Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Abstract
Using numerical analysis, the phytosociological study of Hirschfeldia incana communities in mainland Greece allowed their classification into the Rapistro rugosi-Hirschfeldietum incanae ass. nov., a new subnitrophilous association of the Hordeion leporini alliance. Three subassociations were distinguished (anthemidetosum incrassatae, hedypnoidetosum creticae and cardarietosum drabae), the distribution of which seems to depend on latitudinal alteration of rainfall. The new association has its optimum growth in habitats with moderate human influence, specifically in abandoned cultivations and wastelands. With respect to its floristic composition, the Rapistro rugosi-Hirschfeldietum incanae is close to anthropogenic vegetation with a high degree of naturalness, particularly to the therophytic,
subnitrophilous vegetation of the Thero-Brometalia (Stellarietea mediae) and the perennial, subnitrophilous vegetation of Carthametalia lanati (Artemisietea vulgaris)
