Primary Plant Community Research Articles

Vegetation on expansive clay soils from Madrid and La Sagra region (Madrid-Toledo, Spain)

Soils rich in expansive clays (i.e., smectite and montmorillonite, and, to a lesser extent, soft clays such as sepiolite and palygorskite) are found in a broad stretch running NNE-SSW from the east of Madrid to the Tagus River surrounds in the province of Toledo. These clays tend to give rise to a specific type of soil, known as "vertisols" or related argillic soils with vertic behaviour, varied chemical and sedimentological composition, and occasionally siliceous or dolomitic clasts. In these soils, where there is an absence of woody vegetation, the colonising nitrophilous vegetation becomes of particular interest through the usage and alteration of the land. These argillic soil plant communities are incredibly diversified, with flora suited to the unique hydrogeochemical conditions of these settings. The variety of these plant communities is determined by factors such as land use, lithology, terrain, and the level of humidity they can withstand. We identify the primary plant community on the Madrid-Toledo expansive clays in this paper, as well as provide a preliminary approach to the different varieties and transitions to other related plant communities. The main dynamic and catena links are established, and a floristically summarised table is provided, along with a descriptive examination of the community's behaviour and variability. Finally, its conservation status and the high degree of threat to which it is subjected are assessed.

Damage by typhoon Hato compared among three different plant communities in Macau, China.

Tropical cyclones are among the major climatic disasters threatening human survival and development. They are also responsible in part for forest taxonomic composition and dynamics and may lead to catastrophic succession between ecosystems. In this study, we aimed to investigate the extensiveness and severity of the effect caused by Typhoon Hato among the three primary plant communities in Macau, China, including Guia Hill, Taipa Grande, and Ka Ho. The plants' damage was classified into seven categories, ranging from Degree 6, which represents the most severe damage, to Degree 0, which represents almost no damage. The impact of Typhoon Hato was evaluated at different levels, including sample plots, species, DBH, and community structure. Our results show that the sub-climax community of Guia Hill was most disturbed, with the highest damage index (DI) of 55.28%. Similarly, the Ka Ho shoreline shrub community was also considerably influenced, with a DI of 48.14%. By contrast, the managed secondary forest around Taipa Grande was the least affected, with a DI of 32.66%. Additionally, from the tree layer perspective, the tall trees at Guia Hill canopy layer were directly affected by wind, while the dense understory layer suffered from severe secondary damage due to the fallen trees and branches. For Taipa Grande, the dominant species in the canopy layer were shorter and had less direct damage; the secondary damage was also small as a consequence. Ka Ho had more dwarfed and multibranched species surviving from the sea breeze since Ka Ho was close to the sea. The dense plant structure in Ka Hoprotected plants from being easily broken by typhoons, but some twigs and leaves were lost. Some less damaged local species and easily recovered species found in this study could inform the selection of wind-resistant species for the typhoon-affected communities.

Ecological insights and conservation imperatives for Laurus azorica in Morocco

The Azores laurel Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco is a highly esteemed forest species in Morocco due to its medicinal and aromatic properties. However, the natural habitats of this species are increasingly scarce, resulting in its classification as a rare species. This study comprehensively investigates the autoecology, plant communities, and distribution patterns of L. azorica, aiming to discern the crucial ecological factors underpinning its survival and shed light on its conservation status. Field surveys, including floristic relevés and environmental characterization, were conducted to identify the primary plant communities hosting remnants of L. azorica. Fieldwork and ecological analysis reveal five distinct plant communities associated with L. azorica: low elevation thermophilic holm oak woodland, mesophilic mid-altitude holm oak woodland, Quercus faginea, deciduous broadleaf mountain and Cytisus balansae plant communities. The study emphasizes the importance of ecological requirements such as oceanic exposure, rainfall, temperature, and forest mull soils in creating suitable habitats for L. azorica populations. Currently, L. azorica populations in Morocco are represented by small trees, shrubs, or bushes, often exhibiting distorted and damaged structures due to unregulated pruning. Natural regeneration of the species is completely absent. The value chain associated with L. azorica is limited, involving informal harvesters, intermediary herbalist grocers, and final consumers, due to the lack of a legal framework for resource evaluation caused by its severe depletion. To secure the survival of L. azorica in Morocco, it is crucial to address gaps in legislation, intensify conservation efforts, and promote sustainable development practices. Protecting and restoring the natural habitats of the species, along with implementing responsible harvesting practices, are essential steps towards conserving this valuable forest species.

