Syntaxonomy, synecology and conservation of Pseudostellaria europaea Schaeftlein communities in NW Italy in comparison with populations in the Eastern Alps

Abstract

Pseudostellaria europaea is a central European species, referred to as vulnerable in the Red List of Italian Flora. In NW Italy (Piedmont, Lombardy) it has a disjointed range of distribution from its wider range in Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Eastern Italy (Carnia). After 1965, in addition to the previously known two historical sites in NW Italy, new findings of the species were discovered but very little information about its ecology and habitat characteristics were collected. This paper describes the syntaxonomical and synecological aspects in NW Italy, based on 26 phytosociological relevés carried out in different altitudinal and synecological situations. Slight differences were found between NW Italy populations and the coenosis described in the Eastern range, both referred to the association Pseudostellario europaeae–Fraxinetum. In the study area two different vegetational groups were observed. The first is located at high altitude (submontane and montane phytoclimatic belt) and is characterized by the presence of ingressive species of Fagion sylvaticae, showing catenal contact with Luzulo nemorosae–Fagetum sylvaticae. The second is located at a lower altitude (colline phytoclimatic belt) and is characterized by the presence of ingressive species of Carpinion betuli, showing catenal contact with the oak and hornbeam woods of the Po Plain. For both vegetation groups synecological aspects, wood structure and vegetation status are described. Guidelines for forest management are also proposed with the purpose of conserving Pseudostellaria.

Keywords:

• Conservation
• ecology
• Pseudostellaria europaea
• syntaxonomy

Notes

1. The sample was determined by Franz G. Dunkel (see also Hörandl & Gutermann 1998).