Braun-Blanquet Cover-abundance Scale Research Articles

Conspectus of the vegetation types of Tajikistan and adjacent areas with special focus on phytosociological classes

Vegetation classification is a tool for organizing the patterns and diversity of plant communities. It is used in nature conservation, and helps to understand the role of vegetation in the biosphere. Given the rapidly diminishing opportunity to understand the vegetation diversity of Tajikistan located in the Middle Asian region, phytosociological surveys using the floristic-ecological approach and the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale were undertaken in 2006. Aer 18 years of research, with a total of 55 research expeditions to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, it is time to summarise and make a first attempt to establish a comprehensive classification system for the entire vegetation of Tajikistan and the surrounding areas. As a first step, the Vegetation of Middle Asia (VMA) database with records from three countries: Tajikistan (4,130 relevés), Kyrgyzstan (1,681 relevés) and Uzbekistan (13 relevés) was created. e internal comparison of all the plots and the analysis of the similarities with the vegetation of Iran, Russia, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Pakistan, and China make it possible to present the comprehensive list of plant communities organized in 45 classes, 47 orders, 83 alliances, 297 associations, and 237 rankless units. In addition to those described in our previous works, we propose also several new sytaxa: <i>Eremogono griffithii-Nepetetea podostachyos, Artemisio persicae-Stipetea drobovii, Festucetea alaico-krylovianae, Carici koshewnikowii-Asperuletea oppositifoliae, Trichodesmo incani-Pachypterygietea brevipes, Aceretalia turkestanici, Juniperetalia seravschanicae, Crataegetalia ponticae, Populetalia pruinoso-euphraticae, Salici capusii- Hippophaeetalia rhamnoidis, Carici stenophylloidis-Stipetalia drobovii, Eritrichion pamirico-subjacquemontii, Stipetum kazachstanicae, Caricetum pamirensis</i>, and <i>Bolboschoenetum affinis</i>. Tis systematic compilation of data, based on our fieldwork and literature data, is not definitive, and certainly the rich and diverse vegetation of Middle Asia requires further studies incorporating also modern LIDAR and satellite techniques.

Firebreaks and Their Effect on Vegetation Composition and Diversity in Grasslands of Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South Africa

Southern African grasslands with a rich flora, shaped by fire, grazing, climate and geology, as well as playing a role in carbon sequestration, are becoming more important in conservation. Fire is often used as a management tool to improve vegetation and to protect property against uncontrolled fire. We therefore attempt to determine the effect consecutive burning has on vegetation. Paired plots along firebreaks were used to collect vegetation data using the Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale. Soil samples were also collected to determine the impact of fire on below-ground nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) stocks and ratios. The results indicate that there is no difference between the plant communities of the firebreaks and the adjacent grassland; however, there are certain species that are favoured by firebreaks and others by the adjacent grassland. There is also no difference in diversity between the firebreaks and adjacent grassland areas. Carbon and nitrogen stocks as well as C:N ratios did not differ significantly between the firebreaks and the adjacent grassland plots although trends indicate a decline in both C and N with repeated burning.

