The orophilous dwarf-shrub vegetation of Mt. Troodos (Cyprus).

Abstract

A phytosociological survey on the orophilous dwarf-shrub vegetation of Mt. Troodos (Cyprus) is presented. Four associations are described, the first three being linked to the upper supramediterranean bioclimatic belt: Nepeto troodi-Hypericetum stenobotryos, dwelling the summit plateaux on ultramaphic sediments, Salvietum willeanae, substituting the previous one in hollow sites, where the snow-cover lasts longer, Onosmo troodi-Astragaletum chionistrae, colonizing eroded soils on steep, windy slopes, Alysso cyprici-Genistetum crudelis replacing the Nepeto troodi-Hypericetum stenobotryos at lower altitudes, within the lower supramediterranean belt. Due to the noteworthy floristic autonomy of the vegetation at issue, a new phytosociological class (Diantho troodi-Teucrietea cyprii) is proposed, which can be considered a synvicariant of similar endemic classes, described for the highest mountains of other isolated Mediterranean districts. Within the class a sole order (Diantho troodi-Teucrietalia cyprii) and one alliance (Hyperico stenobotryos-Alyssion troodi) have been recognized.