Contribution to the knowledge of aquatic vegetation of montane and submontane areas of Northern Apennines (Italy)

The importance of wetlands for biodiversity conservation is widely recognized. ?Their relevance crucial in the identification habitat types included Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC and application following measures.? Yet, several montane submontane areas are poorly ?investigated from phytosociological point view. Here we studied aquatic communities Tuscan-Romagna Apennines Italy using 52 vegetation plots dominated by hydrophytes collected natural artificial origin. We analysed our data ?using a cluster analysis identified 12 that classified as three classes Charetea intermediae , Lemnetea Potamogetonetea ?two importance, hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic Chara spp. (Natura 2000 code 3140) eutrophic lakes Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition 3150). Our study highlights diversity habitats Northern where water bodies generally small scattered. This further important role freshwater ecosystems vegetation, but also notable partly entirely maintaining communities.