A vegetation classification and description of Telperion Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Aims: This study identified, classified and mapped the different plant communities found on the Telperion Nature Reserve. Study area: Telperion Nature Reserve, Mpumulanga, South Africa. Methods: Using a 1:10,000 aerial photograph, Telperion was delineated into homogenous physiognomic-physiographic units. 294 sample plots (100 m2) were placed in a randomly stratified manner within identified homogenous units. Plant species present in sample plots were recorded and allocated a modified Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale value. Sample plot data were captured into TURBOVEG and exported for editing, classification and processing in JUICE. A modified TWINSPAN classification was applied to derive a first approximation of the plant communities in a synoptic table that was refined using Braun-Blanquet procedures. Species were manually arranged into groups. Diagnostic, constant and dominant species were statistically determined from the synoptic table. Threshold values for fidelity, frequency and canopy cover were set and a final phytosociological table was produced for describing the plant species composition for the different plant communities. Results: 22 plant communities were identified for Telperion. Five were major communities, 14 were sub-communities and 13 were variants. The five major plant communities were Cyathea dregei–Ilex mitis ravine woodland, Paspalum urvillei–Phragmites australis valley bottom wetland, Diospyros lycioides–Combretum erythrophyllum riparian woodland, Eragrostis curvula–Seriphium plumosum midslope plateau grassland, and Combretum molle–Englerophytum magalismontanum rocky ridge woodland. The plant communities were also described and mapped. Conclusions: The classification, description and mapping of Telperion’s vegetation provides a basis for management decision making about wildlife stocking rates, fire planning, and vegetation management. Findings indicate that Bankenveld vegetation is heterogeneous with a variety of habitats including woodland and grassland components. Telperion has a variety of plant communities and a high plant species diversity, making it a reservoir for plant species and an important conservation area. Taxonomic reference: SA-Plant Checklist-2019–2020, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2020, Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA) (http://posa.sanbi.org/) [accessed January 2022]. Abbreviations: BB = Braun-Blanquet; m a.s.l. = metres above sea level; TWINSPAN = Two-way indicator species analysis.

Phytosociological survey of juniper wood vegetation in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

The paper presents the first syntaxonomic classification for juniper wood communities in Tajikistan with some remarks on their environmental gradients. A total of 119 relevés were sampled between 2015 and 2021 using the seven-degree Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. They were classified by a modified TWINSPAN method. Diagnostic species were identified using phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to determine relationships between samples, vegetation units and major gradients in species composition. Plant communities have been divided into two main groups. The first one is a west Irano-Turanian wood of Juniperus polycarpos var. seravschanica of the Pamir-Alai mountane belt. It occurs in two variants depending mainly on the aspect and precipitation. The second juniper wood type in Tajikistan is a stand of Juniperus pseudosabina. It prefers the northern slopes and north-eastern ranges of the Pamir-Alai and slightly lower elevations. Both juniper wood types are highly distinct in terms of species composition, especially in the moss layer, and have therefore been assigned to different classes: Pino-Juniperetea (Juniperetum seravschanicae) and Juniperetea pseudosabinae (Carici turkestanicae-Juniperetum pseudosabinae). The main factors determining the species composition of the studied associations are latitude, growing season precipitation, annual range of air temperature and precipitation of coldest quarter. Our study has shown that there are two very distinct vegetation types of the juniper wood groves in Tajikistan, which reflect the main phytogeographical division between the provinces of Turkestan and Central Asia.

Mozaiklerin Tekrar Gömülmesi: Perge’de Kurulan İzleme İstasyonu Sonuçlarına Göre Altı Farklı Gömme Sisteminin Karşılaştırılması

The effectiveness of six different reburial systems was investigated by means of a monitoring station installed on a part of approximately 110 square meters of mosaic, defined as basilica thermarum in the Southern Baths of the ancient city of Perge. The scope of the study covers the monitoring of six different reburial systems consisting of only soil filling on the tessellatum layer; only sand filling on the tessellatum layer; sand filling on geotextile laid on the tessellatum surface; sand and gravel, respectively on geotextile laid on the tessellatum surface; geotextile and pozzolana on the tessellatum surface, and finally, approximately 5 cm sand, geotextile, and 15 cm sand on the tessellatum surface. Key parameters, which lead to deterioration such as moisture content in these systems, system response to the precipitation, temperature change, acidity, salt content, and plant formation were evaluated comparatively.
 In these systems, Decagon 10HS soil moisture sensor for moisture measurements and Apogee ST100 soil temperature sensor for temperature measurements were employed. Atmospheric humidity, atmospheric temperature and precipitation data were collected with a Davis® Vantage Vue™ Wireless Weather Station set. Data of salt content, acidity and elemental composition were obtained through conductivity analysis, pH tests, X-ray fluorescence (PED-XRF) analysis. Having reached under the reburial system, species analysis of plants that cause mosaic deterioration was realized, and the coverage degree of those plants was determined according to the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. This research, in which data for the years 2017-2018 were evaluated, showed that each monitored reburial system had certain advantages and disadvantages according to the above-mentioned parameters.

