Classification of boreal larch forests of the continental sector of Northern Eurasia (Conspectus of Syntaxa)

Abstract

The analysis of modern state of boreal larch forests in their main part of range placed in continental bioclimatic sector of Northern Eurasia (Siberia and continental part of Russian Far East) was performed. Conspectus of larch forests syntaxa was developed and it includes one class - Vaccinio myrtilli-Piceetea abietis Br.-Bl. in Braun-Blanquet et al. 1939, one subclass - Laricenea cajanderi-sibiricae subclass nova hoc loco, two orders - Ledo-Laricetalia cajanderi Ermakov in Ermakov et Alsynbayev 2004, Lathyro humilis-Laricetalia cajanderi Ermakov, Cherosov et Gogoleva 2002, six alliances - Ledo palustris-Laricion cajanderi Ermakov in Ermakov et Alsynbayev 2004, Pino sibiricae-Laricion sibiricae Ermakov in Ermakov et Alsynbayev 2004 (syn. Pino sibiricae-Laricion sibiricae Guinochet ex Dostalek et al. 1988 nom. nud., art. 2b, art. 8, Barkman et al., 1976, art. 2b, art. 8, Weber et al., 2000), Cladonio stellaris-Laricion gmelinii Anenkhonov et Chytry 1998, Empetro-Piceion obovatae Morozova in Morozova et al. 2008, Aulacomnio acuminati-Laricion cajanderi Ermakov Cherosov et Gogoleva 2002, Rhododendro daurici-Laricion gmelinii Ermakov in Krestov et al. 2009 and 30 associations. Diagnostic features of all syntaxa and their main ecological characteristics were represented. The problems of larch forests classification and syntaxa nomenclature were discussed. All diversity of boreal light-coniferous deciduous (larch) forests of continental bioclimatic sector of Northern Eurasia of the class Vaccinio-Piceetea was included in new subclass Laricenea cajanderi-sibiricae subclass nova hoc loco. Diagnostic species combination of the subclass includes predominating larch species ( Larix cajanderi, L. sibirica, L. gmelinii, L. decidua, L. olgensis ) and diagnostic species of the subordinated orders Ledo-Laricetalia cajanderi and Lathyro humilis-Laricetalia cajanderi .