the main observed patterns with two factors linked to rabbit populations: (i) the myxomatosis outbreak in 1954 and (ii) the rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (rVHD-1) outbreak in 1989. In addition to livestock grazing, rabbits block progressive succession by feeding on seedlings of shrub and tree species and digging burrows, creating small-scale mosaics of bare sand and initiate blowout development when collapsing. We state that the substantial decrease in rabbit numbers due to the viral diseases likely caused the observed increase of shrubs and trees in the study area's permanent plots. Climate change might have contributed to the observed increase in autonomous blowout development since 2001, as well as a decrease in atmospheric nitrogen deposition since 1990, after a strong increase the decades before. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023601/01 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023601/01 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/95044/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/95044/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023601/02 2023-04-12 plantsociology

Vegetation features of two vascular plant species presumed extinct and recently rediscovered in the natural habitat of community interest 8320 from Mt. Vesuvius, Italy Stinca,Adriano Festuca lachenalii Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC herbaria native plants Ophioglossum lusitanicum phytosociological relevés pioneer plant communities plant conservation plant extinction vascular flora Plant Sociology 60(1): 13-23 This paper illustrates the results of a survey aimed at deepening knowledge on vegetation in which Festuca lachenalii and Ophioglossum lusitanicum were recently discovery on Mt. Vesuvius (Italy) after about 200 and 150 years from the last observation, respectively. Both species were previously thought to be locally extinct. These noteworthy microphytes are rare and poorly documented species within their global distribution range. They were found within a habitat of community interest (Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC), where they are subject to extensive anthropogenic impact and require urgent actions for their in situ conservation. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023601/02 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023601/02 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/97394/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/97394/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023601/03 2023-05-16 plantsociology

Contribution to the knowledge of marsh vegetation of montane and submontane areas of Northern Apennines (Italy) Lastrucci,Lorenzo Angiolini,Claudia Bonari,Gianmaria Bottacci,Alessandro Gonnelli,Vincenzo Zoccola,Antonio Mugnai,Michele Viciani,Daniele Conservation freshwater ecosystem palustrine habitat phytosociology syntaxonomy vegetation Plant Sociology 60(1): 25-36 Freshwater ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity conservation. They are among the most threatened habitats in the world. However, the wetlands of southern European mountains still lack fine-scale plant community studies. Here we studied submontane and montane palustrine communities of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines. Data from 123 vegetation plots dominated by palustrine species were analysed by means of cluster analysis. We identified 18 vegetation types that we attributed to five classes (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea, Montio-Cardaminetea, Isoëto-Nanojuncetea, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, and Epilobietea angustifolii), and to two Natura 2000 habitats (3130 - Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea, and 6430 - Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels). According the 4th edition of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature we corrected the names Phragmition communis Koch 1926 nom. inept. in P. australis Koch 1926 nom. corr., Phragmitetum communis Savič 1926 nom. inept. in P. australis Savič 1926 nom. corr., Glycerietum plicatae Kulczyński 1928 nom. inept. in G. notatae Kulczyński 1928 nom. corr., Beruletum angustifoliae Roll 1938 nom. inept. in Beruletum erectae Roll 1938 nom. corr., and we mutated the name Scirpetum lacustris Chouard 1924 nom. inept. in Schoenoplectetum lacustris Chouard 1924 nom. mut. nov. Our study highlights the diversity of marsh vegetation of montane and submontane areas of Northern Apennines. Most of the palustrine communities, though important from the point of view of conservation, cannot be attributed at present to any habitat type legally protected at the European level. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023601/03 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023601/03 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/97121/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/97121/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023601/04 2023-06-15 plantsociology

Blysmo compressi-Eriophoretum latifoliae ass. nova, a new association of the Caricion fuscae alliance from the Sharri Mountains Berisha,Naim Ćušterevska,Renata Millaku,Fadil Matevski,Vlado Biodiversity conservation Kosovo phytosociology plant taxonomy Supervised vegetation classification Plant Sociology 60(1): 37-49 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. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023601/04 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023601/04 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/99568/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/99568/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023601/06 2023-06-30 plantsociology