Current vegetation data from the Prioksko-Terrasnyi Biosphere Reserve.

BackgroundHere we present the sampling event dataset that contributes to the knowledge of current vegetation of the Prioksko-Terrasnyi Biosphere Reserve (part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves), Moscow Region, Russia. The Reserve is situated on the terraces of the Oka River in the zone of mixed coniferous forests.New informationThe dataset provides 269 relevés (9174 associated occurrences) of renewed vegetation collected in 2019-2020. It is aimed at sampling vegetation data from the Reserve area with particular interest to sites with invasive species and sites with recent deadfall in the spruce stands caused by the bark beetle-typographer. The dataset contains representative information on plant communities in localities with assigned GPS coordinates, sampled using the standard relevé method with the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. During this study, we found two vascular plant species included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation, 25 species from the Red Data Book of Moscow Region, as well as 19 alien vascular plant species for the Reserve. These data contribute to our knowledge of species composition and structure of a renewed vegetation of the Reserve, protected and alien species distribution.

Weed Community in a Conventionally-Grown Olive Orchard Vs. Weed Community in Consociation with Pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch. Bip.)

On the experimental plots of the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism in Poreč, weed communities were analyzed in a conventionally‐grown olive orchard and in consociation with pyrethrum. Phytocenological surveys were conducted in March, June, and September using the Braun-Blanquet Cover Abundance Scale. Altogether, 54 species of vascular plants were recognized in both orchards. However, in a conventionally‐grown olive orchard, 27 were identified, whereas 42 weed species were identified in consociation with pyrethrum. Only 15 weeds were common to both orchards. Between both olive orchards, significant differences existed regarding the floristic and community diversity metrics. In consociation with pyrethrum as a cover crop, olive orchard had a more stable weed community during the season, while two weed species, Mercurialis annuua L. and Medicago arabica (L.) Huds., dominated in a conventionally‐grown orchard in the fall. The weed communities in both orchards significantly differ considering the appearance season (spring, summer, and fall). An autumnal weed community in a conventionally‐grown olive orchard was more diverse, more abundant, and with a more distinct floristic composition than a weed community in the spring and summer periods. However, an olive‐orchard weed community in consociation with pyrethrum also differed regarding the season, but a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) demonstrated a clear separation of a more diverse estival weed community than the one observed in the spring and summer.

Vegetation and flora of marble outcrops and their nearby matrices in mountains of central Argentina. Rock chemistry also matters

We present a comparative study of the flora and vegetation of marble outcrops and their nearby migmatite matrix from mountains in central Argentina. In all, we sampled 50 sites and recorded the cover-abundance of all vascular plants present according to the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. In addition, rock fragments were collected for chemical analysis (Ca2+, Mg2+, K and Na). Three plant communities were classified using ISOPAM, one occurring in the migmatite matrix and two others associated with calcic (richer in Ca2+) and dolomitic (richer in Mg2+) marble, respectively. The marble outcrops and nearby matrix vegetation differed in plant species and life form composition, as well as in diagnostic species. Rocky outcrops also exhibited differences in floristic composition between dolomitic and calcic marble. The overall number of species in the matrix vegetation was higher than in the outcrop communities, but dolomitic outcrops revealed a higher average species richness per relevé. We found a higher proportion of endemics in the marble vegetation with respect to the surrounding matrix communities, with herbs, grasses and subshrubs dominating in the marble outcrops, while trees and shrubs dominated the matrix vegetation. Taxa of the Southern-Brazilian and Chaquenian chorotypes were the most abundant in the three communities. Our results suggest that the marble outcrops harbor a flora including several highly restricted endemics, which is clearly distinct from that of the surrounding habitats, indicating that outcrop diversity should be taken into account in conservation policies.

