Synopsis of aquatic plant-communities of the class Potametea in the southern Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

By means of phytosociological techniques and 254 relevés taken both from bibliography (162) and specific field sampling (92), a review of the rooted aquatic vegetation in the south of the Iberian Peninsula was carried out. The survey has led to the recognition of 17 plant associations, 7 of which had not so far been described: Myriophyllo alterniflori-Potametum natantis, Callitricho brutiae-Ranunculetum saniculifolii, Callitricho brutiae-Ranunculetum peltati, Ranunculetum trichophylli, Callitricho lusitanicae-Ranunculetum penicillati, Callitricho lusitanicae-Ranunculetum pseudofluitantis and Zannichellietum contortae. The research has also provided new floristic, ecological and biogeo- graphical data concerning associations either unknown or little mentioned in the area under study. Each recognised community is classified in a syntaxonomical synopsis and characterised by its main ecological parameters. © 2003, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.