Habitats Directive in northern Italy: a series of proposals for habitat definition improvement Bonari,Gianmaria Dalle Fratte,Michele Lonati,Michele Caccianiga,Marco Lasen,Cesare Armiraglio,Stefano Barcella,Matteo Buffa,Gabriella Cerabolini,Bruno Enrico Leone Mainetti,Andrea Miserere,Luca Oriolo,Giuseppe Selvaggi,Alberto Alpine biogeographical region Alps Annex I Habitats Directive Habitat types Natura 2000 network Nature conservation Plant Sociology 60(1): 67-89 Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) is the cornerstone of nature conservation in Europe and is at the core of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. There is room, however, for its improvement, at least for northern Italy, where ambiguities in the definition of habitat types of Annex I of the Habitats Directive are not novel and interpretation difficulties have been highlighted. Sharpening the characterization of habitat types represents an opportunity for lowering classification uncertainties and improving conservation success. With the aim to refine the definitions of habitat types and associated typical species of the Habitats Directive, a group of vegetation scientists of the Italian Society of Vegetation Science based in northern Italy made the exercise of finding viable proposals for those habitat types having a problematic interpretation in the Alpine biogeographical region of Italy. Such proposals arise from group discussions among scientists, and professionals, thus offering a shared view. We prepared 9 habitat proposals important for this geographic area. They include new habitat types at the European level, new subtypes within pre-existing habitat types, including some adjustments of the recently proposed subtypes with respect to northern Italy, and recognition of priority criteria for a pre-existing habitat type. With a vision of tailored conservation, our proposals represent a starting point in view of a future update of Annex I. Furthermore, the list of typical species could be useful for preparing expert systems for automatic classification. Irrespective of legally binding solutions in place, we caution these proposals represent relevant baseline conservation indications that local and regional administrations of the Alpine Arch should consider. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023601/06 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023601/06 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/102894/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/102894/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023601/05 2023-06-30 plantsociology

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #60 to #82 MORABITO,ANTONIO Allegrezza,Marina Angiolini,Claudia Bagella,Simonetta Bazan,Giuseppe Bonini,Federica Camilletti,M Cannucci,Silvia Caria,Maria Carmela Crisafulli,Alessandro De Simone,Leopoldo Esposito,Assunta Fanfarillo,Emanuele Farris,Emmanuele Ferrarato,Massimiliano Fiaschi,Tiberio Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Gigante,Daniela Guarino,Riccardo Ilardi,Vincenzo Lonati,Michele Mainetti,Andrea Mascia,Francesco Mei,Giacomo Musarella,Carmelo Maria Patera,Glauco Ranno,Veronica Ravo,Mario Sciandrello,Saverio Spampinato,Giovanni Stinca,Adriano Tavilla,Gianmarco Tesei,Giulio Rivieccio,Giovanni 1240 1310 1420 2250* 3130 3220 3260 3270 3280 4090 6110* 6430 7210* 8210 91AA* 91B0 91E0* 92A0 92D0 9330 Plant Sociology 60(1): 51-65 New Italian data on the distribution of the Annex I Habitats are reported in this contribution. Specifically, 8 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 49 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Campania, Calabria, Marche, Piedmont, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany and Umbria. Relevés and figures are provided as Supplementary material respectively 1 and 2. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023601/05 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023601/05 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/106880/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/106880/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023602/05 2023-09-28 plantsociology

Acidophilous grasslands in the Locarnese region (Southern Switzerland): description and classification of main plant communities Lagnaz,Danièle Trotta,Giacomo Prunier,Patrice Krüsi,Bertil Boscutti,Francesco dry meadows Festuco-Brometea Insubria Molinio-Arrhenatheretea Nardetea strictae phytosociology pastures Plant Sociology 60(2): 71-91 This paper presents a phytosociological study of dry and mesophilous meadows and pastures in the Locarnese region (Insubria - Southern Switzerland). Seventy-one vegetation relevés were analysed using both hierarchical classification and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination. Seven main clusters were identified and described as follows: (i) xerophytic grasslands on sandy soil dominated by Koeleria macrantha; (ii) mesophilous meadows with Arrhenatherum elatius and Centaurea transalpina; (iii) semi-dry meadows with Chrysopogon gryllus; (iv) semi-dry grasslands with Carex fritschii and Thalictrum minus; (v) nutrient-poor Phyteuma betonicifolium-Festuca nigrescens montane zone grasslands; Nardus stricta grasslands dominated by (vi) Festuca paniculata or (vii) Carex pilulifera. From a phytosociological point of view, a new association named Phyteumo betonicifolii-Festucetum nigrescentis, classified into the Nardo strictae-Agrostion tenuis alliance was proposed. In addition, we confirmed the presence of the Holco-Chrysopogonetum grylli association, within the Bromion erecti, which up to now was provisional only. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023602/05 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023602/05 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/97788/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/97788/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023602/04 2023-11-17 plantsociology