Sütçüler yöresi karaçam ormanlarında bitki tür çeşitliliği ve yetişme ortamı ilişkileri

Bu çalışmada Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe meşcerelerinde alfa tür çeşitliliği ve tür zenginliği ile ekolojik ortam koşulları arasındaki ilişkilerin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla Sütçüler yöresinde yayılış gösteren doğal karaçam meşcerelerinden alınan örnek alanlarda bitki türlerine ait bolluk verileri Braun-Blanquet yöntemine göre kayıt edilerek, 0-1 arasında değişen örtüş-bolluk değerlerine dönüştürülmüştür. Her bir örnek alanda bitki türlerinin yanı sıra yamaç konumu, toprak derinliği, arazi yüzey formu, toprak taşlılığı verileri envanter karnesine kayıt edilmiştir. Yörenin eş yükselti haritasından elde edilen Sayısal Yükseklik Modeli (SYM) yardımıyla çevresel değişkenlerden yükselti, eğim ve bakı haritaları elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen bakı ve eğim haritalarından faydalanılarak, sıcaklık indeksi ve radyasyon indeksi haritaları oluşturulmuştur. Örnek alanlara ait alfa çeşitlilik değerlerinin hesaplanması için Shannon, Brillouin, Simpson ve Berger-Parker indislerinden yararlanılmakla birlikte, ayrıca her bir örnek alan için doğrudan tür zenginliği hesaplaması yapılmıştır. Çalışmada çeşitlilik değerleri ile çevresel değişkenler arasındaki ilişkilerin tespitine yönelik sırasıyla Pearson Korelasyon Analizi ve Temel Bileşenler Analizinden yararlanılmıştır. Uygulanan analizler neticesinde farklı alfa indislerine göre hesaplanan çeşitlilik değerlerinin karaçam ormanlarındaki yükselti ve topraktaki taşlılık oranının artmasıyla birlikte azaldığı, eğim ve sıcaklığın artmasıyla ise arttığı şeklinde bir sonuca varılmıştır. Çalışmada tür zenginliği ile çevresel değişkenler arasında önemli bir ilişki tespit edilemezken, bolluk verilerine dayalı indisler ile hesaplanan çeşitlilik değerlerinin yükselti, sıcaklık, eğim ve toprak taşlılığı değişkenleri ile önemli ilişkileri belirlenmiştir. Bu durum tür çeşitliliği-yetişme ortamı ilişkilerinin ele alındığı çalışmalarda sadece tür zenginliğinin dikkate alınmasının yeterli olmayacağı sonucunu ortaya çıkarmıştır. Ayrıca hesaplamalarda kullanılan farklı alfa çeşitlilik indislerinin çevresel değişkenlerle ilişkilerinin ortaya koyulması aşamasında da kısmi farklılıklar oluşmuştur. Dolayısıyla yapılacak olan çalışmalarda bu durumunda ayrıca göz önünde bulundurulması önem arz etmektedir.

Floristic Biodiversity of Weed Communities in Arable Lands of Istria Peninsula (From 2005 to 2017)

Abstract This paper analyses the floristic biodiversity of weed communities in the arable lands of the Istrian peninsula during a twelve year period (2005–2017). A total of 50 fields were surveyed for each sampling time using the seven-degree Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale in the following agricultural categories: a) permanent crops (vineyards/olive groves), b) alfalfa fields, c) cereals, d) row crops and e) ruderal areas. The taxonomic identification was performed during the full development of vegetation, for cereals in June and July, and for the rest – in August and September. A total of 175 weed species were determined during both study periods with Asteraceae and Poaceae families as the most abundant. Altogether, therophytes were dominant in both surveys, followed by hemycryptophytes and geophytes. Variations in species composition were visible in both study periods (2005 and 2017) as well as in the selected habitat types. Exclusive species were found in addition to those that were common for both surveys. Changes in species composition between 2005 and 2017 referred to the difference in row spacing in earlier period, and ruderal vs. agricultural habitats in the recent survey. The differences in phenological traits between the past and present surveys were greatest for germination season in permanent crops and row crops, flowering start for permanent crops, flowering period for ruderal area and weed height for permanent crops. Significant differences between the past and present survey for other plant traits did not occur.

