Analysis of the syndynamics of vegetation in the south-central area of the Apennines in Umbria and the Marches (Central Italy)

Catorci Andrea and Gatti Renata

Department of Botany and Ecology, University of Camerino, Camerino (Macerata)

This is a study of the dynamics of vegetation through an analysis of the Series of Vegetation present in the south-central area of the Apennines in Umbria and the Marches, which coincides with the Valleys of the Rivers Potenza, Chienti and Nera. Those valleys cut into that limestone range both on the Adriatic side (Potenza and Chienti) and the Tyrrhenian side. The area under consideration lies between approximately 300 and 1800 metres above sea level; from a bio-climatic point of view, it includes hilly sections with strong Mediterranean influences and high-mountain zones close to the upper ecological limit for woodland, as well as sub-continental zones connected by basins between the mountains.

The forest vegetation inside and outside the zones is therefore highly diversified and belongs to at least five groupings (Quercion ilicis, Quercion pubescenti-petraeae, Ostryo-Carpion orientalis, Carpinion betuli and Fagion sylvaticae).

The secondary shrub formations dynamically linked to the woodlands mentioned, on the other hand, belong to the groupings Cytision sessilifolii and Berberidion vulgaris.

Finally, the substitute herbaceous formations fall within the groupings Thero-Brachypodion distachii, Saturejon montanae, Phleo ambigui-Bromion erecti, Cynosurion cristati and Seslerion apenninae.

Overall more than 20 sigmeta are described whose territorial distribution and phytosociological composition are evidence of the multiple environmental characteristics of the mountain range as well as the marked ecological differences between the two slopes.