Carici elongatae-Alnetum Research Articles

RIPARIAN AND SWAMP FORESTS AND SCRUB OF THE PINÉ PLATEAU (TRENTINO, NORTHERN ITALY)

The riparian and swamp forests/scrub of black alder (Alnus glutinosa), white alder (Alnus incana), grey willow (Salix cinerea) and bay willow (S. pentandra) of the Piné Plateau (Trentino, central Alps) are described here in terms of their floristic composition. They are assigned to the following associations: Filipendulo vulgarisAlnetum glutinosae, Stellario nemorum-Alnetum glutinosae, Carici elongatae-Alnetum glutinosae, Carici elataeAlnetum glutinosae, Frangulo-Salicetum cinereae and Salicetum pentandro-cinereae. In addition, information regarding the distribution of the previous woody communities in the Trentino-Alto Adige Region and their corresponding vegetation series and geosigmeta are provided.

Distribution of Lichen Species of the Genus Lepraria in the Knyszyn Forest (Ne Poland) in Different Forest Plant Communities

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of lichen species of the genus Lepraria in Knyszyn Forest (NE Poland) to different forest plant communities. Six species of Lepraria [L. eburnea J. R. Laundon, L. elobata Tønsberg, L. incana (L.) Ach., L. jackii Tønsberg, L. lobificans Nyl. and L. vouaxii (Hue) R. C. Harris] recorded from Knyszyn Forest. Lepraria eburnea is a new species for the studied area. The most common species were Lepraria incana and L. lobificans. Among the studied forest communities the richest in species (5 species of Lepraria) were oak-hornbeam forest (Tilio-Carpinetum), and the least species-rich (2 species) were maple-linden slope forest (Aceri-Tilietum), alder carr (Carici elongatae-Alnetum) and spruce forest (Sphagno girgensohnii-Piceetum). The richest lichen diversity in the Knyszyn Forest was found on deciduous trees such as Carpinus betulus L. and Quercus robur L. (4 species), Tilia cordata Mill. (3 spp.), and conifers such as Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. and Pinus sylvestris L. (3 spp.).

Continuum of floristic composition between two plant communities – Carici elongatae-Alnetum and Fraxino-Alnetum

Abstract One of the crucial debates in vegetation ecology is whether plant communities are discontinuous, distinguishable units or whether they change continuously. Phytosociology assumes discontinuity and its methodology requires subjective sampling during vegetation inventories. For that reason, some researchers argue that phytosociology artificially creates discontinuity among plant communities. Our aim was to assess the continuity between ash-alder riparian forest (Fraxino-Alnetum), and alder swamp forest (Carici elongatae-Alnetum), and to check whether discontinuity observed between these two plant associations is an effect of subjective sample plot choice. We conducted 57 phytosociological relevés within a regular grid covering potential sites of both plant communities. All relevés were arranged in order of decreasing relative cover of the diagnostic species for each plant association resulting in a gentle gradient, indicating a continuous transition from Fraxino-Alnetum to Carici elongatae-Alnetum. Similar results were obtained by detrended correspondence analysis. The proportion of species from the Querco-Fagetea class, typical to Fraxino-Alnetum, was decreasing with increasing proportion of species from the Alnetea glutinosae class, typical to Carici elongatae-Alnetum. This shift followed a gradient of ecological light-moisture indicator values. Our results confirmed continuous transition between two plant communities and led us to the conclusion that discontinuity resulted from the standard sampling protocol used in classical phytosociology. This protocol, however, is useful in searching for typological patterns, required for classification of plant communities, which is the main aim of phytosociology. Nevertheless, it does not provide full insight into the variability of vegetation and introduces uncertainty when trying to understand ecosystem dynamics. This uncertainty should be taken into account when phytosociological data are used for nature conservation recommendations and to draw conclusion about vegetation dynamics.

Habitat preferences of royal fern Osmunda regalis L. in the ‘Baszków’ nature reserve

Abstract The royal fern (Osmunda regalis L.) is a threatened species, which reaches the northeastern border of its natural range in Poland. The number of royal fern stands is decreasing due to decline of its natural habitat - alder carrs. The main aim of this paper was to compare features of stands in habitats representing different levels of anthropogenic transformation and to investigate all stands of the royal fern in the ‘Baszków’ nature reserve (3.76 ha; Krotoszyn Forest District, Poland). We distinguished four plant communities within the nature reserve: Carici elongatae-Alnetum, Molinio-Pinetum, Leucobryo-Pinetum and Pinus-Padus. In total, we found 144 royal fern specimens within the nature reserve area growing in 20 stands: 97 specimens in Carici-Alnetum (9 stands), 32 specimens in Molinio-Pinetum (4 stands) and 15 specimens along a drainage ditch (7 stands). Specimens from Carici-Alnetum had the highest proportion of sporophylles (41%), which shows the habitat preferences of the royal fern. Low proportion of sporophylles and the low number of specimens in the stands in ditches prove lower vitality of royal ferns and possibility of local extirpation in these stands. Royal fern populations in secondary habitats such as ditches and borders of forest divisions should be particularly monitored. Passive royal fern protection in the nature reserve gave positive results due to better availability of light, connected with mortality of some trees.