Decline of arable flora diversity in Istria (from the year 2005 to the year 2017)

Changes in floristic composition of weed flora were assessed comparing two phytocoenological surveys carried out during vegetation seasons in 2005 and in 2017 on the Istrian Peninsula. A total of 50 fields (row crops, cereals, alfalfa fields, orchards/vineyards and ruderal areas) were surveyed for each of the sampling time using Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. Altogether 175 vascular plant species were recognized in both investigations. The most abundant species in 2005 were Avena fatua, Setaria verticilata, Lolium multiflorum and Veronica persica. In the recent survey these species became very rare or were even not detected in some habitats. In contrast, some species with very low relative abundance or not recorded in the earlier survey were found abundant in 2017. These are: Pastinaca sativa, Conyza canadensis, Picris echioides, Polygonum aviculare, and Heliotropium europaeum. The species richness was significantly higher in the earlier survey when 143 (82%) weeds were detected compared to only 97 species (55%) found in 2017. Only 64 species were found in both surveys, and these were considered frequent weeds. The comparison of weed communities from the earlier to the recent survey reflects the reduction of the weed flora at the regional scale, as well as at the field scale. The mean values of Shannon-Wiener diversity index were also higher in the earlier period and it decreased over time, particularly in row crops, cereals and ruderal habitats. This decrease was related to decline of species richness, and to the increase in inequality in the relative abundance of species. On the whole, canonical correspondence analysis indicated the major variations in species composition between different habitats.

Mechanical weed control in organic winter wheat

Three field experiments were carried out in organic winter wheat in three consecutive years (exp. 1, 2005-06; exp. 2, 2006-07; exp. 3, 2007-08) in central Italy (42°57' N - 12°22' E, 165 m a.s.l.) in order to evaluate the efficacy against weeds and the effects on winter wheat of two main mechanical weed control strategies: 1) spring tine harrowing used at three different application times (1 passage at T1; 2 passages at the time T1; 1 passage at T1 followed by 1 passage at T1 + 14 days) in the crop sowed at narrow (traditional) row spacing (0.15 m) and 2) split-hoeing and finger-weeder, alone and combined at T1, in the crop sowed at wider row spacing (0.30 m). At the time T1 winter wheat was at tillering and weeds were at the cotyledons-2 true leaves growth stage. The experimental design was a split-plot with four replicates. Six weeks after mechanical treatments, weed ground cover (%) was rated visually using the Braun–Blanquet cover-abundance scale; weeds on three squares (0.6 x 0.5 m each one) per plot were collected, counted, weighed, dried in oven at 105 °C to determine weed density and weed above-ground dry biomass. At harvest, wheat ears density, grain yield, weight of 1000 seeds and hectolitre weight were recorded. Total weed flora was quite different in the three experiments. The main weed species were: <em>Polygonum aviculare</em> L. (exp. 1 and 2), <em>Fallopia convolvulus</em> (L.) Á. Löve (exp. 1 and 3), <em>Stachys annua</em> (L.) L. (exp. 1), <em>Anagallis arvensis</em> L. (exp. 2), <em>Papaver rhoeas</em> L. (exp.3), <em>Veronica hederifolia</em> L. (exp. 3). In the winter wheat sowed at narrow rows, 2 passages with spring-tine harrowing at the same time seems to be the best option in order to reconcile a good efficacy with the feasibility of treatment. In wider rows spacing the best weed control was obtained by splithoeing alone or combined with finger-weeder. The grain yield, on average 10% higher in narrow rows, the lower costs and the good selectivity of spring-tine harrowing treatments seems to suggest the adoption of narrow rows spacing in wheat in organic and low-input farming systems.

