R1R2 Supra-Mediterranean perennial siliceous grasslands

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Description

Dominated by small mat-formers, tussock grasses and forbs, this patched grassland occurs on shallow skeletal soils, nutrient-poor and drought-prone, developed in exposed areas at moderate to high altitudes on siliceous bedrocks (the intrinsically hostile ultramafic rocks enable occurrences at lower elevation).

Protection

This habitat is not protected under the EU Habitat Directive.

Floristic Composition

Frequent species

Filago minima 47%, Tuberaria guttata 42%, Rumex acetosella 29%, Plantago holosteum 29%, Neoschischkinia truncatula 28%, Thrincia saxatilis aggr. 26%, Hypochaeris glabra 25%, Vulpia bromoides 23%, Jasione montana 22%, Micropyrum tenellum 21%, Poa bulbosa 21%, Trifolium arvense 20%, Ornithopus perpusillus 19%, Sedum arenarium 19%, Teesdalia nudicaulis 19%, Anthoxanthum ovatum 18%, Aira praecox 18%, Aira caryophyllea 18%, Agrostis castellana 18%, Sedum brevifolium 17%, Vulpia myuros 17%, Trifolium campestre 16%, Lotus corniculatus 16%, Hypochaeris radicata 16%, Arnoseris minima 15%, Tolpis barbata aggr. 15%, Moenchia erecta 14%, Galium parisiense 14%, Andryala integrifolia 13%, Ornithopus compressus 12%, Koeleria crassipes 11%, Rumex bucephalophorus 11%, Molineriella laevis 11%, Trifolium glomeratum 11%, Helictochloa marginata 10%, Asterolinon linum-stellatum 10%, Plantago lanceolata 10%, Herniaria scabrida 10%, Dactylis glomerata 9%, Pilosella castellana 9%, Cerastium glomeratum 9%, Crucianella angustifolia 9%, Dianthus laricifolius 9%, Bromus hordeaceus aggr. 8%, Arenaria querioides 8%, Veronica arvensis 8%, Trisetaria ovata 8%, Ornithogalum concinnum 8%, Sedum anglicum 8%, Anthemis arvensis 8%, Parentucellia latifolia 8%, Trifolium subterraneum 8%, Hispidella hispanica 7%, Scleranthus annuus 7%, Vicia sativa aggr. 7%, Cerastium diffusum 7%, Sanguisorba verrucosa 7%, Petrorhagia prolifera 6%, Bellis perennis 6%, Juncus capitatus 6%, Odontarrhena serpyllifolia 6%, Sherardia arvensis 6%, Anthyllis vulneraria 6%, Euphorbia exigua 6%, Centaurea paniculata aggr. 6%, Spergula morisonii 6%, Filago gallica 6%, Scleranthus polycarpos 6%, Erodium cicutarium aggr. 6%, Hypericum linariifolium 6%, Silene scabriflora 5%, Anarrhinum bellidifolium 5%, Jasione sessiliflora 5%, Linaria amethystea 5%, Linum bienne 5%, Bromus tectorum 5%

Phytosociology

  • Agrostio duriaei-Festucetum rivas-martinezii
  • Arenario fontqueri-Armerietum langei
  • Arenario querioidis-Festucetum summilusitanae
  • Armerietum eriophyllae
  • Armerio transmontanae-Plantaginetum radicatae
  • Diantho langeani-Festucetum rivas-martinezii
  • Diantho merinoi-Plantaginetum radicatae
  • Minuartio recurvae-Silenetum acutifoliae
  • Plantagini radicatae-Armerietum odoratae
  • Sagino merinoi-Plantaginetum radicatae
  • Sclerantho perennis-Plantaginetum radicatae

Relations with other habitat types

This habitat, a calcifugous analogue of R1A4, typically includes sandy clearings chronically generated by grazing, trampling and by the increased mortality that wind, soil creep or drought bring about in perennials. Their sparse, epehemeral vegetation might be included in EUNIS unit R1N1, but most rélévés lump together both microhabitats, precluding a sound statistical distinction. This patchy grasslands, rich in endemic species, is a typical component of traditional pastoral landscapes grazed mostly by sheep, contributing to detain its evolution towards scrub referable to the blocks S33, S42 and S73.

Regional distribution

Known occurrences and potential area of occupancy of the habitat type in the study region.

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Citation: IBEROATLANTICA – Flora and Habitats of the Cantabrian Mixed Forests ecoregion.
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