Biological properties of Majnnthemum bifolium (L.) F. W. Schm. polycormones under various ecological conditions

<em>Majanthemum bifolium</em> (L.) F. W. Schm. populations exhibit a two-level organisation. Individuals in the biological sense (polycormones) consists of a number of basic units-above-ground shoots joined by durable rhizomes. The role of the individual in the population and plant community depends on its age, size and individual area which is the exponent of the number and biomass of the produced organs. It is considered that there exist both intra- and interpopulation differences in the number of above-ground shoots and length of rhizomes as well as in the structure of the developmental phases and age states of the above- and underground parts of the polycormones. In all populations the greater part of the biomass falls to underground organs. A more favourable ratio of shoot biomass to that of rhizomes is, however, found in the polycormones of <em>Dentario glandulosae-Fagetum</em> and <em>Carici elongatae-Alnetum</em> where the presence of nitrogen in nitrate form was disclosed. With increase of participation of young age classes of shoots more of the total biomass falls to the above-ground parts.

Reproductive strategies of Caltha palustris L. under various living conditions

Reproductive effort and strategies of <em>Caltha palustris </em>were compared for four phytocoeno­ses located in the southern Biebrza basin: sedge reedswamp (<em>Caricetum gracilis</em>), sedge-moss community (<em>Caricetum limoso-diandrae</em>), willow-birch brushwood (<em>Salix cinerea-Betula pubescens</em>), and alder-bog forest (<em>Carici elongatae-Alnetum</em>), The individuals of analysed populations were found to differ with respect to their biomass allocation to generative and vegetative reproduction. Three types of reproductive strategies were distinguished: generative (G), vegetative (V) and intermediate (G/V). The individuals growing in the alder-bog forest had the highest reproductive effort (V strategy), while those from sedge reedswamp - the lowest (G strategy).

Entoloma jahnii, a rare species in Europe

The author describe two localities of <em>Entoloma jahnii</em> Wölfel & Winterh., which were found during the mycocoenological research in Pomerania and Wielkopolska Regions in the phytocoenoses of <em>Carici elongatae-Alnetum</em> and <em>Galio sylvatici-Carpinetum</em> associations. The article consists of a description of gathered specimens and some remarks concerning ecology of this rare species.

BLACK ALDER DOMINATED FOREST VEGETATION IN THE WESTERN PART OF CENTRAL SLOVAKIA – SPECIES COMPOSITION AND ECOLOGY

Abstract In some regions of Slovakia, black alder forest vegetation has not been documented appropriately yet. This paper is the first vegetation study presenting the phytosociological data and measured environmental parameters from the western part of central Slovakia. The data set was classified by using a modified TWINSPAN algorithm, which allowed us to discern floristically and ecologically distinctive plant communities. They correspond to the associations Stellario nemorum-Alnetum glutinosae Lohmeyer 1957 (riparian alder vegetation on mesic to humid sites along small brooks) and Carici acutiformis-Alnetum glutinosae Scamoni 1935 (eutrophic black alder carr forests in the colline zone) with the variants of Ligustrum vulgare and Galium palustre. The community Carici elongatae-Alnetum glutinosae Schwickerath 1933 (mesotrophic to eutrophic alder carr vegetation growing on permanently waterlogged soils), documented only with two phytosociological relevés, was distinguished following expert knowledge. A floristic and ecological pattern of these associations is presented. The major compositional gradients were interpreted based on Ellenberg’s indicator values and the values of environmental variables recorded during the field sampling in the growing season 2011. The principal component analysis revealed the importance of soil moisture, light availability, portion of open water and soil surface for species composition variability at the association level, whereas the variants of Carici acutiformis-Alnetum glutinosae were sorted along the acidity gradient.