Cork oak (Quercus suber) in the dynamism of a forest landscape shaped by fire on Monte Pisano (Tuscany N-W, Italy) Bertacchi,Andrea Forest fire phytosociology post-fire regeneration Quercus suber Quercion ilicis Plant Sociology 60(2): 57-69 The plant landscape of Monte Pisano is characterized by a predominant forest component, with Pinus pinaster and Castanea sativa, of clear anthropic imprint. Another important component is constituted by dynamically advanced scrubs and woods of evergreen sclerophylls of natural origin, although often differently altered by the anthropic action and/or by fires, and dominated by Quercus ilex. Quercus suber is often found within holm oak woods, and – with lower frequency – inside the pine forests. Cork oak, in some cases, becomes dominant going to constitute the northernmost cork forests in Tuscany. The frequency of fires in Monte Pisano in the last decades seems to have led to an increase in Q. suber surface due to its known resilience to wildfires. The aim of this research is: a) to define the distribution of Q. suber in the area also in relation to repeated fire events in the past; b) to provide an updated characterization of these stands using a phytosociological approach; c) to identify stands and groups of trees that can be used as "seed forests" for post-fire forest restoration purpose, in relation to their marginal population characteristic. The study suggests a relationship between the spread of cork oak and the historical pattern of fires. This wide spread should be protected by forms of forest management unfortunately absent in this territory. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023602/04 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023602/04 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/106029/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/106029/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023602/01 2023-11-17 plantsociology

Assessment of the dynamic trajectories and maritime character of Armorican cliff-top coastal heathlands GLEMAREC,Erwan Bioret,Frédéric Armorican Massif cliff-top coastal heathlands human influence synphytosociology vegetation dynamics Plant Sociology 60(2): 1-24 Atlantic coastal cliff heathlands are chamaephytic vegetation dominated by Ericaceae, most often associated to Fabaceae (Ulex) and integrated from a phytosociological point of view into alliance of Dactylido oceanicae-Ulicion maritimi Géhu 1975 (class of Calluno vulgaris-Ulicetea minoris Braun-Blanq. & Tüxen ex Klika & Hadač 1944). This alliance gathers coastal heathlands under marine influences whose physiognomy is marked by prostrate or halo-anemomorphic chamaephytes. All Atlantic heathlands are included into habitats of European community interest which justify the designation of Natura 2000 sites. Within these protected areas, heathland conservation or restoration management issues raise the question of the choice of nature and frequency of management methods. For that, it seems important to understand the dynamics of cliff-top coastal heathlands. Stable heathlands, considered as permanent vegetation of primary character, can be managed without any intervention, while heathlands characterized by a progressive dynamic may be subject to interventionist management. The aim of this work is to present the main determinant abiotic and biotic factors driving the cliff-top coastal heathlands. Human uses may influence the composition and structure of these vegetation. This approach helps to assess the primary or secondary character of cliff-top coastal heathlands vegetation, their stability or dynamic. This article clarifies the notions of primitive, primary and secondary coastal heathlands. It proposes criteria to differentiate stable heathlands and unstable heathlands which are characterized by a progressive dynamic towards coastal scrublands or forest: abiotic conditions, floristic combination, physiognomy. The synphytosociological methodology is useful for establishing the typology of the series, permaseries and minoriseries, in which the different types of cliff-top coastal heathlands are included. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023602/01 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023602/01 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/103439/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/103439/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023602/03 2023-11-17 plantsociology

