Floristic Composition Analysis Research Articles

Analysis of floristic composition and species diversity of vascular plants native to the State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza Strip).

This study aims at providing an updated checklist of the native vascular flora of the Palestinian West Bank and Gaza Strip (State of Palestine, SP), serving as a taxonomic and nomenclatural basis for botanical research and encouraging new floristic surveys and biosystematic studies. The study provides an up-to-date checklist of native vascular taxa of the SP and their distribution within the plant districts in the country. This is the very first annotated checklist for the native vascular plants of the SP which incorporates recent name changes, new distribution records, habitat, herbarium specimens catalouge, Red List criteria, wild edible plants, endemism and use in Traditional Palestinian Herbal Medicine. The quantitative analysis of the flora has shown that the SP hosts 1826 taxa, distributed in 686 genera and 108 families; five taxa are gymnosperms, nine taxa are Pteridophytes and 1812 taxa are angiosperms. The most represented families are Leguminosae (222 taxa, 12.2%), Asteraceae (197, 10.2%) and Poaceae (196, 10.7%), while the most represented genera are Trifolium (38, Leguminosae), Silene (32, Caryophyllaceae), Astragalus (27, Leguminosae), Medicago (26, Leguminosae), Allium (25, Amaryllidaceae) and Euphorbia (25, Euphorbiaceae). Annuals (52.4%), Hemicryptophytes (20.2%) and Chamaephytes (12.2%) are the most represented life-forms amongst the SP flora. The richest plant districts in the SP vascular plant taxa are Gaza Strip (GS) (1216 taxa), Jerusalem and Hebron Mountains (JHM) (1235) and Nablus Mountains (NM) (1126). Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) permitted the division of SP into two main regions, based on the existence of vascular plant taxa: Region 1 (western plant districts with 1128-1237 taxa) with higher water availability and temperate Mediterranean climate which permit the establishment of more than 65% of the total SP flora in these districts and Region 2 (eastern plant districts with 571-698 taxa), characterised by desert and semi-desert conditions, as well as the presence of alluvial and co-alluvial soils, which allow the survival of lower numbers of plant taxa. One hundred and sixty-five taxa of the SP flora are endemic and near-endemic. However, in comparison with some countries of the Mediterranean Basin, this number is below the average endemism concentration, along with other southern arid countries, such as Tunisia and Egypt. In total, there are 102 threatened plant taxa, belonging to 39 families and 83 genera representing 5.6% of the total plants in the SP. IUCN and the Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP) unified classification of direct threats for SP Red-Listed plants has shown a high extinction risk to the Palestinian threatened wild flora, with 76.5% of the threatened species being either critically endangered (CR) or endangered (EN); only 23.5% were vulnerable (VU). However, several taxa are threatened by numerous factors including small population size, human activities, for example, conversion of traditional to intensive agriculture accompanied by deep ploughing and the application of pesticides, urban development and construction, global climatic change, drying of marshes and wetlands, quarrying, fires and pollution. This checklist can help focus conservation efforts and provide a framework for research, protection and policy applications for the SP flora, especially for the endemic and threatened plants.

Recolonization by Indigenous broadleaved species of a conifer plantation (Cupressus spp.) in Northern Iran after 25 years