A Zákányi-dombok égeres mocsárerdei [Angelico sylvestri-Alnetum glutinosae Borhidi in Borhidi & Kevey 1996

We present in this paper the phytosociological analysis of 50 samples of peat deficient alder swamps (Angelico sylvestri-Alnetum glutinosae) found in the Zákány Hills along the Drava river in southwestern Hungary. Most of these swamps are found on nutrient-rich alluvial soil along the Visszafolyó stream. The species composition of them does not show signs of sub-Mediterranean and Illyrian influences, which generally are characteristic of the Zákány Hills. Instead, it is characterized by the occurrence of a number of regional rarities, such as Alnus incana, Cardamine amara, Carex elongata, C. pseudocyperus, C. rostrata, C. strigosa, Doronicum austriacum, Dryopteris carthusiana, D. dilatata, D. expansa, Equisetum hyemale, Geranium palustre, Leucojum aestivum, Peucedanum palustre, Ranunculus lingua, Ribes rubrum, Rubus idaeus, Scilla drunensis, Thelypteris palustris, Veratrum album. The stands are somewhat related to alder gallery forests (Carici pendulae-Alnetum glutinosae), but are more closely related to typical alder swamps (Carici elongatae-Alnetum glutinosae). As an associastion, it is classified in the suballiance Scirpo sylvaticiAlnenion glutinosae Kevey 2008a.

Italian black alder swamps: Their syntaxonomic relationships and originality within the European context

The aim of this study is to present a phytosociological survey of the Italian Alnus glutinosa-dominated swamps (Alnion glutinosae). The analysis highlights the occurrence of the following associations: Corno hungaricae-Alnetum glutinosae and Carici elatae-Alnetum glutinosae (northern Italy), Hydrocotylo-Alnetum glutinosae and Scrophulario umbrosae-Alnetum glutinosae (central and southern Italy). Carici elongatae-Alnetum glutinosae, which is widely distributed in central and northern Europe, has so far only been identified in a narrow area of the western continental sector of the Po plain; elsewhere, this association is replaced by communities generally characterized both by the lower expression of species whose main center of distribution is in the central-northern sector of Europe, and by the presence of differential entities. The comparison of data from southern, central and northern Europe confirms the syntaxonomic autonomy of most of the Italian Black Alder swamps. Moreover, the study reveals the existence of a north-to-south phytogeographic gradient, according to which the sub-boreal phytocoenoses are gradually being replaced by the central-European temperate communities as well as by the last southern European phytocoenoses occurring in the temperate and Submediterranean/Mediterranean contexts.

Genetic variation within and among naturally regenerating populations of alder (Alnus glutinosa)

To assess the inter- and intrapopulation genetic variation in the filial generation (F1) of alder (<em>Alnus glutinosa</em> (L.) Gaertn.), 11 naturally regenerated populations were analysed. Their parental populations (P), represent the whole Polish territory and belong to three phytosociological associations with alder: typical alder swamp forest <em>Carici elongatae-Alnetum</em> (Ce-A); alder riparian forest <em>Circaeo-Alnetum</em> (C-A); and ash-elm riparian forest <em>Fraxino-Ulmetum</em> (F-U). F1 populations are grown in a common-garden experiment (provenance trial). Genotyping of individual trees has been carried out by analysis in a bud tissue allele frequency in the 21 isozyme putative loci of 10 enzymes. Differences between populations in respect to the level of genetic diversity were not high. Genetic diversity measured as the number of effective alleles per locus was the highest (Ne = 1.65) in population Wińsko originating from F-U (where also the inbreeding coefficient was the highest, F = 0.429), and the lowest (Ne = 1.48) in population Sławki from Ce-A. In all investigated populations, observed heterozygosity (Ho = 20%) was lower than expected from H-W equilibrium (He = 29%). The highest genetic variation expressed as percentage of polymorphic loci (77.3%) was observed in the offspring populations from Ce-A, and the smallest (69.9%) in the populations originating from F-U. It seems that the low genetic differentiation between populations is probably connected with long-distance seed dispersal via river systems. Alder seed can be transported over long distances thanks to periodical flooding. There is some gene flow between alder populations, with about 2.5 immigrants successfully entering a population per generation (Nm = 2.55). The level of population subdivision within <em>A. glutinosa</em> was low (Fst = 0.089). There was no significant genetic differentiation between populations from different phytosociological associations. Mantel test exhibited no significant correlation (r = 0.077) between genetic and geographic distance. In the dendrogram constructed according to Nei (1972) on the basis of interpopulation genetic distances, many small groups can be observed.