New plant communities to define the southern boundary of the European Atlantic Province in mainland Portugal Raposo,Mauro del Río,Sara Vazquez,Francisco Costa,José Carlos Cano Ortiz,Ana Pinto Gomes,Carlos José Biogeography geobotany native forest relict vegetation vegetation cover dynamics Plant Sociology 60(2): 39-55 This study identifies and analyzes the plant communities that allow the definition of the geographic limits between Temperate and Mediterranean macrobioclimates, for the center of Portuguese mainland. The altitude of Serra da Estrela, Açor and Lousã, combined with the increase in atmospheric humidity, allows the presence of vegetation typical of a Temperate macrobioclimate. Thus, based on the phytosociological methodology, floristic relevés were carried out in order to identify the series of vegetation existing in these territories. Through these relevés carried out, four new plant associations were identified: Cytisetum grandifloro-striati ass. nova, Scrophulario grandiflorae-Sambucetum nigrae ass. nova, Pruno lusitanicae-Coryletum avellanae ass. nova that lives in the submediterranean bioclimatic variant, mesotemperate humid to hyper-humid. A new association namely Genisto falcatae-Quercetum broteroanae ass. nova with two subassociations were also identified. Based on the vegetation distribution, new biogeographic limits are proposed. Thus, it was intended to identify the southern limits of the European Atlantic Province (Atlantic Orolusitania Subrovince) based on the vegetation cover, namely the distinction between the Estrela Sierran District and a new Biogeographical District, the Alvo-Gardunhense. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023602/03 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023602/03 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/100380/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/100380/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023602/02 2023-11-17 plantsociology

Teaching about biodiversity from phytosociology: evaluation and conservation Cano Ortiz,Ana Conservation diversity flora grassland higher education indices Plant Sociology 60(2): 25-37 In order to transform the previous erroneous ideas acquired by many of the students, a teaching outside the classroom is proposed, making the students themselves the ones who build their own knowledge from practice. Analyzing alpha, beta and gamma diversity, intrinsic alpha diversity must be measured through the characteristic species, gamma through the companion species, and beta through the gamma/alpha relationship, taking into account this relationship the lower the beta. The higher the conservation status of the community, if beta = 1 it means that there is a balance between characteristic species and companions, if beta is < 1 it means that there is a predominance of characteristic species over companions. As a result to be taken into consideration, it is observed in the inventory analysis that anthropic action is the cause of the changes in diversity, which translates into an instability of the association, being able to change one community for another. For this reason, we consider it is necessary to teach about the meaning of characteristic and companion species, since the student must know how to discern between both types of species, which leads us to learn the ecological niche of the species. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023602/02 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023602/02 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/104209/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/104209/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023602/06 2023-12-28 plantsociology

Patterns of floral resources and pollination interactions along dry grassland succession Fantinato,Edy Lorenzato,Leonardo Buffa,Gabriella Abandonment flowers nectar pollen pollinators Plant Sociology 60(2): 93-103 Succession following the abandonment of traditional management practices can pose severe consequences for the conservation of semi-natural dry grassland communities. In the present study, we investigated whether the quantity of floral resources changes during succession of semi-natural dry grasslands and how this is related to pollinator richness and the number of pollination interactions at the community level. We addressed this issue by quantifying floral resources (i.e., number of flowers, nectar volume and number of pollen grains) and monitoring pollination interactions in dry grassland communities at different stages of succession, defined as the total cover of plant species of forest edges. The relationship between the quantity of floral resources and cover of plant species of forest edges was significantly hump-shaped, i.e., regardless of the type of floral resource, all peaked at intermediate values of cover of plant species of forest edges. The richness of animal-pollinated plants in bloom also showed a hump-shaped relationship with the cover of plant species of forest edges, while the richness of pollinator species and the number of pollination contacts were indirectly related to the cover of plant species of forest edges, as they were significantly associated with the number of flowers and the richness of animal-pollinated plants in bloom. Results suggest that succession of dry grasslands after abandonment may affect a crucial function in terrestrial ecosystems, namely animal-mediated pollination. Nevertheless, the conditions of early succession, which could be achieved by the presence of scattered shrubs, could ultimately be favourable for the pollination function in dry grasslands. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023602/06 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023602/06 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/115498/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/115498/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023602/07 2023-12-29 plantsociology

