Alnus glutinosa Riparian Woodlands of Italy and Corsica: Phytosociological Classification and Floristic Diversity

A comparative analysis of the riparian vegetation dominated by Alnus glutinosa in Italy and Tyrrhenian islands, based on literature data unpublished relevés, is presented. total 456 phytosociological relevés were processed. For definition plant communities alliances, hierarchical clustering was performed using Bray-Curtis coefficient Detrended Correspondence Analysis ordination methods. Identification diagnostic species units means phi fidelity index. Quantum GIS software version 3.6 used for interpolation bioclimatic variables A. communities. Overall, a 18 glutinosa-riparian wood distinguished which two new associations one subassassociation are described. The classification showed main groups: first including Osmundo-Alnion alliance, other Ligustro vulgaris-Alnion glutinosae alliance. This latest includes meso-thermophilous central northern Italy. Within subgroups can be recognized: thermophilous Hyperico hircini-Alnenion sub-alliance, mainly spread while second group mesophilous attributed to suballiance Struthioptero-Alnenion glutinosae, widespread Corsican mountains. present paper provides comprehensive exhaustive scheme woodlands diversity Corsica.