Comparing floristic diversity of different sclerophyllous shrub formations in an islet of Eastern Aegean sea

It is well documented that phryganic ecosystems, which are common components of the Mediterranean vegetation, are characterized by high floristic diversity. The main objective of the present study was to compare three different sclerophyllous shrub formations 1) Sacropoterium spinosum 2) Cistus creticus and 3) Cistus creticus in abandoned terraces, in terms of floristic diversity. The research was conducted in Enoussa isle which is located northeastern of Chios island, in May 2013. Plant cover and species composition were measured in five transects in each community, while α floristic diversity indices were determined. Additionally, Morisita similarity index was calculated in order for the comparison of the three vegetation types. No significant differences were detected among the three vegetation types regarding the floristic diversity indices. Morisita index provide evidence of high similarity between the two Cistus types, while these two types had low similarity with the Sacropoterium spinosum formation.