Exploring dynamics of floristic composition in Mediterranean grasslands: a case study from Sardinia, Italy Piga,Giovanna Caria,Maria Carmela Al Hajj,Nour Malavasi,Marco Rivieccio,Giovanni Bagella,Simonetta Climate change false breaks inter-annual variability Mediterranean grasslands seed bank vegetation dynamics Plant Sociology 60(2): 105-114 Mediterranean grasslands stand out as biodiversity hotspots due to their inclusion of diverse habitats that foster a remarkable range of biological diversity, characterized by inter-annual variability of floristic composition. This study aims to assess the inter-annual dynamics of the floristic composition in a grassland within a typical silvopastoral system in the Mediterranean basin, within the framework of rainfall variability. The study was performed on a farm representative of Mediterranean silvopastoral systems in Central-Western Sardinia (Italy). Vegetation surveys started in the spring of 2018 and concluded in the spring of 2022. They were conducted annually in the spring (S) and winter (W) seasons, using the point quadrat method along eight permanent transects. The dynamics of floristic composition were compared within and between years in terms of variability of specific percentage contribution (CSP) of each plant species. The results highlighted substantial differences in the composition of plant assemblages between the two seasons (W vs S) and between surveys within each season for all a posteriori comparisons. Anthemis arvensis, Lolium rigidum, Festuca ligustica and Medicago polymorpha were the main discriminating plant species between seasons. Considering the discriminant species between the four winter surveys, we found a positive effect of August rain on Cynodon dactylon CSP and a negative one on Trifolium subterraneum CSP. Considering the spring surveys, we found a positive effect of January rain on L. rigidum and a negative effect on Plantago lanceolata. The rain affected the inter-annual dynamics of floristic composition in the Mediterranean grasslands. Other factors, such as temperature, remain to be investigated. Moreover, a more extended data series may allow us to strengthen our results. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023602/07 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023602/07 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/115335/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/115335/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2023602/08 2023-12-31 plantsociology

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #83 to #101 Rivieccio,Giovanni Bagella,Simonetta Bazan,Giuseppe Cambria,Salvatore Cannucci,Silvia Capotorti,Giulia Caria,Maria Carmela Cuccaro,Virginia Chiara De Simone,Leopoldo Fanelli,Giuliano Fanfarillo,Emanuele Fiaschi,Tiberio Gennai,Matilde Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Iamonico,Duilio La Montagna,Dario Mascia,Francesco Mei,Giacomo MORABITO,ANTONIO Musarella,Carmelo Maria Orrù,Gianluca Orrù,Ines Patera,Glauco Pazienza,Gaetano Perrino,Enrico Vito Rocca,Riccardo Serra,Silvia Spampinato,Giovanni Stinca,Adriano Tavilla,Gianmarco Todaro,Francesco Tomaselli,Valeria Angiolini,Claudia Vegetation 1410 2110 2120 3140 3150 3170* 3240 3260 3280 5230* 6110* 6420 6430 8210 92A0 9320 9330 Plant Sociology 60(2): 115-127 New Italian data on the distribution of 17 Annex I Habitats are reported in this contribution. Specifically, 11 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 30 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Apulia, Campania, Calabria, Lazio, Sardinia, Sicily and Tuscany. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2023 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2023602/08 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2023602/08 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/116561/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/116561/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2024611/01 2024-05-28 plantsociology

Plant diversity in old-growth woods: the case of the forest edges of the Favorita Park in Palermo (north-western Sicily, Italy) Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Caldarella,Orazio Campisi,Patrizia Ravera,Sonia Scalenghe,Riccardo Venturella,Giuseppe Conservation of biological diversity forest ecosystems monumental trees old woods pristine ecosystems Quercetea ilicis rare species Plant Sociology 61(1): 1-29 This article presents the results of a study on plant diversity at different levels in residual forest stands, located in the historical Favorita Park in Palermo, Italy (established and named in 1799 by King Ferdinand IV of the House of Bourbon). These forest aspects have naturally evolved for over two centuries, under minimal conditions of anthropogenic disturbance (e.g. deforestation, fires, grazing activities, etc.). This is especially true in the area known as “Bosco Niscemi”, spread over about 8.5 hectares, in the centre of the park. Bosco Niscemi is characterized by the widespread presence of old trees, abundant necromass and litter. In this study, four different soil profiles were analysed, and classified as follows: (i) Solimovic Regosol (Arenic); ii) Eutric Arenosol (Chromic); (iii) and (iv) Skeletic Regosol (Ochric). From a phytosociological point of view, four forest communities have been identified, two of which are described as new associations (Viburno tini-Phillyreetum latifoliae ass. nova and Teucrio flavi-Phillyreetum latifoliae ass. nova). The species richness was also found to be noteworthy, with the co-occurrence of several taxa (phanerogams and cryptogams) that are of biogeographic interest or rare in Sicily, including: i) vascular flora (e.g. Viburnum tinus and Arbutus unedo, both very rare throughout the western sector of Sicily); ii) bryophytes [Cryphaea heteromalla (new record of a very rare species in Sicily) as well as Hypnum cupressiforme and Leptodon smithii, also never previously found at such low altitudes]; iii) lichens (e.g. Bacidia rosella, Gyalecta derivata, Ramalina roesleri and Waynea stoechadiana); iv) mushrooms (e.g. Eichleriella leucophaea, only known location in Italy). Based on the scientific documentation produced in this study, these woods can be reported as “old-growth forests” to be included in the “National Network” that has been recently established in Italy (Ministerial Decree of 23 June 2023). This area might serve as an ideal control for urban environmental studies, given its pristine ecological setting. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2024 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2024611/01 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2024611/01 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/114343/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/114343/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2024611/02 2024-06-28 plantsociology