Syntaxonomy and Ecology of Black Alder Vegetation in the Southern Part of Central Slovakia

Syntaxonomy and Ecology of Black Alder Vegetation in the Southern Part of Central Slovakia The study presents phytosociological and ecological data from azonal black alder forest sites in the southern part of central Slovakia. A data set of 29 relevés was collected by authors in vegetation season 2010 following the standard Braun-Blanquet approach. Numerical classification was performed to delimit the main vegetation types, while statistical analyses were applied to explain the vegetation-environmental relationships. Three associations within two classes were distinguished using a TWINSPAN algorithm. Carici elongatae-Alnetum glutinosae Schwickerath 1933 is an alder carr forest occurring on waterlogged soils in spring fed areas and alluvial zones along rivers. Carici acutiformis-Alnetum glutinosae Scamoni 1933 represents an alder carr forest on habitats with stagnant or slowly flowing water along water courses and artificial water reservoirs. Mesic to humid stands along small brooks are typical for the riparian alder vegetation of Stellario-Alnetum glutinosae Lohmeyer 1957. A detailed description of the floristic and ecological features of these associations is presented. The major environmental gradients affecting variation in species composition of these communities were interpreted as a response of vegetation to soil moisture and nutrient availability regarding the Ellenberg indicator values (moisture and nutrients) and measured variables (total N and C).

Classification Structure of Floodplain Forests in Estonia: A Comparison of Two Classification Approaches

Flooded forests in 79 sample areas were studied in various parts of Estonia. Using the principal component analysis and cluster analysis, six community types were established: (i) Tilia cordata—Mercurialis perennis, (ii) Ulmus laevis—Allium ursinum, (iii) Populus tremula—Convallaria majalis, (iv) Alnus incana—Cirsium oleraceum, (v) Alnus glutinosa—Filipendula ulmaria and, (vi) Alnus glutinosa—Carex acutiformis. The species composition of these types partly overlaps but the abundance proportions of species are clearly different and all types have several significant indicator species. Another classification scheme was established by TWlNSPAN analysis. Following the phytosociological approach, the communities belong to Querco—Fagetea, Alno—Ulmion (Pruno—Fraxinetum, Ficario—Ulmetum, Pruno padi—Alnetum incanae, the latter subdivided further into P.p.—A.i. var. Frangida alnus and P.p.—A.i. var. Urtica dioica), and to Alnetea glutinosae, Alnion (Carici elongatae—Alnetum, represented with two subassociations: C....

Súhrn výsledkov malakologických výskumov v NPR Šúr (1918–2005) [Results of malacological investigations of the Šúr National Nature Reserve during 1918–2005

The present paper summarizes all data on molluscan fauna from the Šúr National Nature Reserve between 1918–2005. It represents the largest Central-European remaining area of the autochthonous virgin alder swamp wood lying in a low basin (Carici elongatae-Alnetum Swickerath, 1933). Adjacent protected biotopes (flooded meadows, thermophilous Pannonian oak woods, forest-steppe-like shrub formations, drainage ditch and fishpond) were also surveyed. Altogether, 82 species in the target area were found during 1918–2005. In total we found 38 mollusc species (13 freshwater) in six biotopes in 2005; 24 species (7 freshwater) in alder wood; woodland and hygrophilous species were the most numerous. Presence of Viviparus acerosus, Anisus leucostoma, Pseudanodonta complanata, and Pisidium amnicum is dubious. Seven species new for the reserve were found (Carychium tridentatum, Arion lusitanicus, Deroceras rodnae, Cochlicopa nitens, Vertigo antivertigo, Cochlicopa lubricella, and Potamopyrgus antipodarum).

Impatiens noli‐tangere L.

<i>Impatiens noli‐tangere</i> L.

Homing and space activity in bank voles Clethrionomys glareolus

Spatial activity and homing of bank voles Clethrionomys glareolus (Schreber, 1780) have been studied in the 100 years old alder wood (Carici elongatae-Alnetum Koch, 1926) in the Kampinos National Park near Warsaw.

Picea abies- and Fraxinus excelsior-dominated wetland forest communities in Latvia

This paper reports on the syntaxonomical structure, the ecological, physiognomical and phytogeographical differentiation of wetland forests in Latvia dominated by Picea abies and Fraxinus excelsior. Data were collected following the Braun-Blanquet approach and treated by the GROUPAGE, TWINSPAN and CANOCO programs. Spruce forests (Sphagno girgensohnii-Piceetum var. Crepis paludosa, S.g.-P. myrtilletosum) form a well-defined community mostly in shallow and medium deep (0.2–1.3 m) peatland. Assemblages of spruce wetlands in NEE Europe point to amazing similarity and little variation from NE Poland and Fennoscandia over the Baltic States to the central parts of Russia. Ash-dominated wetlands (Carici elongatae-Alnetum, Carici remotae-Fraxinetum) refer only to particular localities of the country and lie on wet mineral, gleyey soils, usually along brooks and on undulating ground rich in subsoil streams, mostly in sites without an evident accumulation of peat. In Latvia, these reach the northernmost limit of distribution and are poorer in species compared with the ash wetlands of Central Europe.

