Abstract
A phytosociological study on the gypsicolous bryophyte communities of Sicily was carried out. The surveyed communities are: Tortuletum revolventis, Trichostomo crispuli-Tortuletum revolventis, Crossidio squamiferi-Aloinetum aloidis of the order Barbuletalia unguiculatae, and Crossidio crassinervis-Tortuletum obtusatae of the order Tortulo brevissimae-Aloinetalia bifrontis. The associations were examined from a synecological, synhierarchical and chorological point of view. A life form and life strategy analysis of all communities reflect the response of plant functional types towards the environmental demands. Only one life strategy dominates the communities; acrocarpous, turf-forming colonists clearly prevail on gypsum outcrops, subject to drought stress. They provide the main functional type within pioneering communities and communities of first successional stages. The keystone characters outlined ensure a successful dispersal, establishment and habitat maintenance of the species and associations.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