Invasive alien plants at Capraia Island (Italy): distribution and threats to Natura 2000 habitats Misuri,Alice Mugnai,Michele Giunti,Michele Dell´Olmo,Lorella Lazzaro,Lorenzo Biological invasions distribution map management Mediterranean ecosystems Mediterranean island Opuntia stricta Plant Sociology 61(1): 31-44 Island ecosystems face significant threats from biological invasions due to their unique biomes. In over a quarter of these ecosystems, the number of alien plants surpasses the total count of native ones, leading to notable impacts. This concern is particularly pronounced in the Mediterranean Basin, a globally important hotspot for plant diversity. In line with this, our study aimed to investigate the current distribution of six main alien plant species (Chasmanthe floribunda, Nicotiana glauca, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia stricta, Senecio angulatus, and Zantedeschia aethiopica) on Capraia Island in the Tuscan Archipelago, Italy. We identified invaded vegetation types and N2000 habitats (sensu 92/43/EEC “Habitats” Directive), created a detailed map of the current distribution of these six target species, and analyzed the relationship between their distribution and environmental factors. The six target species were found to be more widespread in areas of the island with higher levels of anthropogenic disturbance, with only O. stricta also spreading into natural habitats. Overall, the invasion covers an area of 71 hectares (3.6% of the island’s surface), of which over 70 hectares are invaded by O. stricta. The habitats most impacted by alien plant invasion include 5330 “Thermo-Mediterranean and pre-desert scrub”, 5320 “Low formations of Euphorbia close to cliffs”, 1240 “Vegetated sea cliffs of the Mediterranean coasts with endemic Limonium spp.”, and 6220* “Pseudo-steppe with grasses and annuals of the Thero-Brachypodietea”, all primarily invaded by O. stricta. Environmental factors most correlated with alien plant distribution include the distance from infrastructure, altitude, and slope aspect. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2024 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2024611/02 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2024611/02 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/115694/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/115694/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2024611/03 2024-07-29 plantsociology

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #102 to #122 Rivieccio,Giovanni Allegrezza,Marina Angiolini,Claudia Bagella,Simonetta Bonari,Gianmaria Cannucci,Silvia Caria,Maria Carmela Ciaschetti,Giampiero De Simone,Leopoldo Di Pietro,Romeo Fanfarillo,Emanuele Fiaschi,Tiberio Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Mascia,Francesco Iamonico,Duilio Mei,Giacomo Minutillo,Francesco Misano,Giuseppe MORABITO,ANTONIO Musarella,Carmelo Maria Patera,Glauco Perrino,Enrico Vito Senfett,Marco Spampinato,Giovanni Stinca,Adriano Tavilla,Gianmarco Tesei,Giulio Tomaselli,Valeria Venanzoni,Roberto Bazan,Giuseppe vegetation 1430 3140 3150 3170* 3240 5210 5330 6110* 6430 6510 7210* 7230 8130 91E0* 9320 9330 Plant Sociology 61(1): 45-58 New Italian data on the distribution of the Annex I Habitats are reported in this contribution. Specifically, 9 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 34 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Abruzzo, Apulia, Calabria, Latium, Lombardy, Marche, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany and Umbria. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2024 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2024611/03 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2024611/03 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/128692/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/128692/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2024612/01 2024-08-05 plantsociology