A baseline classification of riparian woodland plant communities in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

In the Okavango Delta information on the riparian woodland vegetation community composition and distribution is generally lacking. Past studies in the Delta were mainly focused on the quantitative classification of seasonal floodplain herbaceous vegetation communities. The aim of this study was to determine riparian woodland vegetation communities in the Okavango Delta. Vegetation sampling was conducted in 20 m × 50 m randomly placed plots. The plots were placed along a gradient from the main water body to the drier fringe of the riparian zone. Plant species present in each plot were recorded with their estimated percentage cover using the Braun–Blanquet cover abundance scale. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to determine vegetation communities. Indicator species analysis was used to calculate indicator values for species groups defined from the cluster analysis. Plant species and diversity were determined for each vegetation cluster. Multi-response permutation procedures (MRPP) were used to determine significance of differences between communities. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare species diversity and richness between vegetation communities. Four vegetation communities were identified: Croton megalobotrys– Hyphaene petersiana, Vachellia erioloba–Diospyros lycioides, Syzygium cordatum–Phoenix reclinata and Garcinia livingstonei–Senegalia nigrescens. In this classification, the Syzygium cordatum–Phoenix reclinata and Garcinia livingstonei–Senegalia nigrescens plant communities are found in frequently flooded regions, whereas the Croton megalobotrys–Hyphaene petersiana and Vachellia erioloba–Diospyros lycioides are in occasionally flooded regions. Total number of species was highest in the Garcinia livingstonei–Senegalia nigrescens and lowest in the Syzygium cordatum–Phoenix reclinata vegetation communities. The MRPP showed that there was significant (p < 0.05) differences between vegetation communities. Species diversity and richness were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the Garcinia livingstonei–Senegalia nigrescens vegetation community. This study provided an inventory of riparian woodland plant communities, which can be used as a vital monitoring tool of vegetation change in the Okavango Delta.

Fern-dominated Rock Plant Communities of Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

Abstract The results of phytosociological research conducted on the fern vegetation of rock crevices and clefts of the Pamir-Alai Mountains in Tajikistan are presented. During field surveys done in 2010–2013, 78 phytosociological releves were sampled. Plant species were recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. A synopsis of the fern communities of the montane and high altitude zones in Tajikistan is proposed. In the examined vegetation plots, species of 9 ferns, 58 angiosperms and 13 mosses were recorded. The most frequent ferns were: Cystopteris fragilis, Cheilanthes persica, Asplenium ruta-muraria, Asplenium ceterach, Adiantum capillus-veneris and Cryptogramma stelleri. Six plant associations could be distinguished: Cheilanthetum persicae, Cryptogrammetum stelleri, Soncho transcaspici-Adiantetum capilli-veneris, Asplenio-Ceterachetum officinarum, Asplenio-Cystopteridetum fragilis, and Asplenietum trichomano-rutae-murariae. The first three associations are described for the first t...

Vegetation of rock crevices of the montane and colline zones in the Pamir-Alai and Tian Shan Mts in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

The paper presents the results of phytosociological research conducted on the vegetation of rock habitats in the montane and colline zones of the Pamir-Alai Mountains (Tajikistan). During field surveys done in 2010–2013, 122 phytosociological relevés were sampled. Plant species were recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. The vegetation studies were carried out generally in the western Pamir-Alai and south-western Tian Shan Mts, especially in the Zeravshan, Hissar, Hazratishoh, Darvaz, Rushan, Turkestan, Kuramin and Vanch ranges. A synopsis of the rock communities of the montane and colline zones in Tajikistan is proposed. The collected material presents most of the variability among the plant communities of rock crevices and fissures on calcareous as well as acidic substrates in the montane and colline zones in Tajikistan. As a result of field research and numerical analyses, eight associations have been distinguished: Scutellarietum hissaricae, Scutellarietumschugnanicae, Scutellarietum zaprjagaevii, Scutellarietum baldshuanicae, Tylospermetumlignosae, Dionysietum involucratae A. Nowak, M. Nobis, S. Nowak & A. Nobis, 2014, Nanorrhinetum ramosissimi, Campanuletum albertii and the community of Scutellaria adenostegia within new alliance – Caricion koshevnikovii. The main factors determining the species composition of classified associations seem to be the geography of the distribution range, elevation above sea level, rock type and exposition.

