engleski

Classification and ecology of Mediterranean grasslands (Thero-Brachypodietea) in Croatia

Vegetation of the Thero-Brachypodietea Br.-Bl. 1947 class grows on poor, sceletal soils in the Eumediterranean vegetation zone. We have compiled a dataset of 169 new and already published vegetation plots originally classified into class Thero-Brachypodietea from whole of the Mediterranean area in Croatia. The species composition was classified by the cluster analysis and gradients explored using ordination methods. The Ecological interpretation of syntaxa was carried out using Pignatties ecological indicator values and the phytogeographic patterns were assessed by examining species distribution types. The results clarify positions of five local associations in broader syntaxonomic frame. New relevés show that succession occurs on a large area because of the absence of grazing. On these species rich grasslands different stages of forest vegetation is developing. Therefore, many of grassland species are highly threatened by extinction (eg. numerous endemic Ophrys species).

classification; grassland; Mediterranean; Croatia

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