Solidagini virgaureae−Juniperetum communis – an overlooked association of oligotrophic subcontinental juniper scrub
| Autor: | Zaniewski, Piotr T., Zaniewska, Ewa |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2022 |
| Předmět: | |
| DOI: | 10.26202/sylwan.2022051 |
| Popis: | Common juniper Juniperus communis L. formations occurring on oligotrophic sandy substrates in central European lowlands are of high ecological value, but although once widespread, they have disappeared over most of Europe. In suboceanic areas of Central Europe, the Vaccinio−Juniperetum communis Passarge G. Hofmann 1968 association is recognized. In addition, the emHelichryso−Juniperetum/em association was published by Barkman as its subcontinental vicariant, occurring in central and north−eastern parts of Poland. However, according to the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature – ICPN, the vicariant was not valid due to insufficient phytosociological documentation. In Poland, common juniper shrub patches are usually recognized as a plant community with emJuniperus communis/em. The phytosociological classification of plant communities in Europe identifies the emVaccinio−Juniperion communis/em Passarge in Passarge et G. Hofmann 1968 alliance, containing European lowland juniper scrub communities. Lowland juniper patches are protected as Natura 2000 habitat type 5130. However, the subcontinental vicariant does not have a valid phytosociological indicator. This article’s aims are to document new patches of subcontinental juniper scrub, validate the emHelichryso−Juniperetum/em association identified by Barkman, describe the internal variation of the syntaxon, and provide an overview of the distribution of juniper scrub and its dynamics in central and north−eastern Poland. To accomplish these objectives, study sites were established in the Nowa Warszawa Forest (NWF), located on the edge of Warsaw, and in the Niepust range in Kampinos National Park (KNP). Fieldwork was conducted in 2021. Juniper scrub was documented with 17 relevés. The old association name was not considered applicable due to the low frequency of emHelichrysum arenarium/em and its absence in the designated type. Thus, emSolidagini virgaureae−Juniperetum communis/em was instead typified. The diagnostic value of species differential at the association level was reviewed by comparing species frequencies with the synoptic table of emVaccinio−Juniperetum/em from Mecklenburg−Vonpommerns. Two new subassociations and a third provisional subassociation were distinguished and typified. The emS−J cladonietosum mitis/em is characterised by a large share of grassland species, higher than in the emS−J typicum/em. The provisional emS−J molinietosum caeruleae/em is characterised by the presence of emMolinia caerulea/em. The large number of species differential at the association level within the subassociations indicates that they all belong to emSolidagini virgaureae/em−emJuniperetum communis/em. In our opinion, they should be included in the 5130 Natura 2000 habitat type. Juniper scrub formations are rapidly declining in central and north−eastern Poland. Their active conservation has already started in the Ciosny nature reserve and KNP. Sylwan 166 (10): 611-634 |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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