The Mediterranean salt steppes (order Limonietalia Br.-Bl. & O. Bolòs 1958) in Tuscany (Central Italy)

Abstract

We conducted a phytosociological study of the halophile, chamaephytic, and hemicryptophytic communities found on coastal sand dunes and salt marshes in Tuscany, which mainly consist of Limonium spp. We describe the presence in Tuscany of communities referred to as Mediterranean salt steppes (Limonietalia), although we emphasize that they cover only small areas. We describe a new association, Limbardo crithmoidis-Limonietum etrusci, and a new alliance endemic to Tuscany, Limonion etrusci. Copyright © 2012 Société botanique de France.