Выявление ценных биотопов на предлагаемых к охране территориях Санкт-Петербурга на основе детального геоботанического картирования

Identification of valuable biotopes was carried out on the example of a small territory —the “Gagarka” forest park, located on the Northern coast of the Gulf of Finland within the borders of St. Petersburg (Fig. 1). Field data on landscapes, vegetation, flora and fauna were collected in 2018 to proof the need to create a specially protected natural territory of regional significance. The study area of 58.7 ha is an accumulative sea terrace with absolute elevations not exceeding 2.5 m above sea level. Despite of small area size, the vegetation is quite diverse and it is represented by the coniferous (spruce and pine) forests, several types of black alder forests, tree and shrub fens, littoral meadows, coastal and aquatic vegetation. Rare species of herbaceous plants and shrubs listed in the Red books of the Russian Federation (Krasnaya…, 2008) and St. Petersburg (Krasnaya…, 2018) are recorded and they often dominate in the plant communities. The preservation of biological diversity may be successful only if the landscapes and the biotopes hosting plant and animal species, including rare ones, are protected. Objects of protection can be both rare and typical ones for the regional biotopes. The environmental value of biotopes of the “Gagarka” forest park was assessed according to the following criteria: ecotopic (areas with rare and specific landforms, soils, hydrochemical regime), geobotanical (the presence of primary plant communities, rare plant communities; widespread, but with a tendency to reduce the area as a result of natural or anthropogenic impacts), floristic (the presence of rare species and species located on the border of their ranges), faunistic (the pre­sence of rare animal species, the species richness of fauna, the presence of permanent habitats of animals and birds, as well as biotopes used in certain seasons: during breeding, nesting, molting and migration). In addition, the compliance of biotopes with the European habitat classification EUNIS (European Nature Information System) was taken into account (Davies et al., 2004, EUNIS, 2018). Plant communities are the main indicator of habitats, and their borders mark the boundaries of habitats. In this regard, the geobotanical map (Fig. 2) is the basis for creating a map of biotopes. In addition to the geobotanical map, the map of actual landscapes, the map of the locations of rare plant species, and faunistic materials were used to create a map of valuable biotopes (Materialy…, 2018). It shows 6 types of habitats, that are particularly important for the conservation of biological and biotopic diversity (Fig. 3). All valuable habitats of the “Gagarka” forest park are located in the littoral zone of the Gulf of Finland and near its coast. They are grouped into 4 categories: black alder forests as a model of natural tree communities of the Littorina terrace and habitats of rare plant and animal species, coastal fens as rare plant communities on the territory of St. Petersburg and habitats of rare plant species, littoral meadows as rare plant communities on the territory of St. Petersburg and habitats of rare plant and animal species, shallow waters of the Gulf of Finland as habitats with highly productive communities of macrophytes, rare plant species, with a large species diversity and a high number of birds, including rare ones. The creation of new protected area “Gagarka” is necessary to preserve the habitats and rare species that grow and live here.

The impact of climate change on the ecology of primary plant communities of disturbed habitats

In this work, the author describes the process of restoration of disturbed ecosystems using various objects as an example, mainly dumps of brown coal deposits. To illustrate the problem, the Rettihovskoye brown coal field of the Primorsky Krai is chosen. The article notes the differences between spontaneous restoration and directed recultivation of the area, describes the characteristics and composition of the new hardy-shrub and herb layer. The basic conditions for self-growth of the study area are determined and the dynamics of the processes in the conditions of changing climatic factors using the observation method over a long period are monitored.

Primary Successions of Vegetation on the Young Moraines in the Severo-Chuiskiy Center of Glaciation (Central Altai)