Key messageA vegetation analysis revealed the extent of recolonization by native vegetation of a 25-year-old Cupressus spp. plantation in northern Iran. A young indigenous Quercus-Carpinus community replaced the conifers in the low-slope areas with deeper, heavier, and more fertile soils.ContextReforestation of degraded or clear-cut-harvested lands can modify site conditions, facilitating succession and reestablishing native forests. It is critical to investigate the plantation in terms of vegetation, natural regeneration, and environmental variables to better understand ecological restoration.AimsThis study examines the recolonization of a Cypress plantation by native vegetation in the deforested Hyrcanian broadleaf forests and determines which edaphic, topographic, and structural variables are correlated to the degree of reconstitution.MethodsA systematic random sampling method was used to establish 55 plots in a 25-year-old Cupressus plantation, followed by plot classification using TWINSPAN and environment-vegetation analysis using CCA. The classification groups were compared using an analysis of variance. Tested variables included floristic composition, stand structure, regeneration, topography, and soil parameters.ResultsFour vegetation groups were identified based on an analysis of floristic composition. The first group demonstrated the least degree of native forest reconstitution, as planted conifers (Cupressus spp.) were established alongside pioneer broadleaf shrubs, enhancing Zelkova carpinifolia (Pall.) K.Koch regeneration. While most conifers disappeared in the third group, Carpinus betulus L., Zelkova carpinifolia, and Quercus castaneifolia C.A. Mey became dominant. The most influential environmental factors in reestablishing indigenous communities were a low-slope, heavier soil with a higher organic carbon and potassium content.ConclusionOn low-slope lands with fertile soils, the Hyrcanian native broadleaf forest can recolonize the coniferous plantation; however, on steep lands with poor sandy soils, planted Cupressus trees as well as relatively xerophytic shrubs in the understory may establish.

Analysis of floristic composition and plant community types in Kenech Natural Forest, Kaffa Zone, Ethiopia

This study was carried out in Kenech Natural Forest, Chena District Kaffa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia, to assess the vegetation composition and classify the forest vegetation into plant community types. A systematic sampling method was employed to collect vegetation data. To collect the vegetation data forty (40) sample plots of 20 m X 20 m (400 m2) were laid for trees and shrubs and within each major plots; five subplots of size 1 m x 1 m at every 100 m along three parallel transect lines were established for herbaceous, three parallel transect lines starting from the bottom of the forest to the top of the ridge. In this study, cover/abundance values were used for cluster analysis and the Shannon Wiener diversity index was used to compute species diversity and evenness. The classification of the vegetation was performed using SPSS software for windows, version 21.0. The result of the study revealed that there are 108 species of vascular plants grouped into 89 genera and 33 families. Out of the documented and identified species in the study area, 7 species were endemic. With respect to the habit of species identified, trees had the highest composition with 32.4%, followed by shrubs 30.6% and herbs 25%.The most dominant family is Asteraceae with 10 species, followed by Euphorbiaceae, Acanthaceae and Poaceae, each represented by 8 species. The result of agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis revealed three types of plant community types such as Hibiscus ovalifolius – Duranta repens-Myrsine africana, Cynodon dactylon-Euclea divinorum and Ekebergia capensis–Carduus schimperis. The results of this study indicated that Kenech Forest had high species diversity compared to some forests with the same ecological region. Future research on soil seed bank, effects of landscape change on floristic composition.

Flora accompanying Prunus ledebouriana (Schltdl.) Y.Y.Yao in the Tarbagatai State National Park in Kazakhstan

The current state of the Prunus ledebouriana (Schltdl.) Y.Y. Yao population growing at various altitudes on the shrub and steppe belts of the Tarbagatai ridge and its species composition were studied. The methods of floristic composition analysis were applied for the first time. The complete composition of accompanying species including Prunus ledebouriana was studied on the territory of Tarbagatai State National Park. The originality of this work was in creation of a distribution map for the Prunus ledebouriana population.  Samples collected in the park from various sources were used as material.  The results are presented in the form of a list including 511 species (52 families) that grow together with Prunus ledebouriana in this area.  The leading families in terms of species number: Asteraceae Dumort. (75 species/ 35.2%), Fabaceae Lindl. (56 species/ 40.8%), Poaceae Barnhart. (52 species/ 32.5%), Rosaceae Juss. (43 species/ 44.3%), and Ranunculaceae Juss (39 species/ 50%).  Species diversity of the families: Asteraceae Dumort. 22%, Fabaceae Lindl. 17%, Poaceae Barnhart. 16%, Rosaceae Juss. 13%, Ranunculaceae Juss. 12%, Brassicaceae Burnett. 7%, Apiaceae Lindl. 7%, and Scrophulariaceae Juss. 6% of all species growing with Prunus ledebouriana. The results of research can be used for species identification and organization of conservation activities for the rare plant species Prunus ledebouriana. The studied herbarium samples of Prunus ledebouriana (Institute of plant biology and biotechnology, Almaty, Kazakhstan) were transferred to the herbarium fund of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction (Almaty, Kazakhstan).