Vegetation of rock clefts and ledges in the Pamir Alai Mts, Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

AbstractThe paper presents the results of phytosociological research conducted on the vegetation of rock clefts and ledges in the Pamir-Alai Mountains (Tajikistan, Middle Asia). During the field studies, done in 2010–2012, 101 phytosociological relevés were taken. Plant species were recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. Communities of calcareous rock clefts and ledges with small soil amounts from several ranges (Zeravshan Mts, Hissar Mts, Hazratishokh Mts, Darvaz Mts, Rushan Mts and Vanch Mts), inhabiting mainly the alpine and subnival zone, have been described. A synopsis of the rock communities of the Pamir-Alai is proposed. In the examined vegetation plots 77 vascular plant and 6 moss species were noted. The most frequent were: Achoriphragma pinnatifidum, Artemisia rutifolia, Asperula albiflora, Campanula incanescens, C. lehmanniana, Parietaria judaica, Pentanema albertoregelia, Poa relaxa and Stipa zeravshanica among vascular plants and Brachythecium albicans and Bryum caespiticum among mosses. Most of them are narrow endemics of Tajikistan or Middle Asia. The collected material presents most of the variability among the phytocoenoses of large crevices and rock ledges in limestone massifs in the alpine and subnival zones. As a result of field research and numerical analyses, 7 associations have been distinguished: Achoriphragmetum pinnatifidi, Asperulo albiflorae-Stipetum zeravshanicae, Inuletum glaucae, Paraquilegietum anemonoidis, Pentanemetum albertoregeliae, Rhinactinidietum popovii and Saussureaetum ovatae. The distinctiveness of habitat and species composition of Middle Asiatic rock communities makes it necessary to distinguish a new suballiance, Pentanemenion albertoregeliae, within the Asperulo albiflorae-Poion relaxae alliance. The main factors determining the species composition of classified associations seem to be the elevation above sea level and exposition. Alpine rock communities are one of the most unique and interesting plant formations in the moutainous areas of Pamir-Alai. Despite not being species-rich they often harbour many specialists adapted to harsh and extreme environments, especially in areas of Mediterranean-like climate.

Classification of the indigenous forests of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

This paper presents a hierarchical system of forest communities of Mpumalanga Province (South Africa) compatible with the existing South African National Forest Classification (NFC). It describes and interprets floristic and physiognomic differences between the communities and the relevant higher-rank vegetation unit. A total of 434 relevés (rectangular plots, each 0.04ha; listing all species in the plots in Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale), sharing 619 species, served as the basis of the classification. The data were classified using the Flexible beta clustering (β=−0.25) in combination with the Bray–Curtis similarity measure. The proposed forest subtypes are described in terms of dominant plant families and genera, growth forms, seasonality or leaf retention characteristics, and the proportion of forest dependent species. Fourteen forest subtypes are distinguished within three national forest types, with no subtypes being recognised within the Lowveld Riverine Forest Type. We propose that the Wakkerstroom Midlands Forest Subtype be embedded within the Northern Highveld Forest Type, and not the Low Escarpment Mistbelt Forest Type as is currently recognised in the NFC. A total of 125 plant families and 375 genera were identified to occur in the Mpumalanga forests, with the most abundant species per family being Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Celastraceae, Orchidaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Aspleniaceae. 76% of all forest plant species were obligate forest species and 80% of all tree cover is evergreen.

Lake Macrophyte Nutrient Index of standing waters in Serbia (LIMNIS)

The aim of this study was to derive a Macrophyte Nutrient Index for standing waters in Serbia, based on the LEAFPACS method and to correlate it against existing Lake Typology.A single data matrix of 46 species and 1463 sample quadrats was compiled from two datasets: a revised phytocenological database given according to Braun-Blanquet Cover Abundance Scale and a database of sample quadrats collected during the summer months of 2009, 2010 and 2011 at 31 lakes in Serbia. The nutrient indices (MSI) for 46 lake hydrophytes were calculated using the Reprediction Algorithm on N-Ellenberg's values. A Macrophyte Nutrient Index (LIMNIS) was calculated as the weighted average of MSI values for Serbian lakes. Correlation between rescaled MSI and original N-values was strong (0.82), and the same applies to the root-mean-square error value (0.75). Moderate LIMNIS values were derived for meso-oligotrophic lakes, as well as for eutrophic swamps and fens of the Danube floodplain. In the same manner, lakes classified as eutrophic showed the relatively higher LIMNIS values, and those recognised as potential conservation resources were characterised by moderate or low LIMNIS scores.Median LIMNIS values of six Lake Groups differed by less than one unit, which confirmed the similarity of the previously given Lake Types.

