The vegetation of mountainous rangeland areas at Mount Mitsikeli

Low anthropogenic timberline at Mount Mitsikeli allows the development of rangelands consisting mainly of woody sub-alpine vegetation in a considerable extent. This type of vegetation was studied using 15 sample plots (relevés) that were carried out during NATURE 2000 prοject. The research area belongs to Daphno – Festucetalia Quézel 1964 order, of Daphno – Festucetea Quézel 1964 class. Regarding the dominant taxa, three communities were distinguished and described. The first one is characterized by the presence of sparse Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus thickets and occupies most of the research area. The appearance of scattered Juniperus foetidissima trees characterizes the second community that has the physiognomy of a parkland and a distribution that is limited in the northern part of the region. Finally, the dwarf-shrub community of Astragalus angustifolius occupies the upper part of the research area. This last community is developed in a significant area along the ridge.