Quantitative Analysis of Floristic Composition, Biological Spectrum and Leaf Spectrum of a Sacred Grove in Jhargram District, West Bengal, India

Sacred Groves are tracts of virgin forests, left untouched and protected by local people, because of culture and religious beliefs. These tracts are remnants of the once-dominant flora, reservoirs of the rich biodiversity, and the last refuge for preserving the rich indigenous culture and traditions. For these reasons, the biological and leaf spectra, as well as the conservation status of the current sacred grove vegetation, Maa Mongalmoyee Than (MMT) in Jhargram district of West Bengal, India, have been studied. The results of floristic studies showed 217 MMT's angiosperm species, belonging to 196 genera, distributed under 59 families of 27 orders. Furthermore, Poales (13.82%) and Fabaceae (12.44%) are the dominant order and family, respectively, in terms of species population. Meanwhile, the biological spectrum showed the grove enjoys a "thero-chamaephyte" phytoclimate form, as well as a comparatively undisturbed status, being a sacred grove. Also, the preservation of germplasm within the grove is based on traditional belief in the social system.

Identifying environmental drivers of benthic diatom diversity: the case of Mediterranean mountain ponds.

This study aims at elucidating the environmental factors controlling benthic diatom diversity and uniqueness in Mediterranean mountain ponds. Samples of periphytic diatoms were collected in 45 ponds in Andalusia, south of Spain, and analysed by standard methods. Data analysis reveals that diatom diversity is mainly controlled by elevation and hydroperiod. Contrary to the usual findings in the literature, the highest scores on Shannon’s diversity index were found in high-elevation temporary ponds, but this effect is hidden by lake clustering in the analysed dataset. Significant distance-decay similarity (DDS) trends were detected in the analysis of floristic composition among the samples, stressing the importance of spatial factors that may override the effect of other abiotic factors. These findings highlight the role of isolation and dispersal limitation in the configuration of the biogeographical patterns of benthic diatoms.

Melliferous resources in Charyshsky district (Altai Krai)

The present paper provides results and analysis of floristic composition and vegetation resources of Charyshsky district, Altai Krai. Crop production in Altai Krai is of primary importance for apiculture. Melliferous resources of cultivated plants as well as of native plants are displayed in the paper. Vegetation resources are sorted out into groups, number of species in each group is counted. We conducted melissopalynological studies of honey samples from Charyshsky district and identified taxonomic diversity of pollen spectrum of natural honey samples, and their compliance with the basic melliferous plants. In the melliferous base of Charyshsky district locality there were identified 185 species of mellifers (19, 6% of total species number). Model plots of Charyshsky district refer to mountain-forest zone and have the most stable honey harvest, due to a wide range of plants species. Melissopalynology studies showed that honey samples of Charyshsky district are polyfloral. The pollen composition of honey reflects the type of vegetation in the area. Analysis of honey samples collected from Charyshsky district model plots located in the mountain forest zone (Altai Krai) revealed that the pollen of the families Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae is prevailing, while on the model plots of the third type found in field agrocoenoses the pollen of the family Polygonaceae is predominating. Midlands and lowlands with fir–aspen forests with tall herbaceous plants (black taiga) have high melliferous potential. Melliferous resources along with other types of vegetation resources are being destroyed as a result of human economic activity (arable land, grazing, forestry activities) therefore it is necessary to provide environmental resource management and resource efficiency approach.

