Early use of the succession concept by G.M. Lancisi in 1714

Abstract

The description of sea shore vegetation near Rome published by G.M. Lancisi in 1714 includes a discussion on vegetation changes, floristic composition of communities and causes of the process. The concepts of succession and pioneer plant are clearly expressed (the language used in this publication is latin, and consequently the words ‘successio’ and ‘plantae primigeniae’ had been used for these terms). The plant communities can be identified and correspond to the present ones growing in the same site. This may be the very first mentioning of vegetation dynamics in botanical literature.