The primary successions of vegetation have been investigated in the continental conditions of the Severo-Chuiskiy center of present-day glaciation (Central Altai) from the colonization of deglaciated terrains by the first plants to the formation of simple plant groups to the primary plant communities. The observations were carried out for 15 years on the young moraines of the valley glaciers of Malyi Aktru (2200–2250 m a.s.l.) and Bolshoi–Levyi Aktru (2370–2500 m a.s.l.) in chrono-sequences from the ends of glaciers to the moraines of the mid-19th century. Three stages and four sub-stages of the primary succession of vegetation are identified. The species composition of vascular plants, mosses, and ground lichens is identified; the dominant species and the peculiarities of primary vegetation are characterized. Ideas about the course of successions and their peculiarities at different altitudes in the upper part of the forest and subchalet altitudinal zones are obtained. It has been found that, in the 150 year period, a young forest community has been formed on new moraines in the upper part of the forest altitudinal zone, and a combination of microcenoses similar to tundra communities have been formed in the alpine altitudinal zone. The primary succession of vegetation on both glacier forelands has some similarities, especially in early stages of ecosystem development (pioneer species composition and three-stage structure of successions). Strong differences appear during the late stages of succession. The primary succession of vegetation on the foreland of the Malyi Aktru glacier involves 146 species of vascular plants, 44 species of mosses, and 6 species of lichens. On the foreland of Bolshoi Levyi Aktru, 128 species of vascular plants, 26 species of mosses, and 8 ground lichens have been recorded.

The vascular flora of Choctaw County, Mississippi, U.S.A.

The state of Mississippi is one of the least botanically explored areas in the eastern United States. A floristic survey of Choctaw County, Mississippi, was conducted from November 2009 through November 2017 in order to document the vascular flora and describe its plant communities. The county is located in the central portion of the state within the North Central Plateau physiographic region, an area dominated by dissected uplands with acidic to circumneutral sandy-clay soils. Three major river basins occur in the county, including the Big Black River, Noxubee River, and Pearl River. A total of 950 vascular plant species (958 taxa including varieties, subspecies, and recognized hybrids) was recorded. Three-hundred thirteen of these taxa were new county records. Twenty-eight species of special concern as designated by the Mississippi Natural Heritage Program were documented. Approximately 15 percent of the flora is considered non-native to the United States. Eight primary plant communities are also described.

Method of quantitative assessment of the regularities of natural restoration of biota in zones of technogenic disturbance by extractive enterprises

The paper presents the results of field studies of tendencies in plant communities self-regeneration processes in the zone of their technogenic disturbance and on the surfaces of rock spoil heaps. It has been established that in the former case the key factor determining the nature of development of self-regeneration processes is the correspondence of the width of the transitional community to the length of transfer of seeds of primary plant community edificatory and assectator species. In the latter case, the key self-regeneration succession sere passes the bifurcation point at a very early stage of its development.

The iris family (Iridaceae) in the flora of eastern Indochina

Iris family in the countries of eastern part of Indochina Peninsula, such as Cambodia, Laos and Viet­nam includes lone native genus – Iris L. with two aboriginal species – I. japonica Thunb. and I. tectorum Maxim. Iris japonica is often cultivated as an outdoor ornamental plant in mountainous regions in the northern Vietnam, where it occasionally naturalizes. Herbarium specimens of I. japonica, collected in central Laos near Nape town, probably represent southernmost locality of the Iris genus in Eurasia. Iris tectorum was discovered in native, primary plant communities of karstic highly eroded limestone in Cao Bang province (Bao Lac district) of the northern Vietnam. This species is recorded as new for the flora of the Indochina Peninsula. The report of I. collettii Hook. f. on the territory of peninsular flora does not yet confirmed by herbaria and remains doubtful. Data on taxonomy, authentic specimens, distribution, habitats, phenology, conservation status and biology are provided for all Iris species. The identification key for Iris species is compiled, as well as dotted distribution maps on the territory of countries of eastern Indochina. Other representatives of the family from such genera as Belamcanda Adans. (B. chinensis (L.) Redoute), Crocosmia Planch. (C. × crocosmiiflora (G. Nicholson) N. E. Br.), Eleutherine Herb. (E. bulbosa (Mill.) Urb.), Freesia Klatt (F. refracta (Jacq.) Klatt.), Gladiolus L. (numerous horticultural forms) и Trimezia Salisb. ex Herb. (T. martinicensis (Jacq.) Herb.) reported from Indochina are introduced cultivated ornamental plants capable to occasional naturaliza­tion as an adventive element of the Indochinese flora.