Floristic Composition Analysis of Soil Transposition in a Seasonal Forest in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

This study aimed to identify the floristic composition and density of a seed bank transposed from a Seasonal Forest fragment in Rio Grande do Sul. The seed bank of the (BSI) fragment center and edge (BSII) of another forest fragment was also evaluated, both at medium to advanced successional stages. The seed bank was deposited in Brown-Gray Argisol and Red Argisol using exposed soil plots as control. ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p<0.05) were used to compare treatments for density and species richness. The density of individuals did not differ between treatments. Species richness was higher for BSI and BSII treatments in relation to control. The floristic composition presented different life forms, but was mainly composed of herbaceous species. It was concluded that the seed bank from the two donor areas contributed to the expansion of species richness in two soil types.

Floristic and structure of the arboral community of a regenerating fragment of Atlantic Forest, Igarassu, Pernambuco, Brazil

Understanding secondary forest structure and functioning is essential for future planning of effective use and/or recompositioning of such areas. The secondary succession process is influenced by the characteristics of componente species, their interaction with other species and with abiotic components.&#x0D; Thus, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the vegetation structure, dispersion syndromes and pollination of a secondary forest fragment with 5 years of regeneration in the Atlantic Forest landscape of Pernambuco, northern Brazil. A total of 30 permanent 10 x 10 m plots with 10 m separations were used&#x0D; for canopy sampling (i.e., all woody individuals with stem diameter at 1.30 m (DBH) greater than 5 cm. Floristic composition analysis recorded 32 species from 21 families. Absolute density was 150 individuals with basal area of 4.787 m² ha-1, and the Shannon-Weaver index (H ‘) was 2.960. The family with the highest number of species was Melastomataceae, while those with greatest abundance were Malpighiaceae (26) and Cecropiaceae (14). Species with the highest Importance Values included Byrsonima sericea (49.28%), Cecropia pachystachya (38.49%) and Bowdichia virgilioides (37.19%). The predominant tree species dispersal syndrome was zoochory (72 species), and the predominant pollination syndrome was melitophilia. Arboreal individuals were mostly recorded in the initial diameter and height classes, indicating that the study area is in the initial stage of succession.

АНАЛИЗ ФЛОРИСТИЧЕСКОГО СОСТАВА ФИТОЦЕНОЗОВ С УЧАСТИЕМ HEDYSARUM GRANDIFLORUM PALL. В ЮЖНОЙ ЧАСТИ ПРИВОЛЖСКОЙ ВОЗВЫШЕННОСТИ

АНАЛИЗ ФЛОРИСТИЧЕСКОГО СОСТАВА ФИТОЦЕНОЗОВ С УЧАСТИЕМ HEDYSARUM GRANDIFLORUM PALL. В ЮЖНОЙ ЧАСТИ ПРИВОЛЖСКОЙ ВОЗВЫШЕННОСТИ

Plant cover and floristic composition effect on thermal behaviour of extensive green roofs

In the last few years an increasing attention has been paid to efficient energy construction systems in the building sector. Although in this contest extensive green roofs are reported to be very effective and sustainable systems, the fact that the main agents of this systems are living organisms have generated doubts, especially in locations where the development of plants and vegetation can be greatly affected by climate. This study aims to investigate the thermal performances of a 2000 m2 particular proprietary extensive green roof system, located on the city of Lleida (Spain), classified as Dry Mediterranean Continental climate. First, plant cover and floristic composition analysis were carried out to evaluate the dynamic of the plant layer over the surface. Then, according to the result of the botanic analysis, summer and winter study in terms of spatial and temporal factors were conducted focussing on the substrate layer, evapotranspiration effect and comparing the different behaviour of the system in low (10%) and high (80%) plant cover conditions. In this extensive green roof, the results showed temporal and spatial changes in floristic composition, with a stable cover of Sedum sp between 20 and 40 %, and a peak of colonizing species in spring and early summer. The increase in vegetation cover appears to have few effects on the above nearby roof environment because of the low moisture level in the substrate layer so that the cooling effect provided by the evapotranspiration does not take place. In addition, the increased presence of vegetation canopy may induce a limitation in substrate night cooling whereas serves as good shield for solar radiation during the day. Finally, the study also reveals the importance of the spatial factor in extensive green roofs, which can lead to not negligible variations on the thermal performance, as well as the floristic composition.

