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Endemic grassland community with black bogrush (Schoenus nigricans L.) at the foot of Mount Obruč

Due to its exceptionally valuable flora, Mount Obruč (north-western Dinarides, Croatia) has been declared an Important Plant Area (IPA) of Croatia. At the foot of this scientifically valuable mountain, in the area of Zala/Brgudac, at an elevation of approximately 500 metres, grassland stands with Schoenus nigricans L. as the dominant species have been found. With their appearance and ecology, these grassland stands differ from all the, until now, known plant communities on Obruč and the north-western Dinarides. Using the method of standard vegetation research (Central European School of Phytosociology) we have determined the botanical composition and phytosociological classification of this specific plant community. On the basis of ca. ten vegetation relevés, this stand can be included in the endemic association of Genisto holopetalae-Caricetum mucronatae Horvat 1956. Moreover, these grassland stands can be separated as a specific, previously undescribed sub-association with S. nigricans and Molinia coerulea (L.) Moench s.l. as distinctive species. The studied stands are clearly distinguished by the characteristic species of the community, and also by the numerous species of the Saturejon subspicatae alliance and the Scorzoneretalia villosae order. Since these areas are not maintained in the traditional way anymore, the studies stands are left to secondary succession, which was accelerated by the ripping of the soil and the planting of black pine seedlings a few decades ago.

Genisto holopetalae-Caricetum mucronatae; Mount Obruč; Schoenus nigricans;

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