Dry grasslands of central-western Po Plain (Italy): implications under Council Directive 92/43/EEC Assini,Silvia Brugellis,Ilaria Nascimbene,Juri Barcella,Matteo Gressani,Alessia Gheza,Gabriele Dry grasslands lowlands Italy syntaxonomy synecology synchorology Council Directive 92/43/EEC Natura 2000 Network management Plant Sociology 61(2): 1-20 This paper provides an overall look on the diversity of lowland dry grasslands of the western Po Plain, useful to support their conservation and management. Specific aims were: 1) to identify lowland dry grassland-associated plant communities at alliance level, which is useful for their classification under the Council Directive 92/43/EEC, 2) to assess their synecological and synchorological differences, 3) to define the equivalent Directive habitats and their management implications. Seven subareas were analysed: Lomellina, Ticino River, Sesia River, Po River (North), Orba Stream, Scrivia Stream, and Serio River. Floristic-vegetational relevés were carried out considering vascular plant, moss and lichen species. Cluster analysis were performed to syntaxonomically classify them, while statistical tests were performed to characterize them by means of biological life forms, chorotypes and Ellenberg indicator values. Eight plant communities were classified at alliance level and three plant communities were classified at class level. The equivalence with three Natura 2000 Habitats (H2330, H6110* and H6210) was found. Of the 60 studied sites, the 68% are located inside the Natura 2000 Network, while the remnant 31% are located outside. Possible management actions include: cutting of woody species, mowing, sod-cutting, transplants of typical herbaceous species, and ex novo restoration using harvested seeds from donor grasslands. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2024 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2024612/01 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2024612/01 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/123943/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/123943/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2024612/02 2024-08-22 plantsociology

New bryological data from relict mires in the Gran Sasso-Laga National Park (Central Apennines) and their interpretation according to the EUNIS classification and Habitats Directive Di Pietro,Romeo Praleskouskaya,Safiya Aleffi,Michele Di Pietro,Francesco Di Pietro,Adriano TONDI,GIANCARLO Fortini,Paola Biogeography Boreal Flora Cryptogams EUNIS classification Habitats Directive High-altitude fens Liverworts Mediterranean mires Mosses Nature Conservation Phytosociology Plant Sociology 61(2): 21-40 During a phytosociological field-work campaign aimed at studying some relict Scheuchzerio-Caricetea boreal mires of the montane and subalpine belts of the Laga Mountains, the highest and largest siliceous massif of the Apennine range, several bryophyte taxa of particular biogeographic interest were collected. Among these taxa, Schljakovia kunzeana and Ptychostomum cernuum were found to be new records for the whole Apennine range while Hamatocaulis vernicosus (taxon included in annex II of Habitats Directive) and Scorpidium cossonii as new for the Central-Southern Apennines. Two further species, Bryum canariense, Plagiomnium cuspidatum, were found to be confirmations of old records for the Central Apennines dating back to the early 1900s. At the national and regional level, nine, out of the forty-four bryophyte taxa identified in this study, were found to be new for the Lazio administrative Region, and one taxon as new for the Abruzzo Region. The majority of these new records belong to the boreal chorotype, the Laga Mountains being one of the most important conservation sites for the relict circumboreal and arctic-alpine flora in the whole Mediterranean area. According to both the EUNIS Habitat classification and the EU Habitats Directive Annex I, several, out of the 44 bryophytes identified in this study, act as diagnostic species for European Community Habitats. Nevertheless, a complete correspondence between bryophyte taxon and habitat type was not found upon comparing these two environmental policy systems. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2024 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2024612/02 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2024612/02 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/125349/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/125349/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2024612/03 2024-08-27 plantsociology