Floristic analysis of Chiktan Valley in Kargil district, Jammu and Kashmir

Floristic analysis has been carried out separately for the plain area on the sides of a small stream (Kangi nallah) and mountainous region flanking the stream on both the sides in Chiktan valley of Kargil district in Ladakh region of J&amp;K. A total of 79 plant species belonging to 65 genera and 36 families were recorded from the whole study area which included 48 species (40 herbs and 8 shrubs) from the plain area and 37 species (18 herbs and 19 shrubs) from the mountainous area. Six species had exhibited their presence in both the plain as well as the mountainous region. There were 23 families which were monotypic i.e. these are represented by single genera and single species in the area. Asteraceae has been found to be the dominant family with 16 species and 14 genera followed by Fabaceae (8 species and 7 genera) and Rosaceae (7 species and 3 genera). Dominant genera present in the area are Potentilla with 4 species followed by Draba and Pedicularis (3 species each). Analysis of floristic composition further revealed that the ratio of family to genera is 0.55, family to species is 0.45 and genera to species is 0.82. Comparison of diversity indices of the two regions showed that species richness and dominance is more in plain region and species diversity is more in mountainous region.

Floristic diversity and vegetation analysis of Wadi Al-Noman, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Wadi Al-Noman in Mecca is one of the most important wadis. It was included among the most important water sources where the springs and wells of Zobida run and it provides drinking water for the holy places in Mecca and visitors to the Kaaba and Arafat regions. The present study provides an analysis of floristic composition, vegetation types, and structure and species distribution at 20 sites, emphasising the environmental factors that affect species distribution. A total of 126 species representing 39 families of vascular plants are recorded. Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Boraginaceae are the largest families, and therophytes and chamaephytes are the most frequent, indicating a typical desert life-form spectrum. The floristic composition of the different geomorphologic landscape units shows differences in species richness. The highest species richness value (23 species stand^{–1}) is recorded in the wadi bed. The lowest species richness value (18 species stand^{–1}) is recorded in the wadi plateau and fissures. Chorological analysis revealed that 52% of the studied species are bioregional, native to the Saharo-Arabian–Sudano-Zambezian region. After application of the TWINSPAN, DCA, and CCA programs 4 vegetation groups were identified, and they were named after the characteristic species as follows: (I) Aristolochia bracteolata-Cucumis prophetarum; (II) Calotropis procera-Acacia hamulosa-Caralluma russeliana; (III) Acacia abyssinica-Acacia hamulosa-Tephrosia desertorum; and (IV) Argemone ochroleuca-Senna italica. The associations and speciation of these Wadi Al-Noman plants demonstrate significant variation in pH, electrical conductivity, soil mineral contents, and human impact.

Fitossociologia em sub-bosque de Eucalyptus paniculata Smith da Lagoa do Piauzinho, Ipaba, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Eucalyptus is a common element in the landscapes of southeastern Brazil, with economic and forestry value, and is also the target of several controversies. In this study, floristic and phytosociologic parameters are described for the understory of an Eucalyptus paniculata wood located at Lagoa do Piauzinho, municipality of Ipaba, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Sampling was done between April and May 2006, for the analysis of floristic composition, species aggregation, and horizontal, diametric and vertical structure. One hundred and one individuals belonging to 22 species of 16 families were sampled in two parcels. The most abundant species were Apuleia leiocarpa, Lecythis lurida and Casearia sp. 2. The floristic diversity of the area was low compared to those found in other similar studies. The E. paniculata wood offered adequate conditions for the development of the different successional stages, with some latesuccession species starting to appear and to colonize the understory.

