Syntaxonomy and community ecology of mires in the Rhaetian Alps (Italy)

On the basis of cluster analysis of phytosociological relevés, the mire vegetation in the Rhaetian Alps was arranged in sixteen plant communities syntaxonomically included in four classes. The class Potametea was characterised by two different plant communities of perennial hydrophytes rooting in the bottom sediment of lakes (communities of Potamogeton alpinus and Potamogeton natans, respectively). The class Littorelletea included two plant communities characteristic of shallow water bodies (Callitricho-Sparganietum and community of Ranunculus reptans). The class Scheuchzerio- Caricetea nigrae included small-sedge swards and quaking rafts spanning a broad range of hydrochemical conditions with 8 plant communities and 5 alliances. The alliance Rhynchosporion albae included the vegetation of hollows and shallow ponds in nutrient-poor mires, with the Caricetum limosae and a community of Eriophorum angustifolium. The alliance Caricion lasiocarpae, including vegetation of hollows and pools ...