Abstract

Summary A new association of chionophilous grassland of Nardion, Trifolio alpini—Nardetum strictae Thébaud 1992 is depicted in the “Monts du Forez”, a low range mountain in the Massif Central, France. A floristic comparison with other similar Nardus—communities of the Massif central, Vosges (France) and the Schwarzwald (Germany) is attempted. This specific non widespread poor in species community occurs on the upper sites, over 1460 m in large nivation hollows. This biotope is dealt with several measurements, performed at the Col de la Chamboîte. From these, it can be inferred the persistance of a late snow cover and the pregnance of this factor in the development of this type of vegetation. Other important phenomena are clearly pointed out: creep and mechanical pressure of the snowbank, frost creep in the soil, and local severe thermal conditions. The authors emphasize the biological interest of this mountain zone ecosystem, poorly modified by human action.

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