Response of vascular epiphyte diversity to different land-use intensities in a neotropical montane wet forest

Although vascular epiphytes contribute substantially to the biodiversity of tropical montane forests, it is unclear how their diversity and community composition is affected by forest alteration. We studied the response of vascular epiphyte assemblages to different intensities of land-use in a montane wet forest of northeastern Ecuador: (1) unmanaged mature forest; (2) mature forest with mid- and understorey opened for cattle grazing; and (3) isolated remnant trees in cattle pastures. The numbers of individuals and species of epiphytes per host tree did not differ significantly between land-use types, neither did total epiphyte species richness ( n = 30 trees). However, total species richness of pteridophytes was significantly lower on isolated remnant trees compared to unmanaged forest, whereas several taxa rich in xerotolerant species (Bromeliaceae, Orchidaceae, Piperaceae) exhibited the opposite trend. An analysis of floristic composition using ordination (NMS) and randomisation techniques (MRPP) showed that epiphyte assemblages on isolated remnant trees were significantly distinct from unmanaged forest while managed forest was intermediate between those two vegetation types. Ordination analysis further indicated reduced floristic heterogeneity in disturbed habitats. These results suggest considerable, rapid species turnover since land-use change 6 years prior to study, with pteridophytes being replaced by more xerotolerant taxa. We attribute this floristic turnover primarily to changes in microclimate towards higher levels of light and desiccation stress associated with forest disturbance. Our results support the notion that community composition offers a more sensitive indicator of human disturbance than species richness.

Floristic Diversity and Composition of Sheko Forest, Southwest Ethiopia

This study presents an analysis of floristic composition, diversity and structure of Sheko forest, southwest Ethiopia. Quadrats of 20 m x 20 m were laid down along line transects in Sheko forest to collect vegetation data. A total of 374 plant species, representing 256 genera and 91 families were recorded. The mean species richness was 45 species per 400 m2, and the highest number of species recorded per plot was 74. The forest had the Shannon diversity index of 2.83 and evenness of 0.54. The family Orchidaceae (28) had the highest number of species followed by Rubiaceae (26), Euphorbiaceae (19), Moraceae (18) and Acanthaceae (16). A total of 24,321 individuals of woody plants (16,433 individuals per ha) were counted in the sampled plots. Twenty plant species alone constituted more than 80% of the absolute density of the forest, of which three species had importance values of greater than 20%. The population distribution patterns of six economically important timber tree species reveals three types of diameter class distribution pattern: inverted J-shaped, J-shaped and bell-shaped. Three plant communities were recognized using hierarchical cluster analysis: Baphia abyssinica-Argomuellera macrophylla, Coffea arabica-Mimusops kummel and Rungia grandis-Croton macrostachyus. A floristic comparison of Sheko forest with other related forests in Ethiopia revealed low floristic similarity. A high diversity associated with the complex and diverse landscape in Sheko forest emphasizes both the botanical uniqueness and conservation value of this remnant forest. Keywords : Biodiversity; Classification; Conservation; Environmental gradient; Ordination; Vegetation structure Ethiopian Journal of Biological Sciences Vol. 6 (1) 2007: pp. 11-42

The analysis of long‐term changes in plant communities using large databases: The effect of stratified resampling

AbstractQuestion:Releves in large phytosociological databases used for analysing long‐term changes in plant communities are biased towards easily accessible places and species‐rich stands. How does this bias influence trend analysis of floristic composition within a priori determined vegetation types and how can this bias be reduced by resampling methods?Location:The Netherlands.Methods:Basis for the analysis was the Dutch national phytosociological database, consisting of more than 460 000 relevés. For the Cirsio dissecti‐Molinietum, Genisto anglicae‐Callunetum and the Stellario‐Carpinetum betuli, we analysed differences in floristic composition (species frequencies) before and after 1970, using X2‐statistics. We resampled the original dataset, using different types of stratification. The results of the trend analysis with the resampled datasets were compared with the results using the original dataset.Results:In the resampled datasets a much smaller number of plant species showed a significant trend over both periods, compared to the results form the original dataset. Differences could be related to the smaller size of datasets after resampling, but also to avoiding over‐representation of certain geographical localities in the datasets. The influence of stratification was different for the three plant communities, due to the different distribution of releves in time and space.Conclusions:Analysis of long‐term changes in plant communities is strongly affected by the uneven spatio‐temporal distribution of releves in different research periods. These effects are reduced by geographical stratified resampling. The results of the trend analysis after stratified resampling are expected to give a more reliable representation of true changes, than the results after using the original data. The scale of stratification is dependent on the structure of the data.