Reconstruction of long‐term successional dynamics of temperate woodland in Białowieża Forest, Poland

1 Białowieża Forest contains the most extensive stands of old‐growth temperate woodland in Europe. It therefore has the potential to provide a model for near‐natural woodland, which is a conservation aim for many sites in western Europe. 2 Pollen analyses from two small hollow sites in the northern part of Białowieża Forest National Park are reported here. The records cover the last 1200–1500 years. The pollen data of the principal tree taxa were converted into vegetation data using previously published pollen:vegetation correction factors. 3 These data were used to reconstruct long‐term vegetation dynamics in the Tilio–Carpinetum and Pino–Quercetum communities that dominate the forest. Changes in forest composition have occurred as a result of both autogenic and allogenic processes. High grazing intensities in recent centuries have been particularly significant, although the forest is often considered to be undisturbed. 4 The larger hollow (site I) initially sampled across Peucedano–Pinetum, Carici elongatae–Alnetum and Tilio–Carpinetum communities. Since 1750, the Peucedano–Pinetum community has dominated, but with an increased Picea component. This has recently been replaced by the Pino–Quercetum community following the reduction of grazing pressure. These recent changes are largely consistent with published successional models for Białowieża Forest. 5 Site II recorded a relatively stable balance between the Tilio–Carpinetum and Pino–Quercetum communities until 750 years ago. The Tilio–Carpinetum community then expanded. The continued dominance of Quercus in this community is inconsistent with previous models. 6 The long time perspective available with pollen data permits the exploration of forest dynamics beyond the temporal range of existing models for Białowieża Forest. Comparison of recent and older records revealed that anthropogenic impact on forest composition has been greatest in recent centuries. 7 This investigation highlights the significant role of history in determining forest stand structure and composition.

Alnus glutinosa – dominated wetland forests of the Baltic Region: community structure, syntaxonomy and conservation

Community structure, syntaxonomy and conservation aspects of Alnus glutinosa-dominated forests in the Baltic States, Central Europe, southern Fennoscandinavia and north-western part of the Commonwealth of Independent States are surveyed. Communities of the black alder wetlands, subjected to cluster analysis (TWINSPAN, GROUPAGE) and correspondence analysis (CANOCO) and synsystematically treated following the Braun-Blanquet approach, belong to Alnion (Carici elongatae-Alnetum Schwick. 33 with two subassociations, Sphagno squarrosi-Alnetum Sol.-Gorn. ex Pried. 96) and Alno-Ulmion (mainly Circaeo-Alnetum Oberd. 53) forests in the Baltic Region. The indicator values sensu Ellenberg, site ecology, floristic assemblages and the phytogeographical features point at a high affinity of these forests in a wide geographical area. Eleven syntaxonomical approaches by classifying central and north-eastern European alderwoods have been analysed. These differ in Alnion classification and distinguish from 2 to more than 10 syntaxa at the level of association. The actual distribution of less disturbed black alder wetlands and areas under these forests in Europe suggests that the SE part of the Baltic Region could be the key area for Alnus glutinosa-dominated wetlands. Thus, it deserves an establishment of an international network of standard protected areas so as to maintain the diverse community samples and elaborate the principles of sustainable management. Abbreviations: In figures CLT PALU means Caltha palustris, CAL PALU – Calla palustris. Abbreviations of all other species follow first 3 and 4 letters of the genus and species name, respectively. Nomenclature: Tabaka et al. (1988) for vascular plants, Abolina et al. (1984) for mosses.

Black alder swamps on forested peatlands in Latvia

The black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.)Gaertn.) stands occupy 2.5% of the forest area in Latvia. The majority of its communities lie on peatlands; they have been studied in the whole of latvia using the Braun-Blanquet approach. One hundred and fifty alder dominated releves selected from 334 forest areas have been analysed. Three associations (Carici elongatae-Alnetum, Sphagno squarrosi-Alnetum, andCircaeo-Alnetum), one with four subassociations have been recognized; these belong to the Eurosiberian alder swamps (cl.Alnetea glutinosae) and the European broad-leaved forests (cl.Querco-Fagetea). The phytosociological structure, distribution in Latvia and floristic features of these communities are reported. Results are compared with similar communities in the Baltic Sea states and neighbouring countries.