Environmental factors that affect primary plant succession trajectories on lahars (Popocatépetl Volcano, Mexico)

The earliest stages of plant succession on severely disturbed sites usually follow highly unpredictable trajectories. However, in the Popocatepetl volcano area (50 km SE of Mexico City), the development of physiognomically distinct primary plant communities suggests the occurrence of various successional trajectories only 10 years after the onset of colonization of a temperate forest on lahars. To characterize plant communities and determine the environmental factors that drive the differences observed between plant communities and their successional trajectories, we monitored 64 circular sample plots (3.14 m2) from 2002 to 2011. We examined the plant communities’ composition and structure in terms of their species richness and abundance, plant cover, and maximum stem height, and recorded 13 environmental factorsrelated to the volcanic deposit characteristics, microclimate, soil, flow dynamics and gravitational processes. A cluster analysis of the species abundance data showed that, by 2011, six plant community types (CT’s) had established, including grasslands, and open, dense and very dense shrub lands. As these communities developed over the same period of time and within the same overall ecosystem, then these plant community types were interpreted as different stages of the same successional trajectory. Two sequential main stages that drive regeneration were identified from this successional trajectory: a) the first four years are characterized by a steady increase in species richness and physiognomic development (plant size and coverage), mostly dominated by Baccharis conferta,Eupatorium glabratum andSenecio barba-johannis; b) from the sixth year onwards, a continued increase in the abundance of those same species led to the development of the dense shrubland communities. Differences in the availability of soil resources and disturbances linked to recent lahar flows were the main factors accounting for such differences.

Soil fauna as an indicator of disturbed forest areas in West Siberian industrial regions (the Kuznetsky Alatau case study)

The possibility to use soil-inhabiting rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) as an indicator of disturbed forest areas has been studied. The studies of Staphylinidae succession and changes in beetles’ communities in the couse of demutational successions took place in the dark coniferous forests of the Kuznetsky Alatau. The specific species for all the stages of secondary succession on the clearings of different ages were marked. For instance, Philonthus lepidus Grav. indicates meadow stages of succession in fir forests, while Tachinus marginellus Grav., Tachinus elongatus Gyll and Philonthus setosus Sahlb. are typical for primary forests. In pine forests, Tachyporus obtusus L. may serve as a good indicator for initial stages of succession, while Staphylinus erythropterus L. and Tachinus marginatus Gyll. are typical for old growth forests. A trend of decrease in the level of aggregation during the process of restoration of primary plant communities has been registered for all types of forest ecosystems.

The Vascular Flora of Lauderdale County, Mississippi, U.S.A.

Abstract A floristic survey of Lauderdale County, Mississippi was undertaken from the spring of 2004 through the fall of 2009 in order to document the flora and describe plant communities from this poorly studied region within Mississippi. A total of 1175 vascular plant species (1206 taxa altogether, including species and infraspecific taxa) was recorded from the county. Oenothera sinuosa and Geranium molle were collected for the first time in the state of Mississippi, and Carex breviculmis was recorded from North America for the first time. One hundred and eighty-six introduced species were recorded in the county. Forty-seven rare and uncommon species, according to the Mississippi Natural Heritage Program special plant tracking and watch lists, were recorded from Lauderdale County and many range extensions and species disjunctions were discovered. We describe nine primary plant communities in the county and discuss the biogeographical importance of the flora of Lauderdale County relative to the rest of t...

A Stoichiometric Model of Early Plant Primary Succession

The relative importance of plant facilitation and competition during primary succession depends on the development of ecosystem nutrient pools, yet the interaction of these processes remains poorly understood. To explore how these mechanisms interact to drive successional dynamics, we devised a stoichiometric ecosystem-level model that considers the role of nitrogen and phosphorus limitation in plant primary succession. We applied this model to the primary plant community on Mount St. Helens, Washington State, to check the validity of the proposed mechanisms. Our results show that the plant community is colimited by nitrogen and phosphorus, and they confirm previous suggestions that the presence of a nitrogen-fixing legume, Lupinus lepidus, can enhance community biomass. In addition, the observed nutrient supply rates may promote alternative successional trajectories that depend on the initial plant abundances, which may explain the observed heterogeneity in community development. The model further indicates the importance of mineralization rates and other ecosystem parameters to successional rates. We conclude that a model framework based on ecological stoichiometry allows integration of key biotic processes that interact nonlinearly with biogeochemical aspects of succession. Extension of this approach will improve the understanding of the process of primary succession and its application to ecosystem rehabilitation.