Phytoremedial assessment of flora tolerant to heavy metals in the contaminated soils of an abandoned Pb mine in Central Portugal

Significant accumulation of heavy metals in soils and flora exists around the abandoned Barbadalhos Pb mine in Central Portugal. Soil and plant samples [49 species] were collected from two line transects, LT 1 and LT 2, in the mineralized and non-mineralized area, respectively to gain a comprehensive picture of heavy metals in soils and flora to assess its potential for phytoremediation. Phytosociological inventories of the vegetation were made using the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. Metal concentrations in soil ranged from (in mgkg−1): 98–9330 [Pb], 110–517 [Zn], 7.1–50 [Co], 69–123 [Cr], 31–193 [Cu], 33400–98500 [Fe], 7.7–51 [Ni], 0.95–13 [Ag], 2.8–208 [As], and 71–2220 [Mn] along LT 1; and 24–93 [Pb], 30–162 [Zn], 3.7–34 [Co], 61–196 [Cr], 21–46 [Cu], 24100–59400 [Fe], 17–87 [Ni], 0.71–1.9 [Ag], 4.3–12 [As], and 44–1800 [Mn] along LT 2. Plant metal content ranged from (in mgkg−1): 1.11–548 [Pb], 7.06–1020 [Zn], 0.08–2.09 [Co], 0.09–2.03 [Cr], 2.63–38.5 [Cu], 10.4–4450 [Fe], 0.38–8.9 [Ni], and 0.03–1.9 [Ag] along LT 1; and 0.94–11.58 [Pb], 2.83–96.5 [Zn], 0.12–1.44 [Co], 0.21–1.49 [Cr], 1.61–22.7 [Cu], 4.6–2050 [Fe], 0.51–4.81 [Ni], and 0.02–0.31 [Ag] along LT 2. Plants with highest uptake of metals were: Cistus salvifolius (548mgPbkg−1), Digitalis purpurea (1017mgZnkg−1 and 4450mgFekg−1). Mentha suavolens and Ruscus ulmifolius were seen to hyperaccumulate Ag (1.9 and 1mgAgkg−1, respectively). More metals and higher concentrations were traced in plants from LT 1, especially for Pb and Zn.

Landscape disturbance causes small-scale functional homogenization, but limited taxonomic homogenization, in plant communities

Summary 1. Biotic homogenization (BH), a dominant process shaping the response of natural communities to human disturbance, reflects both the expansion of exotic species at large scales and other mechanisms that often operate at smaller scales. 2. Here, we examined the relationship between BH in plant communities and spatio-temporal landscape disturbance (habitat fragmentation and surrounding habitat conversion) at a local scale (1 km²), using data from a standardized monitoring programme in France. We quantified BH using both a spatial partitioning of taxonomic diversity and the average habitat specialization of communities, which informs on functional BH. 3. We observed a positive relationship between local taxonomic diversity and landscape fragmentation or instability. This increase in local taxonomic diversity was, however, paralleled by a decrease in average community specialization in more fragmented landscapes and in more unstable landscapes around forest sites. The decrease in average community specialization suggests that landscape disturbance causes functional BH, but there was limited evidence for concurrent taxonomic BH. 4. Synthesis. Our results show that landscape disturbance is partly responsible for functional BH at small scales via the extirpation of specialist species, with possible consequences for ecosystem functioning. However, this change in community composition is not systematically associated with taxonomic BH. This has direct relevance in designing biodiversity indicators: metrics incorporating species sensitivity to disturbance (such as species specialization to habitat) appear much more reliable than taxonomic diversity for documenting the response of communities to disturbance.