Geographic distribution of Lathyurus sp. and Vicia sp. genera in Greece
The aim of this study was the registration of the Greek flora’s Lathyrus sp. and Vicia sp. species and their geographic distribution in Greece. Lathyrus sp. and Vicia sp. genera of Fabaceae family include widely distributed crop and native species of the Greek flora. A great number of species of the above genera participate in the Greek grassland composition and are highly preferred by grazing animals. Furthermore, their contribution to the quality and quantity increase of the forage as well as to the improvement of soil fertility is considered important. Today there are at least 55 Vicia sp. Genera species and 32 Lathyrus sp. genera in Greece. Out of these are some endemics, four Vicia sp. genera (V.pinetorum, V. sibthorpii, V. cretica and V.cuspidate) and two Lathyrus sp. genera (L.neurolobus και L.hierosolymitanus). Most of the Vicia sp. and Lathyrus sp. speciesare annual and can be found in low areas. The number of the annual species from the two genera, is significantly larger from the deciduous species compared to the rest of Europe as consequence of their better adjustment in drought conditions, a characteristic of the Mediterranean climate of our country.
Long term effects of livestock grazing on plant diversity in sub-alpine grasslands
The long term effects of grazing on plant diversity were studied in five sub-alpine grasslands on mountainous regions of Central Pindos (Mpountoura, Koziakas) and on mountains Olympus and Othrys. These grasslands were under various grazing conditions for a long span of time. Ground cover, species composition, species richness and evenness were measured. Shannon-Wiener and similarity indexes were calculated. Results indicated that intensive grazing by three different animal species, favoured the grassland species diversity and especially the perennial grasses and the perennial forbs plant groups.
Shading effects of trees on the understorey species composition and floristic diversity
The objective of this study was to evaluate the shading effects of trees on the understorey species composition and floristic diversity. The study was conducted in Laggadia, Pella prefecture, in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forested areas where shading levels were 95% and 75%, measured by a Licor quantum sensor. The experimental area was not grazed. During June 2005 in every forested area, 3 transects were established with different shading level. For comparative purposes 3 transects were established in an adjacent open grassland (shading level 0%). Species composition was measured and floristic diversity indexes were determined. The understorey species composition was significantly altered. The open grassland was dominated by the perennial grasses Dactylis glomerata and Poa pratensis, the 75% shading level forested area was dominated by the species Bromus benekenii and Rubus sanctus, while the 95% shading level forested area was dominated by the species Rubus sanctus and Pteridium aquilinum. The increase of the shading level contributed to the decrease of the floristic diversity as it was higher in the open grassland compared to the 95% shading level forested area, according to the determined indexes.
The flora of Dadia – Lefkimi – Soufli National Park pastures
The Dadia – Lefkimi – Soufli National Park is a protected area of high biodiversity distinguished as particularly significant not only at the national but also at the European level. The long-term but mild human exploitation coupled with the heterogeneity of the biotope and its preservation at a high natural level has resulted in the conservation of the natural landscape as well as a unique and rare flora and fauna. The present study consists a first floristic inventory of the National Park’s pastureland, based on fieldwork. Concise notes on the chorology, life-form and the habitats of plant taxa are provided.
Flora of the site “Stena Kalamakiou” of the “Natura 2000” Network
The site “Stena Kalamakiou” (GR 1440004) in the Thessalian plain was proposed to be included in the “Natura 2000” network. It is flowed by the river Pinios and characterized by overgrazing, whose impact is obvious on the flora and vegetation. The flora of the area consists of 374 taxa (320 species, 52 subspecies and 2 varieties), which belong to 65 families and 250 genera. Some of these species are rare or threatened (Alyssum doerfleri Degen, Campanula drabifolia Sm., Centaurea pelia DC., Centaurea graeca Griseb. ssp. ceccariniana (Boiss. & Heldr.) Dostal), while most of them are common, wide distributed taxa.
