The High-Altitude Volcanic Caves of Mount Etna (Eastern Sicily): A Relevant Refuge for Some Ptero-Bryophyte Communities
Author:
Puglisi Marta1, Bacilliere Giulia1, Miraglia Giulia1ORCID, Teri Dario2, Sciandrello Saverio1ORCID
Affiliation:
1. Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via A. Longo 19, I-95125 Catania, Italy 2. Via Vincenzo Bellini, 35 B, Tremestieri Etneo, I-95030 Catania, Italy
Abstract
A phytosociological analysis of the plant communities in high-altitude volcanic caves of Mount Etna (Sicily), based on literature data and unpublished relevés, is presented. A total of 147 phytosociological relevés were processed and analyzed using classification and ordination methods. Classification of the relevés, supported by ordination, showed two main vegetation groups: the first one includes communities of the Pohlion crudae alliance, and the other includes the vegetation from the Pohlio crudae–Asplenion septentrionalis alliance. Furthermore, two new communities, Pohlio crudae–Cystopteridetum dickieanae subass. amphidietosum mougeotii and Pohlio crudae–Cystopteridetum dickieanae subass. polystichetosum lonchitis, are proposed for Etna. The high-altitude caves can be considered a refuge for these ptero-bryophytic rare communities.
Funder
University of Catania and by PIM Mava Foundation
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