DOI: 10.3897/pls2024612/02

Authors: Romeo Di Pietro, Safiya Praleskouskaya, Michele Aleffi, Francesco Di Pietro, Adriano Di Pietro, Giancarlo Tondi, Paola Fortini

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2024612/01

Authors: Silvia Assini, Ilaria Brugellis, Juri Nascimbene, Matteo Barcella, Alessia Gressani, Gabriele Gheza

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2024611/01

Authors: Lorenzo Gianguzzi, Orazio Caldarella, Patrizia Campisi, Sonia Ravera, Riccardo Scalenghe, Giuseppe Venturella

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2023602/03

Authors: Mauro Raposo, Sara del Río, Francisco Vázquez-Pardo, José Carlos Costa, Ana Cano-Ortiz, Carlos Pinto-Gomes

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2023602/05

Authors: Danièle Lagnaz, Giacomo Trotta, Patrice Prunier, Bertil Krüsi, Francesco Boscutti

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2023601/06

Authors: Gianmaria Bonari, Michele Dalle Fratte, Michele Lonati, Marco Caccianiga, Cesare Lasen, Stefano Armiraglio, Matteo Barcella, Gabriella Buffa, Bruno Enrico Leone Cerabolini, Andrea Mainetti, Luca Miserere, Giuseppe Oriolo, Alberto Selvaggi

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2023601/04

Authors: Naim Berisha, Renata Ćušterevska, Fadil Millaku, Vlado Matevski

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2022592/05

Authors: Romeo Di Pietro, Marco Giardini, Duilio Iamonico, Giancarlo Tondi, Daniele Angeloni, Emanuela Carli, Michele Aleffi, Mattia Martin Azzella, Francesco Di Pietro, Elisa Proietti, Sonia Ravera, Paola Fortini

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2022592/02

Authors: Francesca Colozza, Elisabetta Fenoglio, Davide Barberis, Michele Lonati

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2022591/03

Authors: Daniele Viciani, Claudia Angiolini, Gianmaria Bonari, Alessandro Bottacci, Lorella Dell´Olmo, Vincenzo Gonnelli, Antonio Zoccola, Lorenzo Lastrucci

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2021582/02

Authors: Giulio Tesei, Marina Allegrezza, Sandro Ballelli, Giampiero Ciaschetti, Carlo Console, Silvia Montecchiari, Cecilia Ottaviani, Gianfranco Pirone, Annarita Frattaroli

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2020581/08

Authors: Gianmaria Bonari, Edy Fantinato, Lorenzo Lazzaro, Marta Gaia Sperandii, Alicia Teresa Rosario Acosta, Marina Allegrezza, Silvia Assini, Marco Caccianiga, Valter Di Cecco, Annarita Frattaroli, Daniela Gigante, Giovanni Rivieccio, Giulio Tesei, Barbara Valle, Daniele Viciani, Giulia Albani Rocchetti, Claudia Angiolini, Emilio Badalamenti, Davide Barberis, Matteo Barcella, Giuseppe Bazan, Andrea Bertacchi, Rossano Bolpagni, Federica Bonini, Alessandro Bricca, Gabriella Buffa, Mariasole Calbi, Silvia Cannucci, Luigi Cao Pinna, Maria Carmela Caria, Emanuela Carli, Silvia Cascone, Mauro Casti, Bruno Enrico Leone Cerabolini, Riccardo Copiz, Maurizio Cutini, Leopoldo De Simone, Andrea De Toma, Michele Dalle Fratte, Luciano Di Martino, Romeo Di Pietro, Leonardo Filesi, Bruno Foggi, Paola Fortini, Roberto Gennaio, Gabriele Gheza, Michele Lonati, Andrea Mainetti, Marco Malavasi, Corrado Marcenò, Carla Micheli, Chiara Minuzzo, Michele Mugnai, Carmelo Maria Musarella, Francesca Napoleone, Ginevra Nota, Giovanna Piga, Marco Pittarello, Ilaria Pozzi, Safiya Praleskouskaya, Francesco Rota, Giacomo Santini, Simona Sarmati, Alberto Selvaggi, Giovanni Spampinato, Adriano Stinca, Francesco Pio Tozzi, Roberto Venanzoni, Mariacristina Villani, Katia Zanatta, Magda Zanzottera, Simonetta Bagella

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2021581/07

Authors: Romeo Di Pietro, Paola Fortini, Giuseppe Misano, Massimo Terzi

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2020581/05

Authors: Miris Castello, Livio Poldini, Alfredo Altobelli

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2021581/01

Authors: Matilde Gennai, Antonio Gabellini, Daniele Viciani, Roberto Venanzoni, Lorella Dell’Olmo, Michele Giunti, Fabio Lucchesi, Francesco Monacci, Michele Mugnai, Bruno Foggi

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2020572/06

Authors: Silvia Montecchiari, Marina Allegrezza, Veronica Pelliccia, Giulio Tesei

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2020572/02

Authors: Lorenzo Gianguzzi, Giuseppe Bazan

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2020572/01

Authors: Livio Poldini, Marisa Vidali, Miris Castello, Giovanni Sburlino

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2020571/08

Authors: Giampiero Ciaschetti, Michele Di Musciano, Gianfranco Pirone, Valter Di Cecco, Loretta Pace, Anna Rita Frattaroli

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2020571/09

Authors: Daniela Gigante, Gianni Bacchetta, Simonetta Bagella, Daniele Viciani

Abstract: 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.

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DOI: 10.3897/pls2020571/04

Authors: Daniele Viciani, Marisa Vidali, Daniela Gigante, Rossano Bolpagni, Mariacristina Villani, Alicia Teresa Rosario Acosta, Michele Adorni, Michele Aleffi, Marina Allegrezza, Claudia Angiolini, Silvia Assini, Simonetta Bagella, Gianmaria Bonari, Maurizio Bovio, Francesco Bracco, Giuseppe Brundu, Gabriella Buffa, Marco Caccianiga, Lucilla Carnevali, Simona Ceschin, Giampiero Ciaschetti, Annalena Cogoni, Valter Di Cecco, Bruno Foggi, Anna Rita Frattaroli, Piero Genovesi, Rodolfo Gentili, Lorenzo Lazzaro, Michele Lonati, Fernando Lucchese, Andrea Mainetti, Mauro Mariotti, Pietro Minissale, Bruno Paura, Mauro Pellizzari, Enrico Vito Perrino, Gianfranco Pirone, Laura Poggio, Livio Poldini, Silvia Poponessi, Irene Prisco, Filippo Prosser, Marta Puglisi, Leonardo Rosati, Alberto Selvaggi, Lucio Sottovia, Giovanni Spampinato, Angela Stanisci, Adriano Stinca, Roberto Venanzoni, Lorenzo Lastrucci

Abstract: 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.

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