Abstract
Limited areas of post-mined peatlands are recolonized by Sphagnum-dominated communities. This study aims to recognize the spontaneous Sphagnum re-establishment process and to verify if Sphagnum directly colonizes the residual peat. Conditions favoring Sphagnum revegetation are suggested. Analyses of vegetation macrofossils of the newly formed peat allow the identification of colonizing species and vegetation succession profile. Botanical components of the pioneer horizon suggest that Sphagnum species can directly colonize the residual peat. When Polytrichum strictum (Kaulf.) Presl and Eriophorum spissum Fernald are present as early colonists, they are rapidly overgrown by Sphagnum species in the succession profile. Vegetation succession resulted mainly in the formation of hummocks and lawns dominated by Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr., Sphagnum capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw., and Sphagnum magellanicum Brid., with a more or less dense ericaceous shrub cover. Floristic, hydrological, and chemical features indicate that a fibric peat accumulation ecosystem is progressively or partially restored.Key words: cut-over peatlands, restoration, Sphagnum, vegetation macrofossil, acrotelm.
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