TWO WAYS OF VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION FOR THE HIGH MOUNTAINS OF CRETE: A CRITICA L COMPARISON OF METHODS AND RESULTS

Abstract

A data set of 229 phytosociological relevés recorded in the high mountains of Crete (Greece), by Zaffran (1990), is revised and reclassfied. The present classifìcation deviates much from Zaffran 's original one by the number of vegetation units which are distinguished, their characters and delimitations. Synoptic tables are provided here far both classifications in order to compare the results. Differences are chiefly due to methodology: The originai classification is biased in adopting presumed character species including a high proportion of endemics; the present one is based on differential species with defined criteria. With respect to the aims of international projects such as European Vegetation Survey, it is suggested to define a set of hinding basic criteria for syntaxa concerning parameters such as differentiation, representation and distribution of syntaxa. As a basis for regional monographs, vegetation units should comprise most if not all vegetation stands that can actually be observed in the field; the units should be distinct enough in order to be identifiable, and their floristics well-defined; finally they should be ecologically interpretable and meaningful. Evaluation of literature data for, e.g., EVS requires thorough assessing of possible shortcomings in floristics, taxonomy, sampling and classification procedures.