Phytosociology of Stipa-dominated steppe-like vegetation on the ultramafics of the Central Balkans

Despite the fact that dry grassland vegetation on ultramafics has been object of continuous research in previous centuries, there remains a knowledge gap regard to initial stages ultramafic substrates. The Stipa-dominated grasslands Serbia and Kosovo representing various phases overgrowth rocks were present study. A total 213 relev?s made different steppe-like Stipa species-dominated including Kosovo, then analysed context Balkan Festuco-Brometea class. For cluster analyses, new order characterize them floristically sintaxonomically. describing associations, we used concept ?relative fidelity?? allowing us find optimum occurrence species within group similar communities. threshold phi value was selected at 0.1 for associations. Four associations distinguished: Stachyo scardicae-Stipetum tirsae ass. nov., Euphorbio glabriflorae-Stipetum pulcherrimae Alysso serbici-Stipetum nov. Thymo striati-Stipetum mayerii Relev?s dominated by novakii asigned previously described Stipetum novaki Kabas et D. Lakusic 2013. first three assigned Potentillion visianii, while latter Centaureo kosaninii-Bromion fibrosi alliance Halacsyetalia sentneri order.