CLASSIFICATION OF GREEK FAG US WOODLANDS: A PRELIMINARY SURVEY

Abstract

Almost 1000 published and unpublished phytosociological relevés of Greek Fagus forests are classified and the clusters interpreted with respect to ecology and phytogeography. A synoptic table is presented. Three ecological groups of communities are distinguished, viz. mesophilous, acidic and xerothermic Fagus woodlands. Differentiation within each group reveals chiefly phytogeographical as well as further ecological patterns. Geographical distributions and ecological preferences of each community are outlined and some syntaxonomic conclusions briefly discussed.