Contribution to the knowledge of the non-calcareous grasslands of the Monti Sibillini National Park (central Italy): coenological structure, syntaxonomy, ecology, and floristic aspects

Abstract This study provides the first contribution to knowledge of non-calcareous grasslands arenaceous sector Monti Sibillini National Park (central Italy). We conducted 55 relevés using Braun-Blanquet phytosociological method and analysed ecology plant communities by Redundancy analysis topographic variables Ellenberg Indicator Values as predictors. identified nine communities, belonging four classes. Communities Calluno-Ulicetea Nardetea strictae were found on acidic soils at higher elevations, those Festuco-Brometea mainly associated with steeper south-facing slopes, while Molinio-Arrhenatheretea low altitudes gentle semi-flat lands, high soil nutrient moisture values. recorded a total 410 taxa species subspecies level, representing about 20% flora Park. Some these are conservation interest, e.g. Calluna vulgaris , Genista sagittalis Juncus capitatus Ophioglossum vulgatum . Eight new