Phytolith types and type-frequencies in native and introduced species of the sagebrush steppe and pinyon–juniper woodlands of the Great Basin, USA

This study catalogued phytolith morphotypes and production of common native and introduced flora from two primary plant community types in the Great Basin Desert region of the USA — sagebrush steppe and pinyon–juniper woodlands. The reference collection for this study included 143 species from 40 plant families, including 68 introduced and 75 native plants. We examined 96 forbs, 33 grasses, sedges and rushes as well as 14 trees and shrubs. The phytolith morphotypes of more than 100 of these species were previously not described. We found that about 51% of the plants produced none or only trace amounts of phytoliths, while the remaining 49% had common to abundant production. All the grass species produced abundant phytoliths. Morphotype and frequency of phytolith production differed between native and introduced grass species. At least half of the forbs had common phytolith production and most generated the common dicotyledon morphotypes such as silicified epidermal cells and hairs. Several morphotypes in native and introduced forbs were unique for the genus and species within the reference collection. There was very little phytolith production in the woody species we examined. We found no identifiable phytolith assemblage for pinyon–juniper woodlands in the Great Basin. These results will be useful for future research regarding historical ecology, palaeoecology, palaeoclimatology and ethnobotany.

Orchids from coffee-plantations in mexico: an alternative for the sustainable use of tropical ecosystems

Life form, endemism, conservation status, and horticultural interest are detailed for orchid species associated to shade coffee-plantations in Mexico. About 11% of the orchid taxa (214 species) found in these agroecosystems are in the Mexican list of species requiring some form of protection. Almost 40% of the species are of horticultural interest. The importance of promoting shaded coffee plantations as an alternative to the conservation of primary plant communities in Mexican and other tropical regions is clear. Long term management plans are recommended.

Experience in Combined Glaciological and Botanical Studies on the Primary Plant Successions on Young Moraines in the Central Altai

Data are presented that concern specific features of primary plant community formation on the moraine complex of the Malyi Aktru Glacier (2190–2300 m a.s.l., Severo-Chuiskii Ridge, Central Altai), which dates from the Minor Glaciation Period. The main stages and rate of primary plant succession in the areas that became free of ice 1–150 years ago are discussed.

Diets of Four Wild Ungulates on Winter Range in Northcentral New Mexico

Wild horses, mule deer, elk and pronghorn diet botanical compositions were determined using fecal analysis on low elevation winter range in northcentral New Mexico during a year with near normal precipitation the previous growing season. Common winterfat (Eurotia lanata) was an important species in all ungulate diets. All ungulates consumed a high component of shrubs (over 31%). Wild horses, which are considered grazers, consumed diets comprised of over 69% forbs and shrubs. Dietary similarity between ungulate pairs was highest for wild horses and elk (71%) and lowest between elk and pronghorn (53%). Common use appears advantageous on this range because wild horses and elk use grasses which receive little use by mule deer and pronghorn. Information is lacking on winter food habits of wild ungulates using low elevation winter ranges in northcentral New Mexico. Wild ungulates using these ranges include pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), elk (Cervus canadersis), and wild horses (Equus cabalus). These ranges are typically grazed by cattle (Ovis aries) and sheep (Bos taurus) during the winter. They receive little use by livestock during the summer because livestock are moved to higher elevations. Pronghorns are the only ungulates that use low elevation ranges throughout the year. Knowledge of forage selection by the different wild ungulates using the low elevation winter ranges would permit more accurate forage allocation to the different species and would be helpful for decisions regarding habitat manipulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the botanical composition of pronghorn, mule deer, elk, and wild horse diets on a low elevation winter range in northcentral New Mexico during the winter of 1980 when precipitation the previous growing season was near normal (109% of the mean). A secondary objective was to determine dietary overlap among the species. There was no fencing or topographic barriers that differentially affected wild ungulate access to various parts of the range studied. STUDY AREA AND METHODS.-This study was conducted in the San Antonio Mountain area in northcentral New Mexico during the winter of 1980. Rolling plains and mountain foothills typify the topography. Elevations range from 2,134 to 2,439 m above sea-level. A low shrub-shortgrass vegetation type dominates the study area. The primary plant community on the study is a common winterfat (Eurotia lanata) - blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) community. Other important plant communities include fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) - western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii) and rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) - blue grama communities. A few scattered big sagebrush (Atremisia tridentata) - blue grama communities occur on the southern edge of the study area. Plant nomenclature follows Scott and Wasser (1980). Fecal analysis was used to determine the botanical composition of ungulate diets. Sampling was conducted bi-weekly. Samples involved a composite of fecal material by species from each of 30 defecations at each location where ungulates were observed. The number of samples