The diversity and distribution of lianas in the Afromontane rain forests of Ethiopia

ABSTRACTThe diversity and distribution of lianas were studied in five Afromontane rain forests of Ethiopia. Quadrats of 20 × 20 m were laid down along transects in the Bonga, Berhane‐Kontir, Harenna, Yayu and Maji forests. In all forests, 30,917 liana individuals belonging to 123 species in 87 genera and 40 plant families were recorded. The most species‐rich families were Asclepiadaceae (14), Fabaceae (9), Annonaceae (7) and Cucurbitaceae (7). The top 10 dominant families represented 56% of the total number of species. Over 400 other plant species representing different life forms were recorded growing together with lianas. The lianas accounted for over 30% of the total woody plant diversity and over 20% of the total floral diversity in the study areas. The analysis of floristic composition of the forests indicates that the Berhane‐Kontir Forest had the highest Fisher's diversity index α, and Yayu the lowest. Generally, there were low similarities between the forests in terms of species composition. Although lianas were abundant in almost all forests, there was a considerable variation among the forests in terms of density and spatial distribution. The major dispersal modes of lianas were anemochory (30%), mammaliochory (30%), ornithochory and autochory, and the four mechanisms of climbing of lianas were twining (54%), hooking (24%), rooting and use of tendrils. Altitude and human disturbance were found to be important factors affecting liana distribution. The need for sustainable management and use of lianas in the Afromontane rain forests is emphasized.

A multivariate study of moss distributions in relation to environment in the Gulf of St. Lawrence region, Canada

Moss distribution patterns in the Gulf of St. Lawrence were investigated using multivariate analyses to determine the relationship of the patterns to environmental factors. Distance-based redundancy analysis was used to ordinate 29 operational geographical units (OGU) or sampling units based on their moss floras, and hierarchical cluster analysis in combination with indicator analysis was used to produce classifications of both species and sampling units. Climatic variables, in particular, warmth of the growing season, were the most important factors determining species distribution; this resulted in a north–south gradient through the study area. Oceanity was also shown to be important and manifested as an east–west gradient. Edaphic factors, in particular, amount of calcareous rock outcrop, had a secondary influence and modified the patterns established by climate. Ordination of OGUs showed the effects of environment to be more variable in the northern half of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which may in part explain the higher species richness there. Seven OGU groups were recognized based on cluster analysis of floristic composition. Although indicator species were few, most groups were distinguished by unique sets of regionally rare species. Eleven species elements were identified based on species occurrence in OGUs. The elements constituted sets of overlapping distributions showing southern, northern, and eastern biases in the Gulf region. Multivariate analysis was shown to be effective tool for extracting moss–environment patterns, even at medium geographic scale.Key words: Gulf of St. Lawrence, mosses, environment, richness, distribution, ordination, cluster analysis.

Анализ ассоциаций мезофитных широколиственных лесов в центре Европейской России

The comparative analysis of floristic composition of the Russian Plain center broad-leaved forests of the alliance Carpinion betuli Issler 1931 em. Meyer 1937 was carried out by means of detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and direct ordination along ecological factor scales. The three associations representing the proper zonal units of the area, namely Querco-Tilietum cordatae Laivinš 1983 in the hemiboreal forest zone, Aceri campestris—Tilietum cordatae ass. nov. hoc loco in the broad-leaved forest zone, and Aceri campestris—Quercetum roboris Bulokhov et Solomeshch 1991 in the forest-steppe zone are characterized. Although all the forest stands described are small geographically isolated fragments, their floristic composition demonstrates the existence of syntaxonomic continuum and seems to be influenced by landscape features and anthropogenic disturbance just as strong as by zonal climatic factors. As a result of the undertaken analysis, the syntaxonomical revision of the Central-Russian broad-leaved forests of the alliance Carpinion betuli Issler 1931 em. Meyer 1937 is proposed.