A thematic vegetation dataset of SArdinian GRAsslands (SAGRA) Bagella,Simonetta Caria,Maria Carmela Bonari,Gianmaria Malavasi,Marco Melis,Raimondo Piga,Giovanna Rivieccio,Giovanni This georeferenced vegetation dataset can support further scientific research and aid the sustainable management of Mediterranean grasslands. Databases Grassland management Mediterranean grasslands Phytosociological surveys Plant diversity Vegetation data Vegetation plots Plant Sociology 61(2): 41-47 We present the dataset “SArdinian GRAsslands” (SAGRA), a collection of georeferenced vegetation surveys sourced from different areas of Sardinia (Italy). SAGRA addresses a geographic gap in current databases, as plots from Sardinian grasslands are underrepresented. We collected vegetation data from different projects and organized it within a framework that allows for scalability to larger scales or integration into existing databases. The surveys include three categories of information: general, vegetation and management, and environmental. Overall, SAGRA comprises 1277 vegetation surveys, some of which were performed in different years in the same plots. This dataset encompasses 685 plots and 434 species, primarily therophytes. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2024 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2024612/03 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2024612/03 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/129409/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/129409/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2024612/04 2024-09-18 plantsociology

Shedding light on the geographical distribution, population size and inflorescence coloration variety of Royal Irises (Iris section Oncocyclus) family in West Bank, Palestine Gedeon,Johann Khalilieh,Anton Anthropogenic effects Conservation Distribution map Endangered Endemic Geophyte Iris Mediterranean basin Vulnerable Plant Sociology 61(2): 49-71 Palestine has rich floristic diversity due to its location, diverse biogeographical zones, and various topographical features. The Royal Irises (Iris section Oncocyclus), are a monophyletic group of herbaceous geophytes, consisting of 33 species, endemic to the Middle East. Within the West Bank of Palestine, three Royal Irises are documented. However, their distribution, population size, and status are not studied comprehensively. This study focused on evaluating the occurrence, distribution range, population size, status, number of flowers, inflorescence coloration variety, and habitats of the vulnerable and endemic Iris haynei, the endangered and sub-endemic Iris lortetii, and the vulnerable and sub-endemic Iris atrofusca. I. lortetii was found in 10 sites within Nablus district, with more than 12625 clones and 25088 flowers flowers recorded. I. haynei were documented in 4 sites within Jenin district, three are new to science, where 10729 clones and 9562 flowers were recorded. I. atrofusca was reported in 13 localities in Tubas and Ramallah districts, where 1853 clones and 8460 flowers were recorded, whereas six locatities are new to science. 12, 12, and 7 unique variations in coloration of inflorescences were observed for I. lortetii, I. atrofusca, and I. haynei, respectively. The results indicate that the population size and the distribution range of the three Royal Irises are larger than previously reported, whereas the documented inflorescences’ coloration variations are unique and considerable. This study sheds light on hotspot occurrence sites of endangered and vulnerable species in Palestine, which can assist in laying adequate conservation actions and management plans in the future. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2024 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2024612/04 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2024612/04 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/126221/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/126221/download/pdf/ en

10.3897/pls2024612/05 2024-12-19 plantsociology

New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #123 to #138 Rivieccio,Giovanni Bagella,Simonetta Bazan,Giuseppe Bonari,Gianmaria Brunco,Vanessa Buffa,Gabriella Candini,Francesco Cannucci,Silvia Caria,Maria Carmela Ciaschetti,Giampiero De Simone,Leopoldo Di Pietro,Adriano Fanfarillo,Emanuele Ferrarato,Massimiliano Fiaschi,Tiberio Gianguzzi,Lorenzo Lonati,Michele Lorenzato,Leonardo Marengo,Giacomo Mainetti,Andrea Mascia,Francesco Mei,Giacomo Nota,Ginevra Iamonico,Duilio Patera,Glauco Perrino,Enrico Vito Preo,Simone Marino Rocca,Riccardo Stinca,Adriano Terranova,Giovanni Troia,Angelo Venanzoni,Roberto Angiolini,Claudia habitat vegetation 3140 3150 3170* 3220 4060 5230* 6220* 6410 6430 6510 7220* 91AA* 9540 Plant Sociology 61(2): 73-84 New Italian data on the distribution of some of the Annex I Habitats are reported in this contribution. Specifically, 16 records are presented including 9 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites, and 27 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Abruzzo, Apulia, Latium, Marche, Lombardy, Piedmont, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Veneto. info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/eissn/2704-6192 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pissn/2280-1855 info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess CC BY 4.0 Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2024 Research Article text/html info:doi:10.3897/pls2024612/05 https://doi.org/10.3897/pls2024612/05 https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/141574/ https://plantsociology.arphahub.com/article/141574/download/pdf/ en