Forest fringe communities of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula

Quinto Canas, Ricardo; Mendes, Paula; Cano-Ortiz, Ana; Maria Musarella, Carmelo; Pinto-Gomes, Carlos

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/11956

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Authors

Quinto Canas, Ricardo

Mendes, Paula

Cano-Ortiz, Ana

Maria Musarella, Carmelo

Pinto-Gomes, Carlos

Abstract(s)

Introduction: Forest and pre-forest fringe communities in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula are semi-shaded perennial herbs of external fringe and open areas of evergreen or semideciduous woodlands and their pre-forestry mantles, linked to the Stachyo lusitanicae-Cheirolophenion sempervirentis suballiance. Objective: To evaluate the chorology, ecological features and floristic circumscription of the forest fringe communities of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. Materials and methods: Forest fringe communities adscribed to the Stachyo lusitanicae-Cheirolophenion sempervirentis suballiance were analysed, using phytosociological approach (Braun-Blanquet methodology) and numerical analysis (hierarchical cluster analysis). Results and discussion: The statistical and phytosociological analysis of six formerly described associations and the samples of this study lead us to propose a new forest fringe association: Picrido spiniferae-Cynarietum algarbiensis, dominated by Cynara algarbiensis Coss. ex Mariz. This forest fringe community is characteristic of the thermomediterranean to mesomediterranean, lower sub-humid bioclimate and occurs in the potential areas of the Quercus suber L. forests (Lavandulo viridis-Quercetum suberis), mainly in the Monchique Sierran District. Conclusion: The statistical and phytosociological analysis were useful in the evaluation of forest fringe communities in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Regarding the proposal of the new association Picrido spiniferae-Cynarietum algarbiensis, it is important to develop management strategies for the preservation of